Carmel-by-the-Sea Tree Permits: Rules, Fees & Timing
Carmel-by-the-Sea tree permits: what needs a permit, what it costs, and how long it takes
Carmel-by-the-Sea protects its urban forest on private lots as well as public land. Before you prune a big limb, cut roots, or take a tree down, check the city’s rules. Here they are in plain language, from the city’s own tree permit page.
The short version: In Carmel-by-the-Sea you need a city permit to prune limbs over 4 inches in diameter, cut roots over 2 inches, or remove an oak, pine, cypress, or redwood 4 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground, including dead trees. Other species need a permit above 10 inches. A tree evaluation costs $250 for up to five trees and is credited toward a pruning ($250) or removal ($1,631) permit. The city lists non-emergency turnaround as 6 to 8 weeks.
Protected species
Oak, pine, cypress, redwood at 4.5 ft high.
Tree evaluation
Up to 5 trees; credited to a permit.
Removal permit
$250 if the tree is dead.
Turnaround
Non-emergency requests, per the city.
When you need a tree permit
From the city’s Tree Evaluation, Removal & Pruning Permits page. Diameter is measured at 4.5 feet above ground (diameter at breast height, or DBH).
Pruning
Pruning any limb over 4 inches in diameter.
Roots
Cutting any root over 2 inches in diameter.
Oak, pine, cypress, redwood
Removing one that is 4 inches DBH or more, including dead trees.
Other species
Removing one over 10 inches DBH, including dead trees.
Vacant lots and active permits
Removing any tree over 2 inches DBH on a vacant lot or a property with an active building permit.
City-owned trees
Work on City-owned trees must be done by the City or its contractors.
The city manages over 13,000 trees on public property through its Forest, Parks & Beach division, and keeps an online tree inventory.
What it costs and how long it takes
Fees as posted by the city, checked Oct 29, 2026.
Tree evaluation
$250 for up to five trees on your property. If the evaluation finds a tree needs pruning or removal, the $250 is applied toward that permit.
Pruning permit
$250.
Removal permit
$1,631 for a living tree. If the tree is dead, the removal permit is $250.
The city’s page gives non-emergency turnaround as 6 weeks in one place and 6 to 8 weeks in another. Plan on the longer figure.
Applying, step by step
One form covers evaluations, pruning, and removal.
1. Fill out the form
Use the city’s Tree Evaluation, Pruning or Removal Permit Application, on paper or online. If you use the online form for an evaluation, say so, so the right fee is applied.
2. Owner authorization
If someone other than the owner applies, the city provides an Affidavit of Owner Authorization.
3. Submit
Paper copies go to Public Works, Junipero 2 Northeast of 5th, P.O. Box CC, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921. Phone (831) 620-2070, email [email protected].
4. Hire a listed company
The city publishes a list of licensed tree service companies and its tree pruning standards.
5. Replacement trees
The city publishes a species list for replacement trees.
6. Appeals
A Forest & Beach Commission appeal form is available on the same page.
Why trees matter when you buy
Trees shape what you can build and what a lot will look like for years.
Remodels and new homes
Once a building permit is active, removing any tree over 2 inches DBH needs a permit. Plan tree questions into the design schedule. See the building permits guide.
Views and light
Protected trees on your lot or a neighbor’s can limit view and sun plans. Ask early.
Historic homes
Older homes may also need a historic evaluation before exterior work. See historic home rules.
Forest planning underway
The city is working on a new Carmel Forest Management Plan, with an administrative draft posted February 6, 2026. Rules can change, so check the city page before you act.
Buying in Carmel-by-the-Sea with plans to build?
I’ll help you spot tree, historic, and permit questions on a home before you’re committed.
I represented the buyers of San Antonio 2 SW of 10th ($7M) and Lincoln 3 NE of 5th ($4.4M), and both sides of Torres 2 SE of 10th ($5.54M).
Carmel-by-the-Sea homesGolden RectangleNortheast Carmel
Ask about a specific home
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Thresholds, fees, and contacts are from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea tree permit page (posted February 5, 2025) and Forest, Parks & Beach page, checked Oct 29, 2026.
- The city’s planning FAQ and tree permit page have given different tree thresholds in the past; this page follows the tree permit page. Confirm with the City Forester.
- Fees and rules change; the Forest Management Plan update may change them.
- General information, not legal or arborist advice.
Carmel-by-the-Sea trees: quick questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Yes for an oak, pine, cypress, or redwood 4 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground, and for other species over 10 inches, including dead trees. On vacant lots or properties with an active building permit, any tree over 2 inches needs a permit.
How much is a tree removal permit in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
$1,631 for a living tree and $250 for a dead tree. A $250 evaluation for up to five trees is credited toward the permit.
Do I need a permit to prune a tree in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Yes to prune limbs over 4 inches in diameter or cut roots over 2 inches. A pruning permit is $250.
How long does a Carmel-by-the-Sea tree permit take?
The city lists non-emergency turnaround as 6 to 8 weeks.
Who do I contact about trees in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Public Works, Forest, Parks & Beach: (831) 620-2070 or [email protected].
Can I trim a city tree in front of my house?
No. Work on City-owned trees must be done by the City or its contractors.
Updated October 2026 · Facts checked Oct 29, 2026 against the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea tree permit page
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