Do you need a tree removal permit in San Diego, CA?

We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for San Diego. Call the city before removing a large tree. San Diego offers a no-fee permit, after a city inspection, to trim, remove, plant or root-prune street trees in the public right-of-way. The city tree pages we checked do not say whether a permit is needed to remove a tree on private property, so call the city before removing a large private tree. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Property owners can choose to have a tree on private property designated for protection, optionally as a deed restriction. Council Policy 900-19 protects designated trees (Landmark Tree, Heritage Tree, Parkway Resource Tree, Preservation Grove) in public rights-of-way, city open space, parks and other public lands, wherever practical.

Street trees are handled by the Transportation Department's Right of Way Management Division and the Urban Forestry team. You may request a no-fee permit for trimming, removal, planting or root pruning after inspection by city staff. Removal of street trees that are not dead or an immediate hazard follows Council Policy 200-5.

The city says only dead trees, or trees city staff consider an immediate safety issue, are removed from the right-of-way as soon as possible. A designated protected tree that threatens public safety may be removed after reasonable care or corrective work has been tried.

Street tree removal requests go through the city's Get It Done app; the no-fee street tree permit is a PDF application on the city's tree maintenance page.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.