Every Bay Area city handles tree protection differently. Some protect every tree over a certain size. Others only cover specific native species. Penalties for getting it wrong range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. This guide pulls together the key permit information from all 35 cities we cover so you can quickly find what applies to your property.
For an instant lookup, use our Permit Checker tool. To compare rules across cities, try the Ordinance Comparison tool.
Do You Need a Permit?
The short answer: probably. Nearly every Bay Area city has some form of tree protection ordinance. The question is whether your specific tree falls under it.
Most ordinances protect trees based on trunk diameter measured at 4.5 feet above ground level (sometimes called breast height). Common thresholds range from 10 inches to 18 inches in trunk diameter, depending on the city. Some cities measure circumference instead — if your ordinance says 48 inches circumference, that is roughly 15 inches in diameter.
To check whether your tree qualifies, wrap a tape measure around the trunk at 4.5 feet. Divide the circumference by 3.14 to get the diameter. Then compare to your city's threshold below or use the Permit Checker.
Protection Thresholds by City
Peninsula (San Mateo County)
| City | Protected Size | Key Details | Permit Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | 48" circumference | Heritage tree program, arborist report required | Guide |
| Belmont | Varies by species | Native trees protected at smaller sizes | Guide |
| Burlingame | 48" circumference | City arborist review required | Guide |
| Foster City | Varies | Planned community with landscape guidelines | Guide |
| Hillsborough | 40" circumference | Low threshold, strict enforcement | Guide |
| Menlo Park | 48" circumference | Heritage tree designation for large specimens | Guide |
| Redwood City | 48" circumference | Street tree program, native species emphasis | Guide |
| San Carlos | 48" circumference | Development triggers additional review | Guide |
| San Mateo | 48" circumference | Heritage trees get public hearing | Guide |
| Woodside | 48" circumference | Rural setting, significant oak protection | Guide |
South Bay (Santa Clara County)
| City | Protected Size | Key Details | Permit Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell | 38" circumference | Street and park trees have separate rules | Guide |
| Cupertino | 48" circumference | Protected tree list includes many species | Guide |
| Los Altos | 48" circumference | Heritage tree commission review | Guide |
| Los Gatos | All native oaks | Native oak protection regardless of size | Guide |
| Milpitas | 56" circumference | Higher threshold, fewer protected trees | Guide |
| Mountain View | 48" circumference | Heritage tree ordinance | Guide |
| Palo Alto | All trees 11.5" diam. | Strict — protects nearly all mature trees | Guide |
| San Jose | 56" circumference | Ordinance trees plus heritage trees | Guide |
| Santa Clara | 48" circumference | City tree program | Guide |
| Saratoga | All trees 10" diam. | Very strict — low threshold, high penalties | Guide |
| Sunnyvale | 48" circumference | Heritage tree designation available | Guide |
East Bay, Contra Costa, San Francisco & Marin
| City | Protected Size | Key Details | Permit Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley | Varies by species | Coast live oaks and other natives protected | Guide |
| Fremont | 48" circumference | Protected tree program | Guide |
| Hayward | Varies | Heritage tree program | Guide |
| Oakland | All protected trees | Broad protections, active enforcement | Guide |
| Piedmont | 8" trunk diameter | One of the strictest — very low threshold | Guide |
| Danville | Varies | Town ordinance protects significant trees | Guide |
| Lafayette | Varies | Tree protection with development triggers | Guide |
| Orinda | Varies | Native tree emphasis | Guide |
| Pleasant Hill | Varies | Significant tree ordinance | Guide |
| Walnut Creek | Varies | Tree preservation requirements | Guide |
| San Francisco | All street trees | DPW manages street trees, private tree rules vary | Guide |
| Mill Valley | Varies by species | Native trees and heritage designation | Guide |
| San Rafael | Varies | Tree protection in development and on public land | Guide |
| Tiburon | Varies | Scenic corridor protections | Guide |
How to Apply for a Tree Permit
The permit process is similar across most Bay Area cities, though the specific forms and fees differ:
- Measure your tree — Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above ground. If you have a multi-trunk tree, measure each trunk and add the diameters together.
- Check your city's rules — Use the tables above, our Permit Checker, or call your city's planning department. Find out if your tree is protected and what the application requires.
- Get an arborist report if required — Many cities require an assessment from an ISA Certified Arborist explaining why removal is justified. Budget $300 to $600 for this. See our arborist report guide.
- Submit the application — File with your city's planning or public works department. Include the arborist report, site plan showing the tree location, photos, and the required fee ($50 to $500).
- Wait for approval — Simple permits take 1 to 2 weeks. Heritage tree permits may require a public hearing and take 4 to 12 weeks.
- Complete replacement plantings — Many cities require you to plant one or more replacement trees. Some require a specific ratio (2:1 or 3:1) and may specify approved species.
Penalties for Unpermitted Removal
Removing a protected tree without a permit is one of the most expensive mistakes a Bay Area homeowner can make. Penalties vary by city but can include fines from $1,000 to $25,000 per tree, mandatory replacement plantings at a 3:1 or higher ratio, and in some cases, civil liability for the appraised value of the tree.
Cities like Palo Alto can fine up to three times the appraised value — for a mature heritage oak, that could exceed $50,000. Piedmont is also known for aggressive enforcement. Even in cities with lower official fine amounts, the combination of fines plus replacement costs plus potential legal fees makes unpermitted removal far more expensive than doing it right.
Use our Penalty Calculator to estimate potential fines in your city.
Commonly Protected Species
While every city has its own list, these species are protected in the majority of Bay Area ordinances:
- Coast live oak — Protected in nearly every Bay Area city. The most commonly cited species in local ordinances.
- Valley oak — Protected throughout the South Bay and parts of Contra Costa County.
- Coast redwood — Protected in most Peninsula and Marin cities. Often has extra heritage status.
- California bay laurel — Protected in several East Bay and Peninsula cities.
- Monterey cypress — Protected in some coastal cities, especially where windbreak function is valued.
- Monterey pine — Protected in some cities despite susceptibility to pitch canker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Bay Area?
In most Bay Area cities, yes. Nearly all 35 cities we cover protect trees above a certain trunk diameter. Some protect specific species regardless of size. Always check before cutting.
How do I find out if my tree is protected?
Measure the trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above ground and compare to your city's threshold. Use our Permit Checker for a quick lookup.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?
Fines range from $1,000 to $25,000+ per tree depending on the city. Some cities can fine up to three times the appraised tree value. You may also be required to plant replacements at your expense.
How long does it take to get a tree removal permit?
Simple permits take 1 to 2 weeks. Heritage tree permits may require a public hearing and can take 4 to 12 weeks. Plan ahead.
Do I need a permit to prune my tree?
Most cities don't require permits for routine pruning that stays within 25 percent of the crown. Some cities restrict pruning of heritage trees. Topping is prohibited in many ordinances.
What is a heritage tree?
A heritage tree receives extra legal protection due to its size, species, age, or significance. Definitions vary between cities — some define heritage status by trunk diameter, others by species.
Which Bay Area species are most commonly protected?
Coast live oak is protected in nearly every city. Valley oak, coast redwood, California bay laurel, and Monterey cypress are also commonly protected.
Can I remove a dead tree without a permit?
Some cities allow it, others don't. Either way, document the tree's condition with photos and an arborist assessment to protect yourself if questioned later.
Do I need an arborist report for a tree permit?
Many cities require an ISA Certified Arborist report for heritage or protected tree removals. Reports cost $300 to $600 for a single tree.
How do Bay Area tree ordinances compare?
Ordinances vary widely. Some cities like Piedmont have very low size thresholds, while others like Milpitas have higher thresholds that protect fewer trees. Use our Ordinance Comparison to compare them.
Where can I find my city's exact ordinance text?
Each of our 35 city pages links to the official ordinance text. You can also use our Ordinance Comparison tool to see key provisions side by side.
Related Resources
- Permit Checker Tool — Instant lookup for your city
- Ordinance Comparison Tool — Compare rules across cities
- Penalty Calculator — Estimate fines for unpermitted removal
- Heritage Tree Removal in California
- Strictest Tree Ordinances in the Bay Area
- Tree Removal Permit Guide
- Oakland vs Piedmont Tree Rules
- Palo Alto Dead Tree Permits
- San Francisco Tree Removal Permits