Every tree on public and private property is an essential part of the City's urban forest, contributing significant economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits to our community. To retain as many trees as possible, a tree ordinance has been adopted to establish regulations for the protection of trees within the City. The following trees are considered Protected per Chapter 13.40 of the Municipal Code: 

1. Heritage Trees
   • Oak trees with a trunk diameter of 10 inches or more
   • Any other tree species with a trunk diameter of 15 inches or more.
2. Street Trees 
   • All trees growing within the public right-of-way.
3. Existing Trees/Major Vegetation 
   • Trees with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or more designated as protected as part of a Planning Application subject to Chapter 27.71.

A Tree Protection Plan (TPP) prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist must be submitted for review before obtaining any building permit when construction activities encroach on the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). Find more information in the Tree Protection Requirements tab below.

To remove protected trees in private property or perform Major Pruning, an approved permit is required (see requirements below). If a protected tree is to be removed as part of a construction project, the application for removal must be reviewed by the Community Development Department concurrently with the development permit application. 

All street tree pruning or removal requests shall have an application filed with the Parks and Recreation Department, Tree Division. For any questions regarding their process, please call (650) 522-7420.

Important Definitions

1. Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is the area surrounding a tree with a radius equal to 10 times the diameter of the trunk. 
2. Tree Protection Plan (TPP) means a written plan for the preservation of protected trees approved by the City Arborist in compliance with SMMC 13.40. A TPP is required whenever any construction activity is proposed within the TPZ of a Protected Tree. 
3. Construction Activity means any construction work associated with or requiring a building permit, including the necessary related activities like storing/staging of materials, site access, parking, placement of temporary structures, debris disposal, additional excavation, and landscaping.