Tree removal in Campbell: the local rules

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

What Campbell's code says

Campbell code What Campbell's code adds
Exemptions	Dead or dying protected trees can be removed without a tree removal permit, after a zoning clearance by the director. § 21.32.065 · code text A protected tree determined to be dead or dying may be removed without a tree removal permit subject to the following procedure:
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Protected trees; no removal until permit conditions are met and the decision is final; Historic Preservation Board decides heritage trees without a development application. § 21.32.090 · code text No tree for which a tree removal permit is required shall be removed until all conditions of the permit have been satisfied and the decision has become final.
Protected trees	Any tree except fruit and Myrtaceae trees, 12 inches in diameter (38-inch circumference) or more, measured 4 feet above grade. Applies: Removal requests not tied to a development application, on all properties except developed single-family homes. § 21.32.090 · code text Any tree except fruit trees 5 and trees of the genus Myrtaceae 6 \| 12-inch diameter (38-inch circumference) Oaks, cedars, ash and redwoods 12 inches in diameter (38-inch circumference) or more, measured 4 feet above grade. Applies: Developed single-family property zoned R-1 or Planned Development, when not tied to a development application. § 21.32.090 · code text Trees of the species: Oaks (Quercus) Cedars (Cedrus) Ash (Fraxinus) Redwoods (Sequoia) \| 12-inch diameter (38-inch circumference) Any tree except fruit and Myrtaceae trees, 12 inches in diameter (38-inch circumference) or more, measured 4 feet above grade. Applies: All properties, when tied to a development application. § 21.32.090 · code text Any tree except fruit trees 5 and trees of the genus Myrtaceae 6 \| 12-inch diameter (38-inch circumference) Any heritage tree is protected. Applies: Heritage tree removal requests in all zones. § 21.32.090 · code text Any Heritage tree \| None specified Any tree that must be kept or planted is protected. Applies: Trees required as a condition of a development approval. § 21.32.090 · code text Any tree required to be retained or planted \| None required
Replacement trees	The approval may require replacement trees, an in-lieu fee, or both. Applies: When set as a condition of approval of a tree removal permit. § 21.32.080 · code text Conditions of approval may include any of the following: The tree must be replaced in kind. Applies: A dying protected tree on an approved landscape plan, or required to be planted or kept as a condition of an approval or permit. § 21.32.065 · code text the tree shall be subject to replacement in kind.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

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

Campbell's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Protected trees; no removal until permit conditions are met and the decision is final; Historic Preservation Board decides heritage trees without a development application.) (§ 21.32.090); Any tree except fruit and Myrtaceae trees, 12 inches in diameter (38-inch circumference) or more, measured 4 feet above grade. (Removal requests not tied to a development application, on all properties except developed single-family homes.) (§ 21.32.090).

Tree removal in Campbell

What Campbell's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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