Tree Removal Permit in Oakland, CA
Permit Summary
Do You Need a Tree Removal Permit?
Exemptions
Chapter 12.36 generally regulates protected trees rather than every private tree. Eucalyptus is excluded from protected-tree status, and Monterey pine is generally excluded except on City property and in development-related situations involving more than five Monterey pines per acre; Monterey pine removals still have written-notice and posting requirements. The code also allows an emergency permit waiver for an immediate threat to safety or property and exempts hazardous City trees, certain qualifying public-agency vegetation-management work, specified utility clearance, and court-mandated removals. These exemptions do not authorize removal of City-owned or right-of-way trees outside the City's applicable process.
Protected Trees & Removal Eligibility
Protected Tree Rules
A protected tree may not be removed without a tree removal permit. Oakland's ordinance also treats destructive acts such as topping that eliminates the upper 25 percent or more of a trunk or main leaders as tree removal. Development review can require tree-preservation/removal approval for protected trees close to construction even when the tree is not proposed for removal. City-owned and public-right-of-way trees are subject to the City's separate posting and review procedures.
When Removal Is Allowed
Oakland may grant removal when it is necessary for public health or safety, to avoid an unconstitutional regulatory taking, to take reasonable advantage of views including an approved view claim, to pursue accepted professional forestry or landscape-design practices, or to implement vegetation-management prescriptions in the S-11 site development review zone. The ordinance provides grounds for denial when a healthy protected tree can reasonably be saved through redesign or treatment, when drainage/erosion/stability or windscreen impacts are not adequately addressed, when the tree is part of a mutually dependent group, or, for development, when preservation cost does not justify removal under the ordinance's stated test.
Replacement Requirements
Replacement Rules
Replacement may be imposed as a permit condition to prevent excessive loss of shade, erosion control, groundwater replenishment, visual screening, or wildlife habitat. When replacement is required, Chapter 12.36 specifies Coast Redwood, Coast Live Oak, Madrone, California Buckeye, or California Bay Laurel and generally requires 24-inch-box trees; three 15-gallon trees may substitute for each 24-inch-box tree where appropriate. Replacement is not required for removal of nonnative species, removal for the benefit of remaining trees, or where sufficient planting area is unavailable. Where required replacement cannot be planted because of site constraints, an in-lieu fee may apply; the FY 2026-27 schedule lists $619 per tree for undeveloped property.
Arborist & Professional Requirements
Professional Requirements
Oakland's current tree-removal pages and Chapter 12.36 do not establish a universal requirement that an ordinary applicant retain a certified arborist or submit an arborist report. The ordinance allows a property owner or arborist to give the required Monterey pine removal notice, and a person performing permit-authorized tree removal must carry workers' compensation, public-liability, and property-damage insurance.
Public Notice Requirements
Notice Rules
For development-related applications, protected trees proposed for removal must be marked with sequential numbers at least 12 inches high and summary notices posted in public view from street frontages within two days after application. For non-development applications, City-issued tree tags are posted on each protected tree and summary notices on street frontages. The City provides written notice to adjacent owners and occupants within the code's notice period and accepts public comment for not less than 20 working days after verified posting. Monterey pine removals require written notice and the public-posting procedure even when a tree-removal permit is otherwise not required.
Emergency Tree Removal
When a protected tree is in a condition posing an immediate threat to safety or property, the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Director of Public Works, or their designees may waive the tree-removal permit requirement. Authorized supervisory personnel of specified utilities and the Alameda County flood-control agency may also conduct emergency removal without a permit. Emergency removal of a protected tree must be reported to the City's tree office on the first business day after removal.
Development & Special Areas
Development-Related Rules
For development involving design review, zoning permits, planned unit developments, land subdivisions, or similar regulated work, the tree-removal application is filed with Planning & Building at the same time as the related development application and is routed to Public Works Tree Services. A permit is required for protected trees proposed for removal and for protected trees located within 10 feet of the proposed building footprint or perimeter of earthwork. Chapter 12.36 calls for survey/site-plan information identifying the location, species, and DBH of protected trees within 30 feet of proposed development, with removals clearly marked.
Special Zone Rules
The S-11 site development review zone is expressly addressed in Chapter 12.36: implementing its vegetation-management prescriptions is one criterion that can support tree removal. City-owned and public-right-of-way trees follow City posting and review procedures, and development-related applications may require additional CEQA review when the Tree Reviewer determines it is necessary.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
Use the non-development Public Works process unless the tree work is part of a permitted construction or development project; development-related applications begin through Planning & Building. Identify regulated trees by species and DBH, submit the required tree/site information, pay applicable fees, complete required posting or tree marking, and obtain approval before regulated removal begins.
Required Documents
For a non-development application, provide the City's required site plan showing the location, species, and DBH of protected trees proposed for removal and the required applicant certification. For development-related removal, submit a Zoning Worksheet, the Basic Application Form for Development Review with Tree Removal Permit selected, the Tree Preservation Ordinance section, and a site plan; Chapter 12.36 also calls for a survey/site plan showing protected trees within 30 feet of proposed development and clearly identifying proposed removals. Oakland may request additional information during completeness review.