Tree removal in Paso Robles: the local rules

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

What Paso Robles's code says

Paso Robles code What Paso Robles's code adds
Exemptions	Removing oak trees under 6 inches in diameter at breast height needs no permit. Applies: Oak trees under 6 inches DBH. § 10.01.030 · code text Removal of oak trees of less than six inches DBH does not require a permit from the city of El Paso de Robles. Removal may be requested with no deposit and no replacement trees. Applies: Dead or diseased oak; a certified arborist documents that the owner did not cause it. § 10.01.050 · code text A property owner may make a written request for authorization to remove a dead or diseased oak tree without the need to provide the required replacement trees if he or she can provide documentation from a certified arborist on the city council's approved list concluding that the tree's death or disease is not their fault. You may apply to remove oaks of any size with no deposit or replacement; the city council decides. Applies: Developed property with no new development planned, where trees conflict with the growth and health of other oaks. § 10.01.050 · code text Owners of developed properties that are not being considered for new construction or other development entitlements may apply for a permit to remove oak trees on their property without limitation as to tree size and without need for replacements if the trees are located in a manner that is either inconsistent with or interferes with the growth and health of other oak trees. Oaks may be pruned without a permit or limb-size limit if the pruning does not endanger the tree. Applies: Developed property with no new construction or development planned. § 10.01.030 · code text Owners of developed properties (parcels with existing buildings and related improvements) that are not being considered for new construction or other development entitlements may prune oak trees on their property without the need for a permit and without limitation as to limb size as long as the pruning does not endanger the health of the oak tree.
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Oak trees 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) on private property. § 10.01.030 · code text No person shall remove or otherwise destroy an oak tree of six inches or greater diameter (DBH) growing on private or public property within the city limits of the city of El Paso de Robles unless they have first received approval of a permit to remove as authorized by the director of community development or the city council.
Protected trees	Oak trees 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH). § 10.01.030 · code text No person shall remove or otherwise destroy an oak tree of six inches or greater diameter (DBH) growing on private or public property within the city limits of the city of El Paso de Robles unless they have first received approval of a permit to remove as authorized by the director of community development or the city council.
Replacement trees	Replacement oaks equal to 25% of the removed trees' diameter. § 10.01.050 · code text a condition requiring replacement oaks being equivalent to twenty five percent of the diameter of the removed tree(s). A minimum of two, twenty four inch box, one and one-half inch minimum trunk caliper measurement trees for each oak tree removed § 10.01.050 · code text A minimum of two, twenty four inch box, one and one-half inch minimum trunk caliper measurement trees shall be required for each oak tree removed.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Paso Robles?

Paso Robles's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Oak trees 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) on private property.) (§ 10.01.030); Oak trees 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH). (§ 10.01.030).

Tree removal in Paso Robles

What Paso Robles's code says

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