Protected Tree Species: Castro Valley vs San Leandro
How do protected tree species rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than San Leandro.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Standard Castro Valley parcels have no general private-property tree protection ordinance. Only street trees in the County right-of-way (PWA Tree Ordinance) and the Fairview view-ordinance Ch. 6.66 apply.
View full Castro Valley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
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.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Private Trees | Not regulated in standard CV | - |
| Street Trees | Permit required (PWA) | - |
| Fairview View Ord | Ch. 6.66 - Fairview only | - |
| Local protected species list | - | None |
| Pre-work bird inspection | - | Required (City Tree Maintenance) |
| Federal law | - | Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. §703 |
| State law (nests) | - | Cal. Fish & Game Code §3503 |
| Native oak CEQA | - | Public Resources Code §21083.4 |
| City Street Tree List | - | Yes — for planting only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove an oak tree in my Castro Valley yard?
No - private-property trees in standard Castro Valley are not subject to a removal permit. Coordinate with PG&E if the tree is near power lines and check your HOA CC&Rs.
San Leandro FAQ
Are oak trees protected in San Leandro?
Not under local code. California's Oak Woodlands Conservation Act (Public Resources Code §21083.4) provides CEQA-level protection for native oak woodlands during land-use approvals, but individual oaks on private property are not protected by San Leandro ordinance.
What about trees with active bird nests?
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. §703) and California Fish & Game Code §3503 prohibit destroying nests of native birds. The City requires a pre-work inspection for nesting birds before any street tree work, and the same legal duty applies to private tree work.
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