Tree Protection in Fremont, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Fremont, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Fremont's city council can designate any tree a "landmark tree" by resolution, giving it special protection. A tree with a 54-inch trunk diameter and strong structure and appeal presumptively qualifies, and removal generally requires council authorization.
Fremont Landmark Tree Designation Rules
Significant RestrictionsFremont, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 18.215.130(a)(1)
Presumptive Qualification for Landmark Tree Designation. A tree meeting all of the following criteria presumptively qualifies for designation as a landmark tree: (A) DBH is 54 inches or greater; ... (E) Probability that the tree will survive more than five years from date of landmarking while retaining substantial aesthetic appeal is at least 50 percent.
Protected Tree Species
Fremont's tree preservation ordinance gives native species a lower protection threshold than other trees: an oak, redwood, buckeye, madrone, sycamore, big-leaf maple, red-bud or bay only needs a 10-inch trunk diameter to require a city permit before removal, versus 18 inches for other trees.
Fremont Native Tree Species Protection
Significant RestrictionsFremont, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 18.215.030; Sec. 18.215.050(a)(3)
"Native tree" means any of the following trees native to the San Francisco Bay area: oak, redwood, buckeye, madrone, sycamore, big-leaf maple, red-bud, and bay. ... A native tree or tree of exceptional adaptability to the Fremont area having a DBH of 10 inches or more.
Parkway Planting
Fremont requires a street tree permit or approved development plan before anyone plants a tree in the public right-of-way, and planting must follow city-adopted standard details using only city manager-approved species.
Fremont Street Tree Planting Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsFremont, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 12.30.040 (Planting - Permit and Standards)
12.30.040 Planting – Permit and standards. (a) A person may not plant a street tree except as authorized by a street tree permit or an approved development plan. (b) Planting of street trees must comply with the planting standards set forth in standard details adopted by the city council or as expressly authorized in writing by the city manager. (c) Only species approved in writing b...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fremont city rules.
Tree Protection in Alameda County →