Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Atascadero?

Atascadero's code: Yes, a tree removal permit is required. (Deciduous native trees 2+ inches dbh, other protected natives 4+ inches dbh; not at single-family homes in single-family zones without building or grading permits.) (§ 9-11.105); Deciduous native trees 2 inches dbh or more; all other protected native trees 4 inches dbh or more. (§ 9-11.105).

Tree removal in Atascadero: the local rules

Atascadero code What Atascadero's code adds
Exemptions	Emergencies that create hazardous or dangerous conditions; report them to the City within 48 hours. § 9-11.105 · code text Emergency situations which cause hazardous or dangerous conditions that have serious potential to cause immediate damage to persons or improvements on real property. Such situations must be reported to the City within 48 hours; Pruning that affects less than 25% of the live canopy within 1 year. § 9-11.105 · code text Tree pruning that affects less than 25% of a tree's live canopy within one years' time. Trees removed under an approved tree management plan. § 9-11.105 · code text Trees removed as part of an approved "tree management plan"; Single-family homes in single-family zones with a permanent dwelling, when no building or grading permit is sought. § 9-11.105 · code text Single-family residences in single-family zoning districts where a permanent dwelling exists and building or grading permits are not being sought; Emergency septic repair or replacement after the City Engineer finds a failed system that is a health and safety hazard. Applies: Applies in a single-family zoning district. § 9-11.105 · code text Emergency septic system repair and/or replacement in a single-family zoning district, where a septic system has failed as determined by the City Engineer and is considered a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the homeowner and adjacent property owners.
Penalty	A misdemeanor, punished as set out in Chapter 3 of Title 1 of the city code. Applies: Applies to violations of the native tree rules. § 9-11.114 · code text Violations of this chapter are specifically declared misdemeanors, and upon conviction may be punished as set forth in Chapter 3 of Title 1 of this Code.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Deciduous native trees 2+ inches dbh, other protected natives 4+ inches dbh; not at single-family homes in single-family zones without building or grading permits. § 9-11.105 · code text a tree removal permit shall be required for the removal of any deciduous native tree two inches dbh or greater and four inches dbh or greater for all other protected native trees Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Applies to pruning more than 25% of the live canopy of a native tree. § 9-11.105 · code text and for pruning of more than 25% of the live canopy in native trees.
Protected trees	Deciduous native trees 2 inches dbh or more; all other protected native trees 4 inches dbh or more. § 9-11.105 · code text a tree removal permit shall be required for the removal of any deciduous native tree two inches dbh or greater and four inches dbh or greater for all other protected native trees
Replacement trees	Plant replacement trees on site and prepay for 3 site inspections over a 4-year establishment period. Applies: One way to meet a removal permit condition; the others are a tree replacement fund fee or a conservation easement. § 9-11.105 · code text Depending on the characteristics of the site the applicant may plant replacement trees on site. This method shall include payment in advance for three site inspections during a four year establishment period;

Tree removal in Atascadero

What Atascadero's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Atascadero property

More on building on your lot in Atascadero