Tree Trimming: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do tree trimming rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has fewer restrictions than Daly City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
No one may prune, spray, plant, or otherwise work on any public right-of-way or street tree in Daly City without a permit from the Director of Public Works under Municipal Code section 12.40.110. Unauthorized pruning of city trees is billed to the responsible property owner, and topping street trees is unlawful.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Private tree trimming in South San Francisco does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require Public Works approval. Trees near PG&E lines must be managed per utility clearance standards.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Permit issuer | Director of Public Works | - |
| Applies to | Trees in rights-of-way, medians, parks, city easements | - |
| Topping | Prohibited (DCMC 12.40.160) | - |
| Unauthorized pruning | Billed to responsible property owner | - |
| Private trees | Owner must prevent hazards and sight obstructions | - |
| Private Trees | - | No city permit needed for trimming |
| Street Trees | - | Public Works approval required |
| Utility Lines | - | Coordinate with PG&E |
| Contact | - | Public Works (650) 829-6652 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I trim the city street tree in front of my house in Daly City?
Not without permission. You need written approval from the Public Works Director, and the work generally must be done at your expense by a certified arborist or tree company. Unauthorized pruning of a city tree will be billed to you for all corrective costs.
Who maintains street trees in Daly City?
Daly City maintains the urban forest in city rights-of-way, medians, parks, and city-owned easements, pruning trees as needed for safety, traffic clearance, and utility line hazards. The city is not authorized to maintain trees on private property.
South San Francisco FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in South San Francisco?
Private tree trimming in South San Francisco does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require Public Works approval. Trees near PG&E lines must be managed per utility clearance standards.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in South San Francisco?
Private Trees: No city permit needed for trimming. Street Trees: Public Works approval required. Utility Lines: Coordinate with PG&E. Contact: Public Works (650) 829-6652.
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