Heritage & Protected Trees: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo has a Protected Trees ordinance (Chapter 13.40) covering Heritage Trees, Street Trees, and trees designated through planning. Heritage Trees are oaks 10 inches+ diameter and other species 15 inches+ at 54 inches above grade. Damage or removal without approval is prohibited.
View full San Mateo 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 | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Oak | 10 in+ diameter at 54 in above grade | - |
| Other Species | 15 in+ diameter at 54 in | - |
| Major Pruning | Permit for >25% of crown | - |
| Protection Zone | 10x trunk diameter from trunk | - |
| Code Reference | SMMC Chapter 13.40 | - |
| 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.
San Mateo FAQ
What trees are protected in San Mateo?
Heritage Trees (oaks 10+ inches diameter, other species 15+ inches), Street Trees, and trees designated through planning applications.
Can I trim a heritage tree on my property?
Minor pruning following best management practices is allowed. Removing more than 25% of the crown requires a Major Pruning Permit.
What happens if I build near a protected tree?
Construction within the protection zone (10 times trunk diameter) requires a Tree Protection Plan prepared by a Certified Arborist and Project Arborist oversight.
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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