Definition
A “Heritage Tree” is defined as any tree with the following characteristics:
- A tree trunk with a circumference of forty-eight inches (48") or more measured at fifty-four inches (54") above natural grade. Multi-trunk trees are measured just below the first major trunk fork; or
- Three species of trees: Quercus (oak), Sequoia (redwood) or Cedrus (cedar) with a circumference of twelve inches (12") measured at fifty-four inches (54") above natural grade; or
- A grove(s) of trees designated as “heritage” by the City Council.
For the complete Heritage Tree Ordinance, see Chapter 32 (Urban Forestry) of the City Code.
Heritage Tree Removal(s)
Any heritage tree(s) proposed for removal require(s) a permit either by the Parks Division or Planning Division, depending on the type of property and scope of work:
Single-Family Homes
For heritage tree removals located at a single-family home in the R1, R2 or R3 zoning district, please contact the Forestry Division at 650-903-6273 or visit the Forestry Divisions application to apply for a Heritage Tree Removal permit.
All Other Properties
For heritage tree removals proposed at any of the following listed property types, please see instructions below to identify which City Department you will need to submit an application to based on the scope of work:
- A multi-unit residential development with or without a Home Owners Association (HOA), such as a small-lot single-family home, townhome, rowhome, condominium, or apartment;
- Any property within a Precise Plan area or a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with or without an HOA. Visit Zoning to look up the zoning of a property by address in the interactive map; or
- Any commercial or industrial properties.
Three (3) or Fewer Heritage Tree Removals
If the scope of work includes removal of up to three (3) Heritage trees only, with no other building or site construction activity, then please contact the Forestry Division at 650-903-6273 or visit the Forestry Divisions Heritage Tree application to apply for a Heritage Tree Removal Permit.
Four (4) or More Heritage Tree Removals or Any Number of Heritage Tree Removals with a Development Permit
If the scope of work includes removal of four (4) or more Heritage trees, then a development permit and Heritage Tree Removal Permit are required from the Planning Division. Additionally, if any number of Heritage trees are proposed to be removed in combination with any building or site construction activity that is subject to development permit from the Planning Division, then permits are required from the Planning Division, including a Heritage Tree Removal Permit. If a Heritage Tree Removal Permit is required from the Planning Division, then an Administrative Zoning public hearing is required and no trees can be removed until after the permit has been approved and the 10-day appeal period has ended. Please contact the Planning Division for questions at 650-903-6306 or planning.division@mountainview.gov.
Application for Removal
Forestry Division's Heritage Tree Removal Applications: For tree removals at a single-family home property or all other properties with up to three (3) heritage tree removals (and no other site or building construction work), please submit a Heritage Tree application at 231 N. Whisman Road, Mountain View (City's Municipal Operations Center), contact by phone at 650-903-6273, or email at parks@mountainview.gov.
Planning Division's Heritage Tree Removal Applications: For tree removals of four (4) or more at all other properties and tree removals proposed in combination with other site or building construction, please submit the following application materials electronically to the Planning Division online:
- A completed application form
- An arborist report (with photos) of all trees proposed for removal, their current health, reason for removal, and suggested tree replacement species and locations on site. This report must be prepared by a certified arborist;
- A site plan, showing all trees proposed for removal, and a replanting plan, showing all new trees to be planted; and
- A fee per the adopted Planning fee schedule.
For questions, contact the Planning Division by email planning.division@mountainview.gov or by phone at 650-903-6306.