The City of Santa Cruz is urging residents planning tree work to verify permit requirements before removing, planting or pruning more than 25% of trees on their property. Permits are required for work on city street trees (Municipal Code 13.30) and private trees measuring 14 inches in diameter or greater (Municipal Code 9.56 or Zoning Title 24).
Performing tree work without a valid permit may lead to fines, with penalties for unauthorized tree removal or excessive pruning reaching several thousand dollars under Santa Cruz Municipal Code Title 4, and may require retroactive permits. Residents are advised to use only licensed contractors for tree work and encouraged to hire a certified arborist to ensure quality workmanship.
“Santa Cruz’s tree canopy is vital to our community’s health and character,” said Urban Forester Leslie Keedy. “It takes years to grow a tree but only a moment to damage or remove one. We must protect our trees for the future.”
For permit details, visit the City of Santa Cruz tree permits page or contact Urban Forestry at 831-420-5270 or parksandrec@cityofsantacruz.com.
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