Tree Replacement Requirements: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley generally prohibits removal of protected coast live oak trees under BMC Chapter 6.52. When a narrow exception is granted (such as an affordable-housing development that genuinely cannot avoid the tree), the developer must replant a replacement coast live oak on the project site or another City-approved location selected at the City Manager's discretion.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
No data available yet for San Leandro.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC Ch. 6.52 (BMC 6.52.010) | - |
| Protected Size | Single-stem >=18 in. circumference; multi-stem >=26 in. aggregate | - |
| Excessive Pruning | >1/4 of leaf/stem/root in any 24 months | - |
| Replacement Trigger | Only via affordable-housing exception | - |
| Replacement Species | Another coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) | - |
| Replacement Location | On-site or elsewhere in Berkeley at City Manager's discretion | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I remove a protected coast live oak if I plant a replacement?
Generally no. BMC 6.52.010 imposes a moratorium on removing protected coast live oaks — replanting is not a substitute. The only routine path to removal is the affordable-housing exception, and even then a replacement coast live oak is required.
What size coast live oak is protected?
Under BMC 6.52.010, any single-stem coast live oak with a circumference of 18 inches or more, or any multi-stem coast live oak with an aggregate circumference of 26 inches or more, measured at 48 inches above grade.
Who chooses where the replacement oak is planted?
The City Manager (or designee) decides whether the replacement coast live oak is planted on the development site or at another location within Berkeley. The applicant pays for planting and establishment.
San Leandro FAQ
No FAQs available.
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