Mountain View City Hall and most departments/facilities are closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Although administrative offices will be closed, emergency services will continue.
Trees
In an effort to manage the urban tree canopy in Mountain View, certain trees require permits to remove.
What is a Heritage Tree?
- Any Oak, Redwood or Cedar tree that has a trunk circumference of 12” or more when measured at 54” above natural grade; or
- Any tree that has a trunk circumference of 48" or more measured 54" from the ground; or
- A multi-branched tree that has major branches below 54” above the natural grade with a circumference of 48” measured just below the first major trunk fork; or
- A grove of trees designated as "heritage" by the City Council.
What is a Street Tree?
- A tree located typically within the first 5' of a front yard area, behind the sidewalk, or a tree located between the sidewalk and street.
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Always call before you dig, it’s the law! |
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Common Questions
Permit Requirement
A permit is required to remove a Heritage tree or Street tree with either the Planning Division or the Urban Forestry Division. An inspection by City staff may be required to confirm a replacement tree(s) has been planted following removal of the tree(s).
Where do I submit my tree removal application?
| Tree removal situation | urban forestry | Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Removing a dead or fallen Heritage tree or Street tree on any property | X | |
| Removing a Street tree in front of any property (without other construction activity proposed) | X | |
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Removing any number of Heritage tree(s) or Street tree(s) at a single family home or duplex property (with or without other construction activity proposed) Note: A tree removal permit related to construction activity will be reviewed in tandem with a submitted building permit to the City. |
X | |
| Removing a Heritage tree(s) as part of a development permit on a nonresidential site or a multifamily residential site (with or without a Homeowners Association). | X | |
| Removing 3 or fewer Heritage trees on any multifamily residential or nonresidential property where no other construction activity is proposed | X | |
| Removing 4 or more Heritage trees on any multifamily residential or nonresidential property (with or without other construction activity proposed) | X | |
| Removing a tree(s) that does not qualify as a Heritage tree or Street tree on any multifamily residential or nonresidential property |
Contact Planning |
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| Removing a tree on a single-family or duplex property that is not a Heritage tree or Street tree | No permit is required. | |