Street Trees, trees resting on the public right-of-way, may not be removed without a valid street tree removal permit. If a homeowner wishes to have a street tree removed, they may apply to the City.

1. Fill out the application.

2. Mail or bring the application with the fee to City Hall, Finance Department.

3. The application will be considered as an agenda item of the Parks Recreation and Open Space Commission at a public meeting. Tree removals applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

4. Applications for tree removal will only be considered if they meet one or more of the tree removal criteria as listed in the Tree Removal Policy.

5. Public notice of the Commission meeting shall include notification as outlined in Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the City Tree Removal Policy and Application.

6. If approved, a replacement tree will be required, and a Street Tree Planting Application will need to be submitted.

Trees may pose a high risk or may be at risk of imminent failure. Trees may also be dead. These cases are assessed by city staff and acted on immediately when public safety is a concern. The public may bring such emergencies to the attention of city staff, but city staff will decide if the tree requires an emergency response. Removals are acted on only by city staff.

Trees approved for removal will be removed by city staff or a city-contracted tree care service. Stumps will be ground out to prepare the location for replanting. Lateral roots will not be removed but will be left to decay in the soil. In certain circumstances, a property may request, or be required to perform the removal themselves.

Any tree that is removed, for whatever reason, will need to be replaced in the original tree's location, or another suitable nearby location as approved by the Urban Forester, as per the City Tree Removal Policy.

Appealing the Commission's Decision 

Any applicant or party with standing may appeal a decision by the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission regarding Street tree removal.
A written appeal must be filed within 15 calendar days of the
Commission decision.

Appeals of Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission decisions are filed with the City Clerk by submitting the PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE APPEAL—CITY TREE REMOVAL form along with the current fee for the appeal.

Appeals of the decision by the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission shall be heard before the City Council at their earliest possible regularly scheduled meeting.

Public notice of the City Council meeting shall include the same notification as outlined in Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the CITY TREE REMOVAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES.

After considering public testimony and the findings of the Urban Forester and the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission, the City Council shall determine if the City Tree Removal Permit will be approved or denied. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

DO NOT TOP TREES!