Permits & Applications

DO I NEED A PERMIT??

    Unfortunately, not every tree can just be cut/removed. Some counties and towns have their own ordinances that need to be followed.  Below is some helpful information on when to get a permit (San Luis Obispo County) and how to go about submitting them. If you have any questions on a place not listed, please feel free to message and we will try to help you.

ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFONIA 

93420

"Regulated trees include: street trees within the public right-of-way fronting the property, Landmark trees and any Oak trees with a trunk width over twelve (12) inches in diameter when measured four and one half (4 ½) feet from the base. Removing them is prohibited without first obtaining a permit. The permit is available when the removal is deemed appropriate. Any removal of a regulated tree without a permit is considered to be a misdemeanor violation with a minimum $150.00 tree replacement fee." - Arroyo Grande Street Tree Brochure 

Some Helpful Links for those in Arroyo Grande

• Tree removal PERMIT application 

• Street Trees Brochure 

• Recommended Trees for Arroyo Grande 

MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA

93442

"Permit required?

A permit may be required for the removal of any tree with a trunk that is a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter (i.e., 18.8” in circumference) at four and one half feet (4 1/2) vertically above the ground, or, any tree with multiple trunks that includes at least one trunk with a minimum diameter of six (6) inches in diameter at four and one half feet (4 1/2) vertically above the ground or with trunks that have an aggregate diameter of at least twenty (20) inches at four and one half feet (4 1/2) vertically above the ground. In addition, Planning Staff will assist in determining if there is major vegetation removal proposed by evaluating if natural riparian vegetation, a creek, threatened or endangered species or significant habitat or other significant factors exist on the site where the vegetation is to be removed. A site visit may be necessary if staff is not familiar with the property. There is no charge for this visit. If Staff is not able to make a determination, then we may suggest that the property owner obtain the opinion of a qualified professional such as a biologist to determine if threatened or endangered species are present."                   -  Morro Bay Vegetation Guidelines PDF.                     

Some Helpful Links for those in Morro Bay

• Morro Bay Tree Page 

• Morro Bay SERVICE REQUEST 

PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA

93446

TREE REMOVAL

"In addition to a Removal Permit (PDF), removal of an oak trees requires submission of an arborist report, following the Oak Evaluation Guidelines (PDF), from a City Council-approved arborist (PDF), as well as City Council approval.

The application and an arborist are required when a property-owner is proposing to remove an oak tree that is 6 inches or greater in diameter as measured at 4.5 feet above ground level.

If you have questions about removal, call the Planning Division at 805-237-3970" - Paso Robles City Website  

TREE TRIMMING 

"Oak tree trimming requires a permit (PDF) from the Community Services Department whenever trimming oak tree branches 6 inches or greater in diameter on vacant, undeveloped sites in conjunction with a building permit.  A permit is not required for developed private property trimming if there is no new construction or other development planned or occurring. 

There is a $50 permit fee required upon submission of the request to trim. 

For questions regarding trimming, contact the Community Services Department, Parks Maintenance Division at 805-237-3873 or Public Works at 805-237-3861." - Paso Robles City Website 

Some Helpful Links for those in Paso Robles 

• Tree REMOVAL Application  

• Tree TRIMMING Application 

• Trimming and Removal REGULATIONS 

• Suggested Trees 

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA

93401

"The Department of Planning & Building issues tree removal permits in accordance with county regulations, which differ in the inland and coastal portions of the county. Some areas have additional regulations regarding the removal of trees. Anyone wishing to remove a tree on their property should first contact department staff to determine what regulations apply to their property."          -San Luis Obispo County Website 

Some Helpful Links for those in SAN LUIS OBISPO

• Tree REMOVAL Application 

• Instructions on Application Process