How San Francisco Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

San Francisco maintains 203 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where San Francisco falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Urban Forest Equity

San Francisco has the lowest tree canopy of any major California city at roughly 14 percent. The 2014 Urban Forest Plan and 2017 StreetTreeSF program invest public funds to grow canopy, prioritizing low-canopy neighborhoods like Bayview, Visitacion Valley, and the Excelsior.

Key details: Canopy coverage: About 14%. Trees maintained by city: About 125,000. Plan adopted: 2014. Funding mechanism: Prop E (2016).

Removing a city-maintained tree without a permit triggers replacement and a fine of up to $2,500 plus appraised tree value (often $5,000+).

San Francisco is more permissive than most cities when it comes to urban forest equity. That said, there are still limits.

Tree Removal Permits

San Francisco's Urban Forestry Ordinance (Public Works Code Article 16) requires permits for the removal of street trees and significant trees on private property. The Bureau of Urban Forestry (BUF) within DPW reviews all tree removal requests.

Key details: Street Trees: Permit required from BUF for any removal. Private Trees: Permit for 12+ inch DBH. Replacement: Required at specified ratio. Code: Public Works Code Article 16. Penalty: Up to $10,000 per tree.

Removing a protected tree without a permit can result in fines up to $10,000 per tree and mandatory replacement planting at a higher ratio. Criminal prosecution is possible for willful violations.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Francisco actively enforces its tree removal permits requirements.

Tree Replacement Requirements

When tree removal is approved in San Francisco, replacement planting is typically required under the Urban Forestry Ordinance. Development projects must plant new street trees at a ratio specified by the Bureau of Urban Forestry, generally one or more replacement trees per tree removed.

Key details: Ratio: 1:1 or higher based on tree removed. New Construction: Street trees required per frontage. Species: Must use BUF-approved street tree list. Maintenance: Owner responsible during establishment. In-Lieu Fee: Available when on-site planting infeasible.

Failure to plant required replacement trees can result in withholding of certificates of occupancy, administrative penalties, and enforcement by BUF.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Francisco actively enforces its tree replacement requirements requirements.

Tree Ordinances

San Francisco has some of California's strictest tree protections under Public Works Code Article 16 (Section 806 et seq.). Removal or significant pruning of Street Trees, Significant Trees, and Landmark Trees requires a permit from the Bureau of Urban Forestry, with fines up to $2,487 per violation plus restitution.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [San Francisco code enforcement](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_publicworks/0-0-0-1) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Francisco actively enforces its tree ordinances requirements.

Heritage & Protected Trees

San Francisco protects Significant Trees and Landmark Trees on private property under Public Works Code Article 16. Significant Trees are 20+ inch DBH within 10 feet of public right-of-way. Landmark Trees are nominated through public hearing. Removal requires Public Works permit, public posting, and 30-day appeal window.

Key details: Significant Tree DBH: 20-inch DBH or larger. Landmark Tree: Public nomination + hearing required. Permit: SF Public Works tree removal permit. Posting: 30-day notice on the tree. Replacement: 1:1 minimum, larger species may require more.

Unauthorized removal or destruction of a Significant or Landmark Tree carries fines up to $1,750 per tree, plus the appraised value of the tree (frequently $5,000–$50,000). Failure to replant per the permit may double the penalty. Article 16 violations can also block adjacent building permits until remediation is complete.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Francisco actively enforces its heritage & protected trees requirements.

The Bottom Line

San Francisco is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in San Francisco, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on San Francisco's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.