Tree removal in Calabasas: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Calabasas Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Calabasas's code says

Calabasas code What Calabasas's code adds
Exemptions	Exempt: an oak tree less than 2 inches in diameter. Applies: Cutting or removing an oak tree; not exempt if it is in scrub oak habitat or was planted to replace a removed tree. § 17.32.010 · code text If the oak tree is less than two inches in diameter, unless the tree is within a scrub oak habitat or was planted as mitigation for a prior removal; Exempt: damage from storms, floods, earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters or incidents, if city staff verify it. Applies: Cutting or removing an oak tree or altering scrub oak habitat. § 17.32.010 · code text If an oak tree or scrub oak habitat is damaged by thunderstorms, windstorms, floods, earthquakes, fires, or other natural disaster or incident and verified by city staff;
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Applies to any oak tree or scrub oak habitat on property in the city, unless an exemption applies. § 17.32.010 · code text No person shall alter any oak tree or scrub oak habitat on any real property within the city, unless a valid oak tree permit is issued pursuant to the provisions of this section and the guidelines. A minor oak tree permit is required. Applies: Oaks under 6 inches in diameter with trunk within 40 feet of the main building, unless planted as mitigation; also fuel-modification pruning and routine maintenance. § 17.32.010 · code text A minor oak tree permit shall be required to remove or alter oak trees, under the following circumstances:
Protected trees	All oaks at least 2 inches in diameter, and all scrub oak habitat. Applies: Any property in the city. Smaller oaks count only in scrub oak habitat or if planted as mitigation for a past removal. § 17.32.010 · code text No person shall alter any oak tree or scrub oak habitat on any real property within the city, unless a valid oak tree permit is issued pursuant to the provisions of this section and the guidelines.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Calabasas's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Applies to any oak tree or scrub oak habitat on property in the city, unless an exemption applies.) (§ 17.32.010); All oaks at least 2 inches in diameter, and all scrub oak habitat. (Any property in the city. Smaller oaks count only in scrub oak habitat or if planted as mitigation for a past removal.) (§ 17.32.010).

Tree removal in Calabasas

What Calabasas's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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