Regulated trees are specific species and categories of trees identified in our ordinance that are protected (Title 8, Palo Alto Municipal Code). These trees must be maintained in accordance with regulation and require permits for pruning, removal or any activities that might impact them. Regulated trees can fall under three broad categories; public trees, protected public and private trees, and designated public and private trees.
For information on tree-related code enforcement issues, please see this Planning Department webpage:Code Enforcement
Public/Street Trees All public trees are regulated. Public or street trees are all trees growing within the street right-of-way, on public property such as parks, and outside private property. In some cases property lines lie several feet behind the sidewalks. A permit from the Public Works and Planning Departments is required prior to any work on or within the dripline of any public/street tree.
Protected Trees Protected trees include trees of specific species or distinctive character, public or private. Individual species of trees that are protected are all Coast Live Oaks, Valley Oaks (greater than 11.5 inches in diameter), and Coast Redwood (greater than 16 inches in diameter). Heritage Trees are also protected. Heritage trees are individual trees of any size or species or historical significance that are deemed as such by City Council. Property owners may also nominate a tree for Heritage Tree status if it has characteristics that are distinctive.
Designated Trees Designated trees are all trees (public and private), when associated with a development project, that are specifically designated by the City to be saved and protected on public and private property which is subject to discretionary development review. These instances can include variances, home improvement exceptions, architectural reviews, site and design reviews, subdivision reviews, etc.
Trees Under or Near Utilities Trees that are under or near power lines are regulated. The State of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires all utilities in the state to maintain vegetation clearance from their electric conductors and related equipment. The City of Palo Alto, as operator of its own electric utility, must be in compliance with CPUC rules. To comply with these rules and to deliver safe and reliable power to the residents and businesses of Palo Alto, the City has in place a Line Clearing Program.
Please call (650) 496-5953 if you have questions about City-related tree services.
Contact Us
For information concerning Public Trees, please contact: Public Works Urban Forestry Section Phone: (650) 496-5953 pwps@cityofpaloalto.org P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94303
For information concerning Private and Public Trees relating to development projects, please contact: Arborist Phone: (650) 617-3145 Dave.Dockter@CityofPaloAlto.org P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments about this web page.
Regulated trees are specific species and categories of trees identified in our ordinance that are protected (
