Tree Removal Permit Process

Tree Removal Permit Application

Trees in Los Gatos are protected and must have an approved tree removal permit prior to removal, per Town Ordinance. To obtain a permit, please call (408) 399-5770 or pick up the document at any of these Town offices:

                                Town Clerk's Office                       Parks & Public Works
                                110 East Main Street                    41 Miles Avenue
                                8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.                  7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
                                
The Tree Removal Permit Application is not available online at this time.

Tree Removal Permit Application Fees

Click here for the Town's Fee Schedule. Tree related fees begin on page 30 of this document. 

Once this application fee is paid, it is nonrefundable.  The exception is if your application is denied, a 50% refund will be issued.

Replacement Tree Requirement

Approved tree removal permits also require replacement tree(s) to be planted on your property within 60 days of the permitted tree’s removal. The Town Arborist will determine the number and size of replacement trees required when approving the permit. Usually you can plant replacement trees anywhere on your property. However, if you chose not to plant any or only some replacement tree(s), a replacement tree fee will be billed to you, payable to the Town (to plant trees in public places). Replacement Tree fees are $200 per 24”-box tree, $500 per 36”-box tree, and $1000 per 48-” box tree. Replacement trees are necessary to replenish & maintain the number of trees and amount of foliage in our Town. To view a list of approved replacement trees (click here).

Tree Ordinance

The Town’s Tree Ordinance requires a permit to remove tree(s) in Town and requires planting replacement tree(s). Download the 14-page Tree Ordinance.