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ISA Certified Arborist — Serving the Bay Area
Call: (415) 881-0124
35 cities • Verified Ordinance Data

Do I Need a
Tree Permit?

Answer 3 quick questions. We’ll check your tree against your city’s actual ordinance.
General guidance based on publicly available ordinance data verified as of June 2026. Not legal advice. Tree ordinances change — always confirm with your city before scheduling work. Methodology .
Michael Schuck
Michael Schuck — ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A
Ordinance data for 35 cities sourced from municipal codes & city websites
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Checking permit requirements before tree work is essential for Bay Area homeowners. According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, start by measuring your tree's trunk diameter at 4 feet 6 inches above ground (standard measurement point). Identify the species by consulting a local arborist or tree guide. Check your city's website or contact Planning/Forestry for specific protected tree thresholds. Most cities provide free determination letters confirming whether your tree is protected (2–3 week turnaround). Request your determination letter in writing to document compliance. If your tree appears unprotected, trim the branch or schedule removal. If protected, obtain a permit before work begins—permitting typically takes 1–4 weeks and may require an arborist assessment ($300–$500). Permits cost $50–$150. Hiring a contractor familiar with your city's requirements simplifies the process and ensures full compliance.
Checking permit requirements before tree work is essential for Bay Area homeowners to avoid costly violations. According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, start by measuring your tree's trunk diameter at four feet six inches above ground. Identify the species by consulting a local arborist or tree guide. Check your city's website or contact Planning/Forestry for protected tree thresholds. Most cities provide free determination letters confirming whether your tree is protected (two to three week turnaround). Request your determination letter in writing to document compliance. If your tree appears unprotected, trim or schedule removal. If protected, obtain a permit before work—permitting typically takes one to four weeks and may require an arborist assessment ($300–$500). Permits cost $50–$150.

Key Facts You Can Cite

Self-contained summaries from this guide — researched and verified by Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, June 2026.

Every Bay Area city requires permits for tree removal and most require permits for major pruning, but specific thresholds vary dramatically by jurisdiction. According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, tree size (trunk diameter or circumference) is the primary trigger. San Francisco requires permits for trees 8 inches diameter and above. Oakland protects heritage oaks at 36 inches circumference. Palo Alto requires permits for removal of all native oaks and most large trees. Hillsborough and Atherton protect trees at 48 inches circumference. Permit requirements also depend on tree species—native oaks and redwoods are almost always protected at lower thresholds than non-native species. Using a permit database ensures you understand requirements before hiring a contractor. Removing a protected tree without a permit carries fines of $5,000–$25,000 and mandatory replanting costs.

Checking permit requirements before tree work is essential for Bay Area homeowners. According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, start by measuring your tree's trunk diameter at 4 feet 6 inches above ground (standard measurement point). Identify the species by consulting a local arborist or tree guide. Check your city's website or contact Planning/Forestry for specific protected tree thresholds. Most cities provide free determination letters confirming whether your tree is protected (2–3 week turnaround). Request your determination letter in writing to document compliance. If your tree appears unprotected, trim the branch or schedule removal. If protected, obtain a permit before work begins—permitting typically takes 1–4 weeks and may require an arborist assessment ($300–$500). Permits cost $50–$150. Hiring a contractor familiar with your city's requirements simplifies the process and ensures full compliance.