Tree Protection in San Leandro, CA (2026)
6 verified tree protection rules for San Leandro, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
San Leandro requires an encroachment permit from Public Works to remove any street tree (city-owned trees in the parkway strip), but currently has no permit requirement for trees on private property.
Street Tree Removal Requires Encroachment Permit; No Permit for Private Trees
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
San Leandro has no adopted heritage tree ordinance protecting large or historic trees on private property. A draft 'Protected Tree' ordinance defining trees of 18" diameter or greater has been pending since 2014 but is not yet law.
No Adopted Heritage Tree Ordinance — Draft Pending Since 2014
Few RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
When the City removes a street tree, the adjacent property owner may request a free replacement; if no replacement is requested, the owner must pay the $210 Master Fee Schedule planting fee for a city-chosen replacement.
Street Tree Replacement Required; $210 Fee If Owner Declines
Some RestrictionsTree Ordinances
San Leandro regulates only trees located on public property and within the public right-of-way (street trees). Private-property trees are not regulated — there is no heritage tree ordinance currently in effect. Street tree rules are in SLMC Title 5 Chapter 5-2 and Administrative Code Chapter 12.
San Leandro Tree Ordinance Overview
Few RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
San Leandro has no local protected tree species list. State and federal protections still apply: nesting bird inspections are required before any tree work, and California Public Resources Code protections for native oaks remain in effect.
No Local Protected Species List — Migratory Bird & State Heritage Oak Laws Apply
Some RestrictionsParkway Planting
The parkway strip between curb and sidewalk is public right-of-way; all trees there are City property. Residents may plant a parkway tree only with Public Works Director approval using species from the approved list.
Parkway Strip Trees Owned by City; Planting Requires Director Approval
Some RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Leandro city rules.
Tree Protection in Alameda County →