Do I Need a Tree Permit in San Carlos?
San Carlos updated its tree ordinance in 2022 with Ordinance #1580, creating two protection tiers: heritage trees (native oaks, buckeye, madrone at 9 inches diameter; bay laurel at 11 inches; coast redwood at 15 inches) and significant trees (any non-excluded species at 11 inches diameter). Eucalyptus, acacia, tree of heaven, fruit trees, Monterey pine, and palms are excluded. Here's the full breakdown.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your tree type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on San Carlos's ordinance (Section 18.18.070 (Ordinance #1580, 2022)).
Trunk diameter measured at 54 inches (4.5 feet) above grade. Heritage species have lower thresholds (9–15 inches). Excluded: eucalyptus, acacia, tree of heaven, fruit trees, Monterey pine, palms.
What trees are protected in San Carlos?
San Carlos's 2022 ordinance (#1580) created a clear two-tier system: heritage trees (native oaks, buckeye, and madrone at 9 inches diameter; California bay laurel at 11 inches; coast redwood at 15 inches; plus tree communities and Council-designated trees) and significant trees (any non-excluded species at 11 inches diameter or more). Excluded at any size: eucalyptus (all species), Bailey/green/black acacia, tree of heaven, fruit trees, Monterey pine, and palms. Emergency removals require oral permission from the City Arborist, and replacement is still required.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage trees (native species) | Oaks/buckeye/madrone ≥9″ dia; bay laurel ≥11″; redwood ≥15″ | At 54″ above grade. Also tree communities & Council-designated | ≤$5,000/tree OR appraised value (whichever higher) |
| Significant trees (all species) | ≥11″ trunk diameter | Except eucalyptus (exempt) | Full appraised value + replacement |
| Excluded species | Exempt at any size | Eucalyptus, Bailey/green/black acacia, tree of heaven, fruit trees, Monterey pine, palms | N/A |
| 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 the Planning Division at (650) 802-4263 — they can often tell you on the phone whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in San Carlos
San Carlos's permit process runs through Community Development. Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Measure and identify
Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above natural grade. Heritage species are protected at various diameter thresholds: oaks, buckeye, and madrone at 9 inches; bay laurel at 11 inches; coast redwood at 15 inches (all at 54 inches above grade). All other non-excluded species are protected at 11 inches diameter.
Submit permit application
File with Community Development at (650) 802-4263. Include photos, site plan, and reason for removal. For heritage trees, an arborist report is required. Fee is $100 (dead tree) to $500 (risk/health/species/utility).
City review
Community Development reviews the application. Heritage oak removals receive additional scrutiny. Processing time varies based on complexity.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-49). A 24-inch box replacement tree is generally required. The permit must be on-site during removal.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
Up to $5,000 per tree or appraised value
Civil fines reach up to $5,000 per violation. If a tree is removed or killed without a permit, the penalty is up to $5,000 per tree or the appraised value, whichever is higher. Replacement planting of at least one 24-inch box tree is required (in-lieu fee if impractical). The city can also issue stop-work orders and file liens.
Permits cost $100–$500. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
San Carlos Community Development — contact and resources
Call before you apply
Community Development staff at (650) 802-4263 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 San Carlos?
Pruning that follows ISA standards and doesn't remove more than 25% of the canopy does not require a permit. Crown reduction or structural changes on heritage oaks require city approval.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
If a protected tree poses an immediate safety risk, you can obtain oral permission from the City Arborist for emergency removal — without the standard permit process. Contact (650) 802-4263 immediately.
Are eucalyptus trees protected in San Carlos?
No. The 2022 Protected Tree Ordinance (#1580) explicitly excluded eucalyptus from protection. You do not need a permit to remove or prune a eucalyptus tree on your property in San Carlos, regardless of size. This was a deliberate policy decision given eucalyptus's non-native, fire-prone status.
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