Tree Ordinances: Berkeley vs Oakland
How do tree ordinances rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
No data available yet for Berkeley.
Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 12.36 (Protected Tree Ordinance) protects all coast live oaks 4+ inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and all other trees 9+ inches DBH on private property, plus every tree in the public right-of-way. A Tree Removal Permit from the Tree Services Division is required to remove, top, or severely prune a protected tree, with replacement planting typically required. Penalties for unpermitted removal can reach thousands of dollars per tree.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
No FAQs available.
Oakland FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree on my property?
If the tree meets the protected size thresholds, yes — you still need a Tree Removal Permit, though permits for dead or clearly hazardous trees are routinely approved with minimal delay when supported by an arborist report.
Are eucalyptus trees protected in Oakland?
Generally no. Eucalyptus, acacia, and certain other species are exempt from protection because they are considered invasive and/or wildfire hazards. Removal may still require other approvals in the VHFHSZ or on development sites.
What if my neighbor's oak is damaging my foundation?
The neighbor must still obtain a permit. You can trim branches overhanging your property up to the property line under California law, but not in a way that damages or kills the tree — and only non-protected pruning that does not exceed canopy removal thresholds.
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