Tree removal in San Luis Obispo County: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the San Luis Obispo County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Luis Obispo County's code says

San Luis Obispo County code What San Luis Obispo County's code adds
Exemptions	No tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to trees approved for removal in a land use permit or subdivision improvement drawings. Tree removal standards still apply. § 23.05.062 · code text A tree removal permit is not required for the removal of trees that are: (1) Identified and approved for removal in an approved land use permit or approved subdivision improvement drawings, provided that such removal is subject to the standards of Section 23.05.064 (Tree Removal Standards); No tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to a tree a county inspection finds an immediate danger to health or property, if allowed by Planning Director letter. § 23.05.062 · code text In a hazardous condition which presents an immediate danger to health or property as determined by a county inspection, provided that such removal is allowed by letter of the Planning Director and subject to the standards of Section 23.05.064 (Tree Removal Standards); No tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to trees with trunks less than 8 inches in diameter at 4 feet above grade. § 23.05.062 · code text With trunks measuring less than eight inches in diameter at four feet above grade; No zoning clearance is required. Applies: Applies to trees inside urban or village reserve lines, in residential land use categories on sites with residential uses. § 22.56.020 · code text Located within residential land use categories on sites developed with residential uses; No zoning clearance is required. Applies: Applies to trees inside urban or village reserve lines that are an immediate danger to health or property. § 22.56.020 · code text In a hazardous condition which presents an immediate danger to health or property;
Permit to remove	Yes. A zoning clearance is needed before removing or replacing a tree. Applies: Applies inside urban or village reserve lines or other named planning areas, unless an exception applies. § 22.56.020 · code text No person shall allow or cause the removal of any tree located within urban or village reserve lines, or other specific areas identified in the planning area standards (Article 9) as being subject to these standards, without first obtaining a tree removal permit, as follows. Plot Plan approval required unless exempt (e.g., trunks under 8 inches at 4 feet); some need a Minor Use Permit. Applies: Minor Use Permit for riparian trees near coastal streams or wetlands, sensitive or appealable areas, removal without development, or over 6,000 square feet canopy. § 23.05.062 · code text Plot Plan approval (Section 23.02.030), is required before the removal or replacement of any existing trees except for tree removal under circumstances that are exempt from tree removal permit requirements pursuant to subsection b. of this section
Replacement trees	A replacement tree is required. Applies: Applies to trees removed for new development or as a safety hazard. Replant on the site with a common local species the Planning Director approves. § 23.05.064 · code text Any tree removed to accommodate new development or because it is a safety hazard shall be replaced, in a location on the site and with a species common to the community, as approved by the Planning Director. The replacement tree must give equal or better shade, screening, solar efficiency or visual amenity within 10 years. Applies: Applies when removal is approved because the tree will be replaced. A landscape architect, landscaping contractor or certified nurseryman verifies in writing. § 23.05.064 · code text To be replaced by a tree that will provide equal or better shade, screening, solar efficiency or visual amenity within a 10-year period, as verified in writing by a registered landscape architect, licensed landscaping contractor or certified nurseryman.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Luis Obispo County?

San Luis Obispo County's code: Yes. A zoning clearance is needed before removing or replacing a tree. (Applies inside urban or village reserve lines or other named planning areas, unless an exception applies.) (§ 22.56.020); A replacement tree is required. (Applies to trees removed for new development or as a safety hazard. Replant on the site with a common local species the Planning Director approves.) (§ 23.05.064).

Tree removal in San Luis Obispo County

What San Luis Obispo County's code says

Who this affects

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