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Carmel-by-the-Sea · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea'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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Carmel-by-the-Sea's code says

Carmel-by-the-Sea code What Carmel-by-the-Sea's code adds
Penalty
  • The building permit can be suspended.
    Applies: Failing to protect or maintain trees on construction or demolition sites.
    § 17.48.110 · code text
    Failure to protect or maintain trees on construction/demolition sites is a violation of the municipal code and grounds for suspension of the building permit.
Permit to remove
  • Yes. Trees that must be kept or planted under a removal permit cannot be moved without a permit.
    § 17.48.110 · code text
    At no time shall these trees be moved without the issuance of a valid permit.
Protected trees
  • All trees on a building site must be inventoried and protected by barricades during construction or demolition.
    Applies: Trees that do not have a removal permit.
    § 17.48.110 · code text
    Prior to the commencement of construction, demolition or tree removal, all trees on the building site shall be inventoried by the owner or contractor as to size, species and location on the lot
Replacement trees
  • Required replacement trees must be maintained for at least 5 years.
    Applies: Trees that must be planted as a condition of a tree removal permit.
    § 17.48.110 · code text
    Trees required to be kept on a building site and trees required to be planted as a condition of tree removal permit approval shall be maintained according to accepted arboricultural practices for a minimum of five years from the completion of construction or the date that the tree is planted.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea's code: Yes. Trees that must be kept or planted under a removal permit cannot be moved without a permit. (§ 17.48.110); All trees on a building site must be inventoried and protected by barricades during construction or demolition. (Trees that do not have a removal permit.) (§ 17.48.110).

General information, not legal advice.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code — full text