Tree Trimming: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do tree trimming rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City regulates street trees and trees within the public right-of-way through Title 11 (Streets and Sidewalks) and Title 12 (Buildings) of the Municipal Code, requiring permits for planting, pruning, or removing trees in the public right-of-way. Trees entirely on private property are generally maintained by the owner without permit, subject to nuisance-abatement and view/sunlight obstruction rules. State framework: CCR Title 14 (Natural Resources) and Public Utilities Commission GO 95 set utility line-clearance distances.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Private tree trimming in San Mateo does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require permission from the Parks Division. Trees must not encroach on adjacent properties or utilities without proper trimming.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Street trees | City permission required to prune/remove | - |
| Sidewalk clearance | ~8 ft (standard) | - |
| Power-line clearance | PUC GO 95 | - |
| Private trees | Owner-maintained | - |
| Private Trees | - | No permit needed for trimming |
| Street Trees | - | Parks Division approval required |
| Utility Lines | - | Coordinate with PG&E |
| Contact | - | Public Works (650) 522-7300 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I cut down a tree in my yard without a permit?
Generally yes, when the tree is entirely on private property and not within a discretionary planning review. Trees in the public right-of-way (street trees) require Public Works approval first.
Whose tree is in front of my house?
Trees in the planter strip between sidewalk and curb are typically City-owned street trees and managed by Daly City Public Works.
Can I trim a neighbor's branches that hang over my fence?
Under California common law you may trim back to the property line at your expense, but you cannot enter the neighbor's property or kill the tree.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in San Mateo?
Private tree trimming in San Mateo does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require permission from the Parks Division. Trees must not encroach on adjacent properties or utilities without proper trimming.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in San Mateo?
Private Trees: No permit needed for trimming. Street Trees: Parks Division approval required. Utility Lines: Coordinate with PG&E. Contact: Public Works (650) 522-7300.
Compare other topics
See how Daly City and San Mateo 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