Urban Forestry

If the tree removal is an emergency (demanding immediate action to prevent loss of, or damage to life, health or property), submit an application indicating it is an Emergency Tree Removal Verification request. There is no fee for emergency applications or dead tree verification. If an emergency tree removal is warranted and verified, staff will authorize removal immediately.

If the tree removal is not an emergency, complete the tree permit application and return with fees: $50.00 for the first tree and $20.00 for each additional tree plus a 6% technology surcharge fee. Applications for three (3) or more trees may require an Arborist report by a City approved ISA Arborist. Within approximately 2-3 weeks of receiving your permit application and payment, Parks and Recreation staff will evaluate your application and recommend approval or denial of the permit. Please note that, if approved, there is required tree mitigation (replanting or in-lieu fee per tree) and a ten (10) day posting period for non-emergency heritage trees.

Resources

• Permit Application(PDF, 228KB)

Both Heritage size street trees(>14" in diameter at 54" above grade) and all street trees of any size are regulated by the City of Santa Cruz. All street trees of any size require a permit to remove, plant, or prune 25% or more. The City may provide you with a free street tree from the recommended street tree list, if available.

Resources

• Street Tree Ordinance
• Recommended Street Tree Planting List(PDF, 155KB)

If your permit application is denied

• You may appeal a denied application. Call 831-420-5270 to request an appeal form or pick one up at the Parks and Recreation Office, 323 Church Street, open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

• Complete and return the appeal form with $100 fee. Applicant will need to cite the specific provision within the ordinance where the department errored in its determination.

• The appeal will be put on the next available agenda of the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and consideration.

If you wish to appeal the decision of the Parks and Recreation Commission, you may file an appeal with the City Clerk, 809 Center Street, for a decision by City Council for a fee of $100. The City Clerk will put the tree appeal on the next available City Council agenda.

If your permit application is approved

Applications receiving tentative approval must fulfill a tree mitigation requirement.

Applicants may elect to place a refundable bond with the Parks and Recreation Department and replant their own tree(s) - three (3) 15 gallon trees or one (1) 24" box size tree for each approved removal; OR

• Applicants may elect to pay an in-lieu fee to the tree trust fund.
  (Contributions to the Tree Trust Fund are used to purchase street trees, trees for projects, etc.)
• If a refundable bond is placed and the tree(s) are replanted, permittee must contact the City Urban Forester, 831-420-5246 after three (3) months of establishment to have the bond returned. Once a tentative permit is issued there is a 10-day posting/appeal period as required by ordinance before the permit becomes effective. In-lieu and bond fees can be found on the Fee Schedule(PDF, 383KB)
• If no appeal is filed, the permit is valid for 45 days. Aggrieved parties wishing to appeal the approval of a tree permit may submit a tree appeal form and $100 fee to the Parks and Recreation Department.

You do if the tree measures 14” in diameter or greater, measured 4.5 ft from the ground. This makes it a “heritage” tree. You would also need a tree permit for trimming greater than 25% of the tree.

Yes, it’s $50.00 for the first tree, $20.00 for each additional tree to be removed plus a 6% Technology Surcharge Fee.

Yes, you would need to apply for a tree permit for any Street Tree Removal/Replant. There is no fee for Street Tree Removal/replant applications.

If the tree removal is an emergency (demanding immediate action to prevent loss of, or damage to life, health or property) submit the Emergency Tree Removal/Verification Request. There is no fee for emergency applications or dead tree verification.

You can only apply for a Dead Tree Verification if there isn’t any living green leaves left on the entire tree.

The general turn-around time for heritage tree removal permits is approximately 2-3 weeks from the date they are submitted to our department and all applicable fees and mitigation requirements have been met.

Mitigation is the last step of the tree application process for your heritage tree removal if you have been given tentative approval of your permit. You have the option of paying a $250.00 bond per tree removal or making the appropriate monetary contribution to the City’s Tree Trust Fund.

If you choose to pay the $250 bond, you would be required to replant a tree at an appropriate site on your property. After the tree is in the ground for a minimum of 90 days, you would contact the City Urban Forester for inspection of the replanting and your bond money would be refunded to you.

If you choose to make a monetary contribution to the City’s Tree Trust Fund, those funds are used to purchase trees to be planted on public property in the City of Santa Cruz.

Once the permit has been given tentative approval, there is a 10-day appeal period in which the tree removal location is posted with a notice. After the 10-day appeal period has passed and no appeals filed, your permit becomes effective. Approved tree permits are valid for 45 days.

Unfortunately, we cannot get involved in private property issues between neighbors. The owner of the property where the tree is located would have to apply for a tree removal permit. If that property owner isn’t willing to do that you may consult with your homeowner’s insurance agent or a private attorney for any liability concerns.