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
26 cities
Data table
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
$0
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.
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.
Using an ordinance comparison tool helps homeowners evaluate tree work across different Bay Area jurisdictions. According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, compare key factors: protected species, size thresholds, pruning versus removal rules, permit fees, in-lieu replacement fees, and heritage tree determination processes. Most cities allow some pruning (8–15% crown removal) without permits, but thresholds vary. Some cities approve removal only for dead or diseased trees; others allow removal of living hazardous trees. In-lieu fees range from $3,000 to $8,000 per tree. Permit fees range from $50 to $500. By comparing ordinances, you identify the most favorable jurisdiction for property investment or understand requirements for existing property. When planning tree work, compliance with your specific city's ordinance prevents costly violations and replanting mandates.
Using an ordinance comparison tool helps homeowners evaluate tree work across different Bay Area jurisdictions effectively. According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, compare key factors: protected species, size thresholds, pruning versus removal rules, permit fees, in-lieu replacement fees, and heritage tree determination processes. Most cities allow some pruning (eight to fifteen percent crown removal) without permits, but thresholds vary. Some cities approve removal only for dead or diseased trees; others allow removal of living hazardous trees. In-lieu fees range from $3,000 to $8,000 per tree. Permit fees range from $50 to $500. By comparing ordinances, you identify favorable jurisdictions for property investment. When planning tree work, compliance with your specific city's ordinance prevents costly violations.
Bay Area tree protection ordinances vary dramatically by city, with thresholds ranging from 30 inches circumference (Piedmont) to 48 inches (Atherton, Hillsborough) and species-specific protections (San Francisco protects all native oaks at 8 inches diameter). According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, understanding these differences is critical when moving between jurisdictions or doing work across multiple cities. San Mateo County cities (Redwood City, San Mateo, Palo Alto) protect oaks and redwoods at 36–48 inches. Santa Clara Valley cities (San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos) protect oaks at varying thresholds. Oakland has heritage tree protection; Piedmont is extremely restrictive. San Francisco protects trees based on diameter (8+ inches) rather than circumference. Marin County cities also vary by jurisdiction. A comprehensive ordinance comparison helps homeowners understand where their property falls on the protection spectrum.
Using an ordinance comparison tool helps homeowners evaluate tree work across different Bay Area jurisdictions. According to Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, compare key factors: protected species, size thresholds, pruning versus removal rules, permit fees, in-lieu replacement fees, and heritage tree determination processes. Most cities allow some pruning (8–15% crown removal) without permits, but thresholds vary. Some cities approve removal only for dead or diseased trees; others allow removal of living hazardous trees. In-lieu fees range from $3,000 to $8,000 per tree. Permit fees range from $50 to $500. By comparing ordinances, you identify the most favorable jurisdiction for property investment or understand requirements for existing property. When planning tree work, compliance with your specific city's ordinance prevents costly violations and replanting mandates.
