Do I Need a Tree Permit in Woodside?
Woodside has the most severe tree violation enforcement in the Bay Area — a documented $212,500 fine for 22 trees in 2016. Thresholds vary by species growth rate, and the permit process takes 6–10 weeks. Here's how to handle it.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your tree type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on Woodside's ordinance (Significant Tree Ordinance).
Measure circumference at 48 inches above mean natural grade. Wrap a flexible tape around the trunk.
What trees are protected in Woodside?
Woodside uses a three-tier circumference system based on growth rate: slower-growing natives (madrone, blue oak, buckeye, alder, big leaf maple, tanbark oak, Fremont cottonwood) at 24 inches, faster-growing natives (coast live oak, valley oak, coast redwood, bay laurel, Douglas fir, and others) at 30 inches, and all other species at 36 inches — all measured at 48 inches above mean natural grade. Multi-trunk measurement varies: madrone, blue oak, and buckeye use the sum of all trunk circumferences; California bay laurel uses the largest trunk only. Eucalyptus, acacia, and Monterey pine are fee-exempt (fee waived) but still require a permit.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slower-growing natives (madrone, blue oak, buckeye, alder, big leaf maple, tanbark oak, Fremont cottonwood) | ≥24″ circumference | At 48″ above natural grade | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Faster-growing natives (coast live oak, valley oak, coast redwood, bay laurel, Douglas fir, et al.) | ≥30″ circumference | At 48″ above natural grade | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Non-native trees | ≥36″ circumference | At 48″ above natural grade | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Eucalyptus, Acacia, Monterey Pine | Fee-exempt species | Permit still needed but fee is waived | Varies |
| Defensible Space Program trees | Any size | Fee-exempt when part of fire safety | N/A if permitted |
Not sure if your tree qualifies?
Measure first. An arborist consultation ($150–$300) is far cheaper than violation penalties. Call Planning & Building at (650) 851-6790 — they can often tell you on the phone whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in Woodside
Woodside's permit process runs through Planning & Building. Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Identify species and measure
Determine the growth rate category: slow-growing native (24″ circ threshold), fast-growing native (30″), or non-native (36″). Measure circumference at 48 inches above mean natural grade.
Hire a certified arborist
An ISA Certified Arborist report is required. Given Woodside's enforcement severity, invest in a thorough report documenting condition, reason for removal, and alternatives. Budget $400–$800.
Submit Tree Destruction Permit
File the application with Planning & Building at (650) 851-6790. Include arborist report, site plan, photos, and species identification. Pay the $130 permit fee unless the species is fee-exempt.
Town review
Planning & Building reviews the application. Processing takes 6–10 weeks — the longest on the Peninsula. Significant trees on large rural properties may involve site visits and additional documentation.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-49). Replacement planting is typically required. Keep the permit on-site during all work. Given enforcement history, ensure full compliance.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
$5,000 first tree, $7,500 second, $10,000 each additional
Woodside imposes escalating fines per tree: $5,000 for the first significant tree, $7,500 for the second, and $10,000 for each additional tree removed without a permit, plus discretionary replacement planting (California native, 36-inch box minimum, within one year). A documented 2016 case resulted in $212,500 in fines for 22 trees removed without permits. Even fee-exempt species (eucalyptus, acacia, Monterey pine) still require a permit — only the fee is waived, not the permit itself.
A permit costs $130 and takes 6–10 wks. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
Woodside Planning & Building — contact and resources
Call before you apply
Planning & Building staff at (650) 851-6790 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 Woodside?
Pruning that follows ISA standards and doesn't significantly alter the tree's structure does not typically require a permit. Major structural pruning on significant trees should be discussed with Planning & Building first.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
Dead or hazardous trees may qualify for expedited removal, but contact Planning & Building at (650) 851-6790 first. Given Woodside's enforcement history, always get approval in writing before any removal.
Are eucalyptus trees exempt from permits in Woodside?
Eucalyptus, acacia, and Monterey pine are fee-exempt — the permit fee is waived. However, you still need to apply for and receive a Tree Destruction Permit before removal. 'Fee-exempt' does not mean 'permit-exempt.' Trees removed under the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Program are also fee-exempt.
Related reading for Woodside tree owners
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