• You may apply for a Pruning Permit ($205) or a Tree Evaluation ($205) for up to five trees on your private property instead of paying the full Removal Permit fee ($698) upfront.

  If the Evaluation determines that tree removal is necessary, you will only pay the difference between the Tree Evaluation fee and the Removal Permit fee. In other words, your $205 payment will be credited toward the $698 Removal Permit, reducing the remaining balance due.

• Turnaround times for non-emergencies is 6 weeks. 

Tree Evaluation, Pruning or Removal Permit Application 

Licensed Tree Service Companies (The tree company performing the work must be licensed to do work in the City)

Tree Removal and Pruning Permits are required for:

• Pruning of limbs over 4 inches in diameter 
• Removal of oak, pine, cypress and redwood trees over 6 inches in diameter measured at 4.5 feet above ground level (diameter at breast height – DBH), including dead trees. 
• Removal of other tree species (not oak, pine, cypress or redwood) over 10 inches DBH, including dead trees. 
• Removal of trees over 2 inches DBH on vacant lots and properties with an active building permit. 
• (Note: Work on City-owned trees must be done by the City or its contractors)

Forest & Beach Commission Appeal Form

Tree Pruning Standards

Tree Species List for Replacement Trees

Affidavit of Owner Authorization

Submit paper copies to:

Public Works Department
Junipero 2 Northeast of 5th
P.O. Box CC
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Tel: (831) 620-2070
Email: forester@ci.carmel.ca.us

OR fill out:

Online Tree Permit Application*

*Note: We are currently revising the online application to match the new paper form. If submitting a Tree Evaluation request using the online application, be sure to mention it is for an Evaluation so the proper fee is applied.