Oak Woodland Tree Removal Request

The Department of Planning & Building issues oak woodland removal permits in accordance with county regulations. Anyone wishing to remove oak woodland on their property should first read through this webpage, and contact department staff if help is needed to determine what regulations apply to their property.

What is the process?

Step 1: Complete an Oak Woodland Tree Removal Form

Complete an Oak Woodland Tree Removal Form.

 

FAQs can be found at the end of this page.

Step 2: Site Plan

Provide a Site Plan that shows:

  • Acreage of oak woodland onsite, and
  • Acreage of oak woodland to be removed 

Step 3: Apply Online

Please apply for a oak woodland tree removal request through the online service PermitSLO.

  1. To apply online, click here and find Tree Oak Woodland Tree Removal Request
  2. Click Apply
  3. Login by providing your email address and clicking "Next", or "Create an account", if you are a new user.
  4. Follow the step-by-step instructions.
  5. Upload the required completed Oak Woodland Tree Removal Form and Site Plan before clicking Submit.



***Digital Copies are now required with submission***

Planning staff will look over the application submittal package and may contact the primary contact with any questions. 

Step 4: Pay Invoice

Planning staff will email the billing contact an invoice. Pay invoice here*.

Once the invoice is paid, the project review timeline will begin.

Please note for all Planning and Building applications, after 15 days of non-payment of invoice, the application will be voided and resubmittal will be required.

 

Step 5: Review by Planning Staff

Planning staff reviews the application for consistency with the oak woodland ordinance.

Step 6: Reach Decision

Planning staff will contact applicant when decision is met.

Is there a charge for this service?

Please refer to the Department of Planning & Building Fee Schedule for application fees.

 

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM


976 Osos Street Room 200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5600

Fax: (805) 781-1242

Permits/Inspections: (805) 788-6602

FAQS

All Sites within the unincorporated inland portions of the County, outside of Urban or Village areas.

  • A grouping of trees, where the dominant species is oak, over 1 acre in a contiguous pattern and distinguishable as a unit, including Stands within 500 feet of the woodland.
  • Dominant trees are: Blue oak (Quercus douglasii), Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), Interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), Valley oak (Quercus lobata), and California black oak (Quercus kelloggii)

Clear-cutting means the removal of contiguous trees that occupy an area of one acre or more within an Oak Woodland from a Site or portion of a Site for any reason, including the harvesting of wood, or to enable the conversion of land to other land uses.

Clear-cutting (removal of 1+ acres) of Oak Woodlands on slopes of 30% or greater on any site.

Oak Woodland Management Plans, preemption and emergency, residential development, conservation easement, public utility work, establishing a fence line, and creating a fire break.

  • Yes, Minor Use Permit approval is required to remove 1-3 acres over a 10 yearperiod.
  • Conditional Use Permit Approval is required to remove more than 3 acres over a 10 year period.

Individual oak species of 48 inches dbh or greater, separated from all Stands and Oak Woodlands by at least 500 feet. Minor Use Permit approval is required for removal.

  • Prepared by a qualified individual to allow clear-cutting of Oak Woodland. (See Section 22.58.060 of the ordinance)
  • Clear-cutting cannot exceed 5% of the Site’s total Oak Woodland Canopy over the established time period