Tree Protection in San Jose, CA (2026)
6 verified tree protection rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
San Jose has one of California's most comprehensive tree protection ordinances under SJMC Chapter 13.32. A Tree Removal Permit is required to remove any ordinance-size tree (circumference of 56 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground, or 38 inches for native species). Permits are issued by the City Arborist and require documented justification such as disease, hazard, or development necessity. Replacement planting is required for all approved removals.
San Jose Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 13.32 protects Heritage Trees (any tree formally designated by City Council for size, age, or historical value) and Ordinance-size trees (single-trunk 56-inch circumference, 18-inch DBH; multi-trunk 38-inch). Removal requires a tree removal permit, posting, and 2:1 replacement.
San Jose Heritage Tree & Ordinance Tree Protection
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
San Jose requires replacement planting for all approved tree removals under SJMC Chapter 13.32. The standard replacement ratio is at least 1:1 with a 15-gallon or larger tree for each ordinance-size tree removed. For Heritage Trees or multiple tree removals on development sites, higher replacement ratios of 2:1 or 3:1 may be required. When on-site replanting is not feasible, developers may pay into the City's Tree Replacement Fund at the appraised value per tree.
San Jose Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
SJMC Chapter 13.32 designates heritage trees including all native oaks, sycamores, and redwoods over 12 inches diameter at breast height. Removal requires a permit, arborist report, and replacement plan. Violations can trigger $10,000 fines per tree plus restitution, plus potential criminal misdemeanor charges.
San Jose Heritage Tree Ordinance Protects Native Oaks and Redwoods
Heavy RestrictionsParkway Planting
San Jose Public Works and Department of Transportation manage parkway-strip tree planting between sidewalks and curbs under SJMC Chapter 13.32 and Council Policy 7-12, requiring a Street Tree Planting Permit and use of approved species from the city's street tree list.
San Jose Parkway Strip Tree Planting Rules
Some RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
San Jose's Community Forest Management Plan and Urban Forest Master Plan, adopted under the Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan, set citywide canopy goals and prioritize tree planting in low-canopy, heat-vulnerable neighborhoods often correlated with historic redlining patterns.
San Jose Urban Forest Master Plan and Canopy Equity Goals
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Tree Protection in Santa Clara County →