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Los Altos Hills · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills'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 Los Altos Hills Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Los Altos Hills's code says

Los Altos Hills code What Los Altos Hills's code adds
Exemptions
  • These trees need not be replaced if a certified arborist confirms in writing they are dead or beyond treatment.
    Applies: Diseased or dead trees removed for roads, structures in proposed rights-of-way, or rough grading of driveways or parking; land division maps.
    § 9-1.606 · code text
    Diseased or dead trees removed in order to facilitate the abovementioned reasons need not be replaced when evidence is submitted in writing by a certified arborist attesting to the fact that the subject trees are dead or are beyond remedial treatment.
  • Removal allowed only when needed for roads, structures in proposed rights-of-way, or rough grading of driveways or parking areas.
    Applies: Trees over 6 inches in diameter at 4 feet above the ground; tree rules for land division maps.
    § 9-1.606 · code text
    Trees of the abovementioned dimensions may be removed only when necessary to facilitate the locating of public and/or private roadways, the placement of structures within the proposed rights-of-way, or for the rough grading of driveways and/or parking areas.
Protected trees
  • Trees larger than 6 inches in diameter, measured 4 feet above the ground.
    Applies: Trees covered by the subdivision lot design and development plan rules.
    § 9-1.606 · code text
    Trees shall not be removed which are larger than six inches in diameter (approximately 20 inches in circumference) measured at a point four feet above the ground.
Replacement trees
  • Up to 5 new trees for each one removed, at least 24-inch box, planted within setback lines of adjacent lots.
    Applies: Trees removed for roads, structures in proposed rights-of-way, or rough grading of driveways or parking; land division maps.
    § 9-1.606 · code text
    Trees removed for the abovementioned reasons shall be replaced at a ratio of up to five new trees for every one removed.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Los Altos Hills?

Los Altos Hills's code: Trees larger than 6 inches in diameter, measured 4 feet above the ground. (Trees covered by the subdivision lot design and development plan rules.) (§ 9-1.606); Up to 5 new trees for each one removed, at least 24-inch box, planted within setback lines of adjacent lots. (Trees removed for roads, structures in proposed rights-of-way, or rough grading of driveways or parking; land division maps.) (§ 9-1.606).

General information, not legal advice.

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Los Altos Hills Municipal Code — full text