Do I Need a Tree Permit in Los Gatos?
Los Gatos has tiered tree protection: 12 inches diameter on developed residential lots (8 inches on hillside properties and for blue oaks, black oaks, buckeyes, and Pacific madrone), and 4 inches on vacant or non-residential land. Pruning permits are required for removing more than 25% of a tree over 3 years or cutting any branch or root over 4 inches. Here's the full permit process.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your property type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on Los Gatos's ordinance (Ch. 29, secs. 29.10.0950-.1050). Thresholds vary by property type.
Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above natural grade. Thresholds: 12" (flat residential), 8" (hillside/special species), 4" (vacant/non-residential). Multi-trunk developed residential: 18" sum.
What trees are protected in Los Gatos?
Los Gatos (Town Code Ch. 29, Art. I, Div. 2, secs. 29.10.0950-.1050) uses a tiered protection system. Developed residential lots: 12 inches diameter single trunk or 18 inches multi-trunk sum. Developed hillside residential: 8 inches. Blue oaks, black oaks, buckeyes, and Pacific madrone: 8 inches anywhere residential. Vacant, non-residential, development, or public property: 4 inches. Pruning also requires a permit if removing more than 25% of a tree over 3 years, or cutting any branch or root over 4 inches.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developed residential | ≥12″ single / 18″ multi-trunk sum | Standard residential lots | Up to $5,000/tree or replacement value |
| Developed hillside residential | ≥8″ diameter | Hillside overlay zone | 4× value + staff costs (development) |
| Blue oak, black oak, buckeye, Pacific madrone | ≥8″ diameter | Protected at 8″ anywhere residential | Up to $5,000/tree or replacement value |
| Vacant / non-residential / development / public | ≥4″ diameter | Lowest threshold tier | Up to $5,000/tree or replacement value |
| Street trees | Any size | Town-owned, in right-of-way | Town replacement + penalties |
Not sure if your tree qualifies?
Measure first. An arborist consultation ($150-$300) is far cheaper than the penalties. Call Parks & Public Works (Town Arborist) at (408) 399-5770 — they can tell you whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in Los Gatos
Los Gatos's permit process runs through Parks & Public Works (Town Arborist). Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Measure your tree
Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above natural grade. Protection thresholds vary: 12 inches (developed residential), 8 inches (hillside or blue oak/black oak/buckeye/madrone), 4 inches (vacant/non-residential).
Submit to Parks & Public Works
File the application with Parks & Public Works (Town Arborist) at (408) 399-5770. Pay the $250 permit fee ($125 each additional tree). Defensible-space removals are free.
Town review
Parks & Public Works reviews the application. Town-posted timeline: 10 to 15 business days after site visit.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-49). The permit must be on-site during removal. Replacement planting may be required.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
Up to $5,000/tree or replacement value + remediation fines + misdemeanor
Unauthorized removal carries civil penalties up to $5,000 per tree OR the replacement value, whichever is higher. Development-related violations face 4 times value plus staff costs. Remediation fines start at $500 the first day and $1,000 per day thereafter. Misdemeanor charges carry fines up to $1,000 and 6 months. Illegal-removal admin fee: $330.
A permit costs $250 (first tree, FY current) and takes 10-15 business days after site visit. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
Los Gatos Parks & Public Works — contact and resources
Call before you apply
Parks & Public Works staff at (408) 399-5770 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 Gatos?
A pruning permit is required for removing more than 25% of a protected tree over any 3-year period, or for cutting any branch or root over 4 inches in diameter. Light maintenance pruning below these thresholds does not require a permit. Always follow ISA pruning standards.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
Permit-free emergency removal is allowed ONLY for imminent danger with a Tree Risk Rating of Extreme or High. Notify Parks & Public Works during business hours at (408) 399-5770 or Police at (408) 354-8600 after hours. Provide photos within 72 hours. Dead trees otherwise need a permit, though replacement is waived if the tree is dead or high-risk.
Are hillside properties treated differently?
Yes. Hillside residential properties have a lower protection threshold of 8 inches diameter (vs. 12 inches on flat lots). This means more trees require permits on hillside properties.
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