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Tree removal in Palo Alto

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

What Palo Alto's code says

Palo Alto code What Palo Alto's code adds
Exemptions
  • Dead, diseased or broken branches may be pruned without the 7-day notice.
    Applies: An exemption from the 7-day posted notice before pruning a protected tree.
    § 8.10.070 · code text
    At least seven days prior to pruning a protected tree, other than that required to remove a dead, diseased, or broken branch or branches, the property owner or their designee shall prominently post a notice on the property
  • Protected trees under 5 years old are exempt from the pruning notice.
    Applies: An exemption from the 7-day posted notice before pruning a protected tree.
    § 8.10.070 · code text
    Protected trees less than five years old are exempt from this provision.
Permit to remove
  • Yes, a protected tree removal permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to any protected tree; outside R-1, RE, R-2 or RMD zones, staff architectural review may approve removal without development.
    § 8.10.050 · code text
    It shall be a violation of this chapter for anyone to remove or cause to be removed a protected tree, except pursuant to a protected tree removal permit issued under Section 8.10.140 consistent with the following:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Palo Alto?

Palo Alto's code: Yes, a protected tree removal permit is required. (Applies to any protected tree; outside R-1, RE, R-2 or RMD zones, staff architectural review may approve removal without development.) (§ 8.10.050); Dead, diseased or broken branches may be pruned without the 7-day notice. (An exemption from the 7-day posted notice before pruning a protected tree.) (§ 8.10.070).

General information, not legal advice.

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Palo Alto Municipal Code — full text