Permit Application

• Download and print the City of Oakland, Public Works Agency Tree Removal Permit Application (pdf format).

Permit applications are taken at two locations:

• Zoning and Building Desk located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza.
• Tree Section located at 7101 Edgewater Drive.

Development Applications

Development is considered to be any activity regulated by the City of Oakland, and which requires design reviver or a zoning, building, grading or demolition permit. Development related applications are taken at the Zoning Desk.

Non-Development Applications

Non-Development is typically a homeowner wishing to remove a tree growing in the front or back yard. City owned trees are also subject to the permit process unless they are immediate hazard. Non-development applications are taken at either the Office of Parks and Recreation or the Tree Section.

Process

It takes a minimum of five weeks to process a permit application. The request may be approved or denied based on the criteria listed in the Protected Trees Ordinance. The tree(s) on the application are posted for twenty working days.

Once a permit is approved or denied, the permit is held for a five working day appeal period. If there are no appeals, the permit is issued. If a permit is appealed, the procedures and timeframes very depending on the type of permit application.

For a copy of the Protected Trees Ordinance, please contact the City Clerk at (510) 238-3611.

City Clerk
One City Hall Plaza
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 238-3611

Oakland Public Works Agency Tree Section
7101 Edgewater Drive
Building #4
Oakland, California 94621
(510) 615-5850

Zoning and Development
250 Frank Ogawa Plaza
2nd floor
Oakland, California 94612