• You can apply for a Tree Evaluation ($250) for up to 5 trees on your private property instead of paying the full fee for a Pruning Permit ($250) or Removal Permit ($1,631).

  If the evaluation indicates that the tree(s) need pruning or removal, your $250 evaluation fee will be applied toward the cost of the required permit (i.e. your $250 payment is automatically applied toward the cost of the Pruning or Removal permit).

• Turnaround times for non-emergencies is 6 weeks. 
• If your tree is dead, the Removal Permit fee is $250.
• There is a single form for all of these requests.
• The current turnaround time for non-emergency requests is 6 to 8 weeks.

Tree Evaluation, Pruning or Removal Permit Application 

Tree Removal and Pruning Permits are required for:

• Pruning of limbs over 4 inches in diameter 
• Cutting of roots over 2 inches in diameter
• Removal of oak, pine, cypress and redwood trees greater or equal to 4 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.