Which Bay Area city has the strictest tree protection?

Campbell has the lowest effective threshold at roughly 6 inches diameter measured at 24 inches above ground, meaning most trees over 10 years old are protected. Mountain View protects heritage species (oak, redwood, cedar) at just 4 inches diameter. Saratoga has the harshest penalties at 3 times the appraised tree value.

Which Bay Area city has the most lenient tree ordinance?

Milpitas and Sunnyvale tie for the highest general threshold at 18 inches diameter. Redwood City has the mildest penalty structure with a flat 500 dollar fine per tree. However, all cities protect street trees regardless of size.

Do all Bay Area cities require tree removal permits?

Every Bay Area city covered in this comparison protects trees above a certain size threshold and requires permits for removal. Thresholds range from roughly 4 inches to 18 inches in diameter depending on the city and species. Street trees are universally protected regardless of size.

Verified February 2026

25 Cities.
21 Different Rules.

Same tree, different city, wildly different consequences. Sort by any column. Pin cities to compare.

~4″–18″

Threshold Range

$0–$300

Permit Fees

$500–3×

Penalty Spread

25 Cities

Key Insights

Strictest Threshold

~4″

Oakland protects oaks at just 4″ DBH — the strictest in the Bay Area. Mountain View is next at 12″ circumference for heritage species. Campbell catches trees at ~6″ measured 24″ above ground.

Harshest Penalty

$1M

Oakland fines up to $1,000,000 for protected tree violations — by far the most severe in the region. Saratoga and Sunnyvale charge 3× appraised value.

Mildest Penalty

Piedmont has no tree removal ordinance for private property — no permit needed, no penalties. Redwood City’s flat $500 fine is the mildest among cities that do regulate.

Priciest Permit

$300

Saratoga and Los Altos tie. Still a fraction of the penalty for skipping it — Saratoga’s 3× multiplier dwarfs $300.

Measurement Quirks

24″ · 48″ · 54″

Campbell at 24″, Los Altos at 48″, Redwood City at the thickest point 6–36″. Everyone else uses the 54″ standard.

Universal Rule

Street Trees

Every city protects all street trees regardless of size. The tree between your sidewalk and curb belongs to the city. Don’t touch it.

Not sure about your tree? I’ve worked with most of these cities’ permitting staff directly.

(415) 881-0124 Get Free Quotes

✓ Permit Checker $ Penalty Calculator ✎ Cost Estimator ☘ Species Guide

Data reflects ordinances as of February 2026, sourced from municipal codes and verified with city staff. Ordinances change — always confirm with your city before scheduling work. Some cities have additional protections for development projects, hillside zones, or individually designated heritage trees not captured in a threshold number. Consult an arborist when in doubt.

Michael Schuck — ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A
Data verified against 21 municipal codes • Methodology Privacy

25 Cities. 21 Different Rules.

25 Cities.
21 Different Rules.