Do I Need a Tree Permit in Redwood City?
Redwood City is unique — tree permits are completely free. The city wants you to apply rather than skip the process. The threshold is 12 inches diameter, penalties stack at $500 per tree, and processing takes just 10 working days. Here's how it works.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your tree type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on Redwood City's ordinance (RCMC Ch. 35 (Ord. 1536, adopted 1972)).
Trunk diameter measured at the widest point between 6 and 36 inches above ground (unique to Redwood City). Wrap a tape around the trunk and divide by 3.14.
What trees are protected in Redwood City?
Redwood City stands out for two reasons: permits are completely free (to encourage compliance), and the measurement range is 6–36 inches above natural grade rather than the standard breast height. The 1972 ordinance (Ord. 1536) is one of the oldest tree protection laws on the Peninsula. Pruning of protected trees also requires a free permit. Penalties are $500 per tree plus replacement equal to appraised value, and they stack — removing 5 trees without a permit means $2,500 in fines.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| All private trees | ≥12″ diameter | At widest point between 6″ and 36″ above ground (unique measurement range) | $500 per tree (stacking) |
| Street trees | Any size | City-owned, in public 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 Public Works at (650) 780-7464 — they can often tell you on the phone whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in Redwood City
Redwood City's permit process runs through Public Works. Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Measure your tree
Measure trunk diameter at any point between 6 and 36 inches above natural grade (Redwood City's unique measurement range). If 12 inches or more, the tree is protected.
Submit permit application
File the Tree Removal Permit with Public Works at (650) 780-7464. The permit is free — no fee required. Include photos and a description of the tree and reason for removal.
City review
Public Works reviews the application. Processing takes approximately 10 working days — the fastest standard timeline on the Peninsula.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-49). Replacement planting may be required. The permit must be on-site during removal.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
$500 per tree + appraised value + possible misdemeanor
Each tree removed without a permit is a separate $500 violation, plus replacement plantings equal to the appraised value of the original tree. Violations may also be charged as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and/or 6 months). While $500 per tree is lower than most Peninsula cities, the appraised-value replacement and stacking nature mean violations add up quickly. And since the permit is free, there's zero financial reason to skip it.
The permit is free and takes 10 working days. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
Redwood City Public Works — contact and resources
Call before you apply
Public Works staff at (650) 780-7464 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 Redwood City?
Yes -- pruning of protected trees (38 inches circumference or larger) also requires a free permit under RCMC Ch. 35. This is unusual on the Peninsula and catches homeowners off guard. Contact Public Works at (650) 780-7464 before any pruning on protected trees.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
Dead or dying is an approval ground, not an exemption -- a free permit is still required before removal. In a true emergency, you may remove the tree, then contact the City Arborist within 72 hours for inspection and an after-the-fact permit. Since the permit is free, there is no financial barrier to getting proper approval.
Why are Redwood City tree permits free?
Redwood City's 1972 Tree Preservation Ordinance was designed to encourage compliance. By removing the permit fee entirely, the city eliminates any financial incentive to skip the permit process. The goal is to have oversight of tree removals, not to generate revenue from permits.
Related reading for Redwood City tree owners
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