Do I Need a Tree Permit in Cupertino?
Cupertino protects 11 specimen species (5 native oaks, buckeye, big leaf maple, deodar cedar, blue atlas cedar, bay laurel, western sycamore) at 12 inches single-trunk or 24 inches aggregate multi-trunk. Redwood and madrone are NOT protected. Permit fee starts at $465; retroactive permits cost $6,055. Violations are infractions ($100/$200/$500) plus replacement per Table A.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your tree type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on Cupertino's ordinance (Ordinance 14.18).
Measure diameter at 4.5 feet above natural grade. Single-trunk threshold: 12". Multi-trunk: sum ALL trunks, threshold 24". Wrap a tape around the trunk and divide by 3.14.
What trees are protected in Cupertino?
Cupertino protects 11 specific specimen species under Ordinance 14.18. For multi-trunk trees, sum the diameters of ALL trunks — the aggregate threshold is 24 inches (not 12). Redwood, madrone, eucalyptus, and other non-listed species are NOT protected. Violations are infractions ($100/$200/$500) plus replacement per Table A or ISA-appraised in-lieu.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Native Oaks (coast live, valley, canyon live, blue, black) | ≥12″ single / ≥24″ multi-trunk | Most common protection trigger | Infraction + Table A replacement |
| California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple | ≥12″ single / ≥24″ multi-trunk | Native species | Infraction + Table A replacement |
| Deodar Cedar, Blue Atlas Cedar | ≥12″ single / ≥24″ multi-trunk | Non-native specimen species | Infraction + Table A replacement |
| California Bay Laurel, Western Sycamore | ≥12″ single / ≥24″ multi-trunk | Bay laurel: SOD vector, still protected | Infraction + Table A replacement |
| Heritage-designated | Any size | Planning Commission review required | Infraction + 48″-box replacement |
| Redwood, Madrone, Eucalyptus | NOT protected | Specifically excluded from Ordinance 14.18 | N/A |
Not sure if your tree qualifies?
Measure first. An arborist consultation ($150–$300) is far cheaper than violation penalties. Call Planning Division at (408) 777-3308 — they can often tell you on the phone whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in Cupertino
Cupertino's permit process runs through Planning Division. Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Measure your tree
Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above natural grade. For multi-trunk trees, sum ALL trunk diameters — the aggregate threshold is 24 inches. Single-trunk threshold is 12 inches. Confirm the species is one of the 11 protected specimen species (redwood and madrone are NOT protected).
Hire a certified arborist
An ISA Certified Arborist report is required for all protected tree removal applications. The report must document condition, reason for removal, and alternatives. Budget $300–$600.
Submit to Planning Division
File the Tree Removal Permit Application with the Planning Division at (408) 777-3308. Include the arborist report, site plan, and photos. Fee: $465 first tree + $183 each additional (no arborist review), or $851/$274 with city arborist review.
City review and inspection
A city arborist reviews the application. Heritage trees require Planning Commission review. Standard processing takes 4–6 weeks. Heritage trees may take longer.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-49). The permit must be on-site during removal. Replacement per Table A: one or two 24-inch-box trees for specimen species, 48-inch-box for heritage trees.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
Infraction fines + replacement + $6,055 retroactive fee
Unauthorized removal is an infraction under Ch. 1.12: $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 each subsequent. You must also replace trees per Table A (one or two 24-inch-box for specimen, 48-inch-box for heritage) or pay ISA-appraised value in-lieu (14.18.220, .160). The retroactive permit fee is $6,055 per tree — more than 13 times the standard $465 fee. The Planning Division actively enforces violations.
A permit costs $465 and takes 4–6 weeks. A retroactive permit after unpermitted removal costs $6,055 per tree plus infraction fines and mandatory replacement. There is no scenario where skipping the permit saves money.
Cupertino Planning Division — contact and resources
Call before you apply
Planning Division staff at (408) 777-3308 can often tell you whether your tree is likely protected before you spend money on an arborist report. Worth a 10-minute call.
Frequently asked questions
Does pruning require a permit in Cupertino?
Pruning that removes less than 25% of the canopy and follows ISA standards does not require a permit. Crown reduction, topping, or structural changes on protected trees require city approval.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
Dead trees require a Director determination BEFORE removal — you cannot remove first and ask later. Emergency removal is allowed only on order of the Director, sheriff, or fire department. A no-fee retroactive permit must be filed within 5 working days (14.18.150(B)). Document the hazard thoroughly with photos.
What is the multi-trunk formula?
For trees with multiple trunks, Cupertino sums the diameters of ALL trunks (not just the two largest). The multi-trunk aggregate threshold is 24 inches — double the single-trunk threshold of 12 inches (14.18.020). For example, a tree with three trunks of 9, 8, and 8 inches (total 25 inches) would be protected.
Related reading for Cupertino tree owners
Need a permit-experienced arborist?
Every company in our Cupertino rankings has been verified for CSLB licensing, ISA credentials, and permit experience.