Tree Protection in Alameda, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Alameda, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In Alameda, a tree can become a protected Historical Monument in its own right: the Municipal Code defines a Historical Monument to include "significant trees or other plant life," and once the Historical Advisory Board designates one, it cannot be removed or altered without the Board's certificate of approval.
Alameda Heritage Tree Designation Rules
Significant RestrictionsAlameda, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 13-21.2 (Definitions); Sec. 13-21.5(a) (Procedure for Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments)
Historical Monument shall mean any site, including significant trees or other plant life located thereon, building, structure, portion of a structure, or group of structures of particular historic significance to the City... ... No building, structure, group of structures, or site, including trees or plantings, that has been designated a Historical Monument shall be demolished, removed or alter...
Protected Tree Species
Alameda automatically protects three specific tree categories citywide: the palm trees on Burbank Street and Portola Avenue, any street tree on Thompson and Central Avenues, and any Coastal Live Oak ten inches or more in diameter, and none can be removed without a Historical Advisory Board certificate of approval.
Alameda Protected Tree Species List
Significant RestrictionsAlameda, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 13-21.7(c) (Historical Preservation, Interim Review, Protected Trees)
No protected tree shall be removed without the approval of a certificate of approval from the Historical Advisory Board. Protected trees shall include: the palm trees in the public right of way on Burbank Street and Portola Avenue; any street tree on Thompson and Central Avenues; and any Coastal Live Oak (quercus agrifolia) with a ten (10″) inch or greater diameter measured four and one-half (4...
Parkway Planting
New subdivisions in Alameda must include street and walkway tree planting and landscaping as one of the required improvements listed in Section 30-86.2, alongside curbs, gutters, sidewalks, storm drains and street lighting. The City can add improvements it deems necessary or waive listed items that plainly don't apply to a particular land division.
Alameda Subdivision Street Tree Planting Rule
Some RestrictionsAlameda, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 30-86.2(a)(10) (Required Improvements)
a.The required improvements may include:1.Land grading and improvement.2.Street, alley and walkway grading and paving.3.Bikeways and Trails.4.Curbs, gutters, sidewalks, monuments and landscaping.5.Fencing barriers, header boards and warning devices.6.Sanitary sewers, storm drains and appurtenances.7.Street lighting systems.8.Fire hydrants and fire alarm system.9.All public utility systems.10.St...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Alameda city rules.
Tree Protection in Alameda County →