City Beat
Tree Removal Permits
R
ecognizing the value that trees provide to our
community, Gilroy City Council recently approved
the Protected Tree Removal Ordinance, establishing a permit
process to regulate the removal of certain sizes and species of
native trees on private property in Gilroy.
Effective December 5, 2018, a permit is required for the
removal of a tree if the tree is 38 inches in circumference
or larger and one of the following species; all species of
Oaks, California Bay, Big Leaf Maple, Madrone, California
Sycamore, California Buckeye and Alder. In addi-
tion, any type of tree 90 inches in circumfer-
ence or larger also requires a tree removal
permit. If none of these conditions
apply, the tree can be removed
without a permit.
Permit applications for
tree removal are available
online at CityofGilroy.
org and at City Hall at
7351 Rosanna Street. As
part of the tree removal
permit application, the
applicant will be required
to submit a report from a
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certified arborist in addition to explaining the reason for the
removal request. Criteria allowing for the removal of a tree
protected under the ordinance include disease, threat to life
or property, damage to buildings or utilities, or limitation on
the use of the property. After submittal, the application will
be reviewed by the Planning Division to determine whether
to grant the request. Approval of a request will include the
requirement for planting of two replacement trees of the
same species as the tree that was removed.
Penalties for violation of the ordinance
range from issuance of an administra-
tive citation with a fine of up to
$200 or a court-ordered fine of up
to $5,000.00 per violation.
For additional information
or to download a Tree
Removal Permit
application, please visit
CityofGilroy.org or
call 408-846-0451 to
speak with one our
city planners.
april/may 2019
gmhtoday.com