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Monte Sereno · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Monte Sereno

Monte Sereno's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

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

What Monte Sereno's code says

Monte Sereno code What Monte Sereno's code adds
Permit to remove
  • Yes, a permit is required.
    Applies: Removing a significant, dead or unsuitable tree.
    § 10.15.050 · code text
    The application for a permit shall be made on forms provided for the purpose by the City Clerk and shall state among other things the number and location of the significant trees, dead trees or unsuitable trees to be removed by type and the reason for removal for each.
Replacement trees
  • Replacement trees may be required as a permit condition.
    Applies: Tree removal permits approved by the Site and Architectural Commission.
    § 10.15.070 · code text
    In approving a tree removal permit, the Site and Architectural Commission may impose conditions requiring replacement of trees as may be deemed appropriate to mitigate impacts of development or provide equivalent aesthetic benefits in terms of size, height, location, appearance, and other characteristics of the removed tree.
  • Two native or drought-tolerant trees (not Unsuitable) per tree removed, at least 10 inches around at 48 inches above grade.
    Applies: Removal for a two-unit or urban lot split project, when the removed tree is not an Unsuitable Tree.
    § 10.15.070 · code text
    the City Manager or City Planner shall approve such permit subject a requirement to replace each tree removed with two (2) trees, each of a native or drought-tolerant species, but shall not be an Unsuitable Tree as defined in Section 10.15.015, with a minimum circumference of ten (10) inches measured at a height of forty-eight (48) inches above the grade as planted.
  • One native or drought-tolerant tree (not an Unsuitable Tree) for each Unsuitable Tree removed, at least a 24-inch box.
    Applies: Removal for a two-unit or urban lot split project, when the removed tree is an Unsuitable Tree.
    § 10.15.070 · code text
    If the removed tree is an Unsuitable Tree as defined in Section 10.15.015, the City Manager or City Planner shall approve such permit subject to a requirement to replace each Unsuitable Tree removed with one (1) tree of a native or drought tolerant species but shall not be an Unsuitable Tree as defined in Section 10.15.015, with a minimum size of twenty-four (24) inch box as planted.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Monte Sereno?

Monte Sereno's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Removing a significant, dead or unsuitable tree.) (§ 10.15.050); Replacement trees may be required as a permit condition. (Tree removal permits approved by the Site and Architectural Commission.) (§ 10.15.070).

General information, not legal advice.

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Monte Sereno Municipal Code — full text