Tree Removal Permits: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley protects most public trees and significant private trees over specific size thresholds, requiring a permit from Public Works or Parks before removal and replacement planting in many cases.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
No permit is required to remove a tree on private property in San Leandro. Only street trees (those in the public right-of-way) require a City permit under SLMC Title 5 Chapter 5-2 and Administrative Code Chapter 12.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Code | BMC 12.44, 12.45 | - |
| Public trees | All require permit | - |
| Replacement | Typically 1:1 or greater | - |
| Emergency window | Report within 72 hours | - |
| Lead agency | Public Works Forestry | - |
| Code Section | - | SLMC Title 5 Chapter 5-2; Admin. Code Ch. 12 |
| Private Trees | - | No permit required |
| Street Trees | - | Permit required (Public Works) |
| Replacement Required | - | Typically yes for approved street-tree removal |
| Permit Fee | - | Free (replacement costs apply) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Is the tree in front of my house mine?
No. Street trees in the public right-of-way are city property regardless of who pays for them. Pruning beyond minor work requires a permit.
Can I remove a dead oak from my yard?
Often yes, but coast live oaks and other protected species over diameter thresholds still need a permit. Consult Forestry before cutting.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my San Leandro backyard?
No. San Leandro does not require a City permit to remove a tree on private property. Check your HOA CC&Rs and consult an arborist about neighbor or nuisance impacts.
How do I remove a street tree in front of my San Leandro house?
Submit a Tree Removal Permit application to the Public Works Department documenting why the tree is dead, diseased, dangerous, or damaging infrastructure. If approved, you will likely be required to fund a replacement tree.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and San Leandro compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool