Heritage & Protected Trees: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City has fewer restrictions than South San Francisco.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City does not have a standalone heritage-tree or landmark-tree ordinance protecting specimen trees on private property. Tree protections in Daly City are limited to trees in the public right-of-way (Title 11) and to trees identified as protected through specific planning approvals under Title 14. San Mateo County's Significant Tree Ordinance applies only in unincorporated county areas, not within Daly City limits.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Under the 2024 Protected Tree Ordinance (No. 4895), San Mateo County designates Heritage Trees based on exceptional size, species rarity, historical significance, or ecological value. Heritage status can be conferred on mature coast live oaks, valley oaks, redwoods, and other native specimens. Removal is rarely permitted except for documented safety emergencies, and damage to a Heritage Tree triggers the most severe penalties under the ordinance, with fines up to $25,000 per tree plus restoration and restitution.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage tree ordinance | None citywide | - |
| Closest comparable | San Mateo County (unincorporated only) | - |
| Protection vehicle | Conditions of approval (Title 14) | - |
| Right-of-way trees | Always protected under Title 11 | - |
| Ordinance | - | No. 4895 Protected Tree |
| Criteria | - | Size, species, historical |
| Typical Size | - | 24+ in DBH |
| Removal | - | Planning Commission only |
| Max Fine | - | $25,000 per tree |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Does Daly City consider any trees 'heritage' or 'protected'?
Daly City does not maintain a citywide heritage-tree list or ordinance. Trees are protected case-by-case through planning conditions or because they sit in the public right-of-way under Title 11. The San Mateo County Significant Tree Ordinance does not apply within Daly City limits.
I want to remove a 100-year-old tree on my property. Can I?
Most likely yes, unless the tree is in the public right-of-way, was protected by a condition of a recent planning approval, or your HOA's CC&Rs require approval. Contact Daly City Planning at 650-991-8033 to confirm no recorded conditions apply to your parcel.
What if my tree is on the property line with my neighbor?
California Civil Code Section 833-834 makes line trees joint property of both neighbors; neither owner can unilaterally remove the tree without the other's consent. Self-help is limited to encroaching branches that don't damage the tree's health.
South San Francisco FAQ
How do I nominate a tree for Heritage status?
Contact the San Mateo County Planning Department (planning@smcgov.org or 650-363-4161) to submit a Heritage Tree nomination. You'll need the property address, tree location, species, approximate size, and a statement of why the tree qualifies (size, rarity, history). The Planning Commission reviews and designates.
My construction project might damage a neighbor's Heritage Tree — what do I need to do?
Hire an ISA-Certified Arborist to prepare a Tree Protection Plan identifying the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), root-zone barriers, any approved hand-digging within the TPZ, and construction monitoring. Include this plan in your building permit submittal. Damage without a plan can result in five-figure fines plus appraised-value restitution.
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