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Obtain a Street Tree Work Permit

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Use this application process to request a permit to perform work on a City street tree (per Municipal Code 13.16.060 Permits required).

Notice: To request a permit you must be the property owner of the house adjacent to the tree.

Note: You may prune low-growing branches or brush on street trees without a tree work permit if:

  • You use non-powered hand tools
  • You do not use ladders or any climbing equipment and are standing on the ground
  • Branches are less than 1" in diameter

  • Make sure the tree qualifies

    You can request a permit to remove, prune or service a tree that is:

    • In the City right-of-way (the grassy area between the sidewalk and street) adjacent to your house

    Note that the City will not be performing the work. You are responsible for locating public utility lines and hiring a contractor to perform the work if the permit is approved.

  • Allow time for the review process

    Allow at least 14 business days for us to review and process your submitted application. Time may be extended during inclement weather as we respond to damaged or downed tree issues.

  • Gather your information

    Homeowner

    • You must provide proof of liability and property damage insurance.

    Contractor

    Your contractor must:

    • Be a certified International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist. Submit ISA license number with application. Find a list of local ISA-certified arborists.
    • Submit a current Sunnyvale Business License. Apply for or verify a license.
    • Submit proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance, Property Damage insurance and Liability insurance in the amount of at least $1 million.
    • Have a state of California Contractors License for tree work. Acceptable licenses include D-49 or a C27 Landscape license.
    • Have a Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to apply any type of spray or soil injection to a street tree.

  • Complete the online application

    APPLY FOR STREET TREE WORK PERMIT

  • We'll review your application and contact you

    We’ll review your application and required documents, and confirm ownership of the property and tree. The City Arborist will contact you (owner*) to inspect the site and work to be done.

    Following the City Arborist’s approval, you will receive a draft permit for your signature. You must provide us with three business days’ notice in advance of the start of work. Your contractor must be on-site for the appointment. Note: The City Arborist makes the final decision on all street tree removal requests.

    Once work is finished, the City Arborist will return to review and sign off on its completion.

    *Or for a commercial property, the property manager or contractor.