Tree removal in San Benito County

Trees damaged by thunderstorms, windstorms, floods, earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters and determined to be dangerous by a peace officer, fireman, civil defense official or code enforcement officer in their official capacity.

Trees determined to be an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare, or to property, as determined in writing by the Director of Planning and Building Services or the Public Works Director or their designees.

Trees removed pursuant to a permit issued by a state or federal regulatory agency, including but not limited to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, such as when work is being performed in a waterway to prevent floodway restriction.

Trees whose removal is determined necessary by a certified arborist because the tree is diseased or has received insufficient water to the degree that it is reasonably unlikely that the tree can be fully restored to a condition of good health.

Trees which are removed as part of a development project that has been considered under CEQA, and (a) the project considered the removal of designated trees, or (b) the removal of trees is contained in a landscape plan submitted in compliance with a condition of approval for the approved project.

A tree removal permit is required to trench, grade or fill within the dripline of any tree or destroy, kill, remove, or seriously harm, any tree, as defined, on all property, public or private, in the R-1 and RM zones.

The Director may approve the removal of one tree per parcel every five years without making the findings set forth in division (E)(2), below, except for any “trees of special protection” as defined in this article.