TREE REMOVAL PERMITS

 

 

The purpose of the Tree Removal Permit (TRP) is to regulate the protection, installation, removal and long term management of significantly sized trees on private property within the City. The TRP is intended to:

  • Protect large trees from unnecessary cutting

  • Add to the economic value of the City

  • Improve the appearance of Sunnyvale

  • Help control soil erosion and pollution

  • Shelter and feed wildlife

A Tree Removal Permit is required to remove any protected tree. Removal or damage of a protected tree without an approved permit is unlawful and can result in fines or penalties (SMC 19.94.160).

 

Definition of a Protected Tree

Protected trees are defined as:

  • 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 four feet above the ground.

 

Landscape Plans

If you have an existing approved landscape plan and you wish to remove a protected tree, you must revise the existing landscape plan through the Miscellaneous Plan Permit process. No Tree Removal Permit will be required in addition to the revised landscape plan.

 

Street Trees

If the tree is located in the planting strip or the public right of way, please contact the Trees and Landscape Division of the Department of Public Works at (408) 730-7505.

 

Decision Factors

One or more of the following criteria must be met before a Tree Removal Permit can be granted:

  • The tree is diseased or badly damaged

  • The tree represents a potential hazard to people, structures or other trees

  • The tree is in sound condition but restricts the owners’ ability to enjoy the reasonable use or economic potential of the property. It may also unreasonably restrict an adjoining property owner’s use or economic potential of the adjoining property.

Removing a Healthy Tree

The following six criteria shall be used by the director of Community Development to evaluate an application for removal of a tree in sound condition.

  • It is necessary to allow construction of improvements such as additions to existing buildings or incidental site amenities or to allow economic or reasonable enjoyment of property.

  • The topography of the land and the effect of the requested action on water retention and diversion or increased flow of surface water.

  • The approximate age of the tree relative to its average life span.

  • The potential effect of removal on soil erosion and stability where the tree is located.

  • Current and future visual screening potential.

  • Any other information the Director of Community Development finds pertinent to the application.

Review Process

  1. Talk to a planner to obtain information and an application.

  2. Submit completed tree removal permit application (PDF).

  3. Planning staff and Trees and Landscape Division staff review.

  4. Arborist inspects the tree(s) proposed for removal.

  5. Director of Community Development makes a decision, usually within 10 working days of submittal.

  6. Applicant is notified of the decision. If approved, the permit must be posted on the site within view of the nearest public right-of-way during the removal process.

  7. If the permit is denied, there is a 15 day appeal period (Planning Commission).

Timing

Tree Removal Permits require a ten working day review.

 

Appeals

If concerned about the decision made on a Tree Removal Permit, you may appeal the decision to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Appeals must be made within 15 calendar days of the letter, and can be made by submitting the following to the Planning Division staff at the One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall:

Tree Replacement

Planting of replacement trees is required as a standard condition of approval for removal of a protected tree. Minimum size for the replacement shall be the California Association of Nurserymen’s standard 24" box size tree. The Director shall have the authority to require larger or smaller replacement trees upon review of specific cases. This replanting shall occur within a specified time period, typically 90 days.

 

Questions?

Call or visit the One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall. Planners are available to assist you between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

This handout is intended to be a general description of tree removal permits. For specific information, consult Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.94.

 

 

 

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