Do I Need a Tree Permit in Los Altos?
Los Altos lowered its protection threshold from 15 to 12 inches trunk diameter in 2024 — meaning more trees now require permits. Twenty-four native species (including oaks, buckeye, maple, madrone, and others) are protected at just 10 inches. Here's the updated permit process.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your tree type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on Los Altos's ordinance (LAMC Ch. 11.08, Ord. 2024-506).
Measure trunk diameter at 48 inches (4 feet) above natural grade — note: Los Altos deviates from the 54-inch standard. Wrap a tape around the trunk and divide by 3.14.
What trees are protected in Los Altos?
Los Altos updated its threshold from 15 to 12 inches trunk diameter in 2024, significantly expanding the number of protected trees. Twenty-four native species (including 9 oak species, buckeye, big leaf maple, madrone, Douglas fir, CA laurel, western sycamore, and others) have an even lower threshold of 10 inches. The city requires an arborist report for all heritage tree removal permits and targets 30-day processing for complete applications, with a 10-day public notice period before approval.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 native species (oaks, buckeye, maple, madrone, etc.) | ≥10″ trunk diameter | 24-species list in Ord. 2024-506 | CTLA value doubled or equivalent replacement |
| All other protected trees | ≥12″ trunk diameter | Updated from 15″ in 2024 | CTLA value doubled or equivalent replacement |
| Heritage trees | Designated | Historical Commission designation | Appraised value + replacement |
| Street trees | Any size | City-owned, in right-of-way | City replacement + penalties |
Not sure if your tree qualifies?
Measure first. An arborist consultation ($150–$300) is far cheaper than violation penalties. Call Development Services — Planning at (650) 947-2750 — they can often tell you on the phone whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in Los Altos
Los Altos's permit process runs through Development Services — Planning. Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Measure your tree
Measure trunk diameter at 48 inches above natural grade. For 24 listed native species, the threshold is 10 inches. For all other species, it's 12 inches (updated from 15 inches in 2024).
Get an arborist report
An ISA Certified Arborist report is required for heritage tree removals and recommended for all protected tree applications. Budget $350–$600. The report must document condition, reason for removal, and alternatives.
Submit to Development Services
File the Tree Removal Permit Application with Development Services — Planning at (650) 947-2750. Include arborist report, site plan, and photos. Pay the permit fee ($306.90 first tree, FY 25-26).
City review and public notice
The city targets 30-day processing. Once approved, a 10-calendar-day public notice period begins before the permit becomes final. Heritage trees may require additional review.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once the public notice period passes without appeal, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-49). Replacement planting may be required per permit conditions.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
Misdemeanor + CTLA-appraised value doubled
Unauthorized removal of a protected tree in Los Altos is a misdemeanor. The penalty per tree is the CTLA-appraised value doubled if paid in cash, or equivalent replacement planting (11.08.160). Significant pruning (more than 33% of foliage in 12 months) is treated as removal.
A permit costs $306.90 (FY 25-26) and takes 4-6 weeks. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
Los Altos Development Services — Planning — contact and resources
Call before you apply
Development Services staff at (650) 947-2750 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 Los Altos?
Light pruning following ISA standards generally does not require a permit. However, significant pruning that removes more than 33% of foliage in a 12-month period is treated as removal under the ordinance and requires a full permit. Always follow ISA pruning standards for protected trees.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
Dead trees still need a permit and carry a mandatory 1:1 replacement (24-inch box) within 30 days (11.08.120). The sole exception is trees that caused direct structural damage. Contact Development Services — Planning at (650) 947-2750 before any work.
What changed in the 2024 threshold update?
Los Altos lowered the general protection threshold from 15 inches trunk diameter to 12 inches trunk diameter, significantly expanding the number of protected trees. The 24 listed native species were already protected at 10 inches and remain unchanged. The update means many trees that previously didn't require permits now do.
Related reading for Los Altos tree owners
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