Background

The City of Sunnyvale is fortunate to have a large diverse population of trees including native and non-native species found on public and private properties.  Sunnyvale’s trees are one of the City’s greatest natural resources and add to the scenic beauty of the community. They are a source of shade, air conditioning, flood and erosion control, and other environmental benefits providing quality of life and economic benefits to the community, residents and businesses.  Since 1988, the National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Sunnyvale as a Tree City USA. The foundation bestows the title to cities that have a tree department or board, a community tree preservation ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Protected Trees

The City of Sunnyvale takes pride and protects trees of a significant size found within the City limits.  These “Protected Trees” are trees that meet the following criteria: Any single trunk tree 38 inches or greater in circumference; Any multi-trunk tree which has at least one trunk 38 inches or greater in circumference OR where the measurements of the multi-trunks added together equal at least 113 inches The circumference of the tree is measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Removal of a "Protected Tree" requires review and approval by the City (see below).

Considering Removing a Tree?

Process The location of a tree proposed to be removed will determine the type of review and permit process required.  Generally, trees meeting the criteria above and are located on private property are referred to as “Protected Trees” and removal requests are processed through a Tree Removal Permit Application which is processed through the Planning Division of the Community Development Department.  Trees located near the street (public right-of-way) are referred to as a “City Street Trees” and removal requests are processed through the Trees and Landscape Division of the Public Works Department.  The following table provides general guidance regarding the applicable permit process based on location.   Permit Process Front Yard Street Side Yard Side Rear Planting Strip On Public Property* Private Property On Public Property* Private Property Tree Removal Permits     ü   ü ü ü City Street Trees ü ü   ü       *  Public property (right-of-way) is typically 11 feet back from the face of curb.  If the tree requested to be removed is near the right-of-way, you may contact the Trees and Landscape Division for verification. Replacement Planting The City usually requires replanting of standard 24-inch box size tree(s) when a tree removal permit is granted. The City may require larger or smaller replacement trees upon review of specific cases based on existing site vegetation and size and quality of the tree proposed to be removed. The species and location do not need to be the same as what was removed. This replanting is required to occur within a specified time period, typically 90 days from the time the tree is removed. You may pay an in-lieu fee if you choose not to replace the tree. This fee will go toward planting more trees on public properties in the City.

Questions?

City Street Trees   Trees and Landscaping Division Location: Corporation Yard 221 Commercial Street Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3707 Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3707 Telephone: (408) 730-7505 E-mail: pubworks@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us Website: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/Public+Works/Trees+and+Landscaping/     Tree Removal Permits   One-Stop Permit Center City Hall 456 W. Olive Ave Telephone: (408) 730-7444 8am - 5pm (Closed 12pm - 1pm) E-mail: planning@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us Website: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/Public+Works/Trees+and+Landscaping/     Overgrowth/Overhanging over City Sidewalks or Streets   Neighborhood Preservation Division City Hall 456 W. Olive Ave Telephone: (408) 730-7610 E-mail: npp@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us Website: http://ecityhall.sunnyvale.ca.gov/contact/np.aspx