Street Tree Permits

The City of San Mateo regulates specific tree work including all work performed on trees located in the public right of way (Street Trees) and the removal and pruning of Heritage Trees on private property.

It is important to know if your planned tree work will require a Street Tree Work Permit from the Department of Parks & Recreation. It is unlawful to perform the following types of tree work without a City-issued permit:

  • Removal of a Street Tree
  • Pruning any amount of a Street Tree
  • Removing or pruning any roots or foliage of any Street Tree

Before filling out an application, it is important to identify what type of tree(s) you are working with.

  • Heritage Trees
    • Oak trees with a trunk diameter of 10 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet (54 inches) above ground level.
    • Any other tree species with a trunk diameter of 15 inches or more, measured at 4.5 feet (54 inches)
       above ground level.
  • Street Trees 
    • All trees growing within the public right-of-way.

If you are planning to remove or prune a tree in on private property, contact the Community Development Department's, Tree Division for more information

The instructions below will guide you through the Street Tree permit process for .

Permit Application Process

Please read the following instructions carefully to avoid any improper use and/or fines:

  • For Street Tree work, fill out a Street Tree Work Application. Submitting photos with the application will help expedite the process.  
  • If you are requesting a pruning permit, you must submit pruning specifications with the application. See our Tree Pruning Specification Guidelines for more information.  
  • Submit the application to the Parks Department any of these ways:
Email: treepermits@cityofsanmateo.org
Mail/Drop Off: City of San Mateo – Trees Division
                        330 W 20th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
Step 2: Review
  • The Managing Arborist will inspect the applicant's site to confirm if the permit request can be granted.
  • If further information is needed, you will be notified in writing. Your application will remain on-hold until the information requested is provided.  
  • If the application is denied, you will be notified in writing.
Step 3: Notification Letters
Pruning Applications:
  • If your pruning application is approved, your permit will be ready for issuance. Abutting properties need not be notified.
Removal Applications:
  • If your removal application is approved, all property owners and occupants abutting the applicant's property will be notified by the City in writing of the proposed removal. There will be a ten-day waiting period to allow for appeals. 
  • If an appeal is received, you will be notified by the Managing Arborist.
  • If an appeal is not received during the ten-day waiting period, you will receive an email alerting you that your permit is ready for issuance.
Step 4: Permit Issued
  • You will receive an email with payment instructions.
  • Fees include: 
    • $503- $824 refundable tree replant deposit for all removal permits
  • Once payment is received, the permit will be emailed to the applicant within 1-2 business days.
The permit process takes several weeks so you must plan ahead!

Related Documents

  1. Street Tree Work Application Revised 10.2025
  2. Protected Trees Administrative Guidelines
  3. Tree Appeal Form