Tree Removal Permits: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do tree removal permits 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 requires permits for removing protected trees under Chapter 13.40. Heritage Trees (oaks 10+in, others 15+in diameter) and Street Trees cannot be removed without city approval. Standard private trees below heritage thresholds do not require removal permits.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
The unincorporated County's Protected Tree Ordinance (Chapter 8.400, Ordinance 4895, 2024) requires a Protected Tree Removal Permit before removing protected trees, with replacement planting and a 3-year maintenance period. Exemptions cover dead trees, true emergencies, and specific fire-risk species near structures. A separate Coastal Zone exemption for hazardous trees runs through July 1, 2026.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Tree Permit | Required for protected trees | - |
| Oak Threshold | 10 in diameter at 54 in above grade | - |
| Other Species | 15 in diameter at 54 in | - |
| Street Trees | Public Works approval required | - |
| Non-Heritage | No permit needed if below thresholds | - |
| Permit ordinance | - | Chapter 8.400 (Ord. 4895, Oct 22, 2024) |
| Permit types | - | Protected Tree Removal / Expedited Removal |
| Fire-species exemption | - | Euc/pine/acacia/tanoak/bay near structures |
| Fire exemption cap | - | Not if tree >= 38 in DSH |
| Coastal hazard-tree exemption | - | Through July 1, 2026 |
| Emergency exemption | - | Section 8.400.230 (Director finding) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Mateo?
If it is a Heritage Tree (oak 10+in, others 15+in diameter) or Street Tree, yes. Trees below heritage thresholds on private property generally do not need permits.
How do I know if my tree is a Heritage Tree?
Measure the trunk diameter at 54 inches above grade. Oaks at 10+ inches and other species at 15+ inches qualify. Contact Community Development at 650-522-7200.
Can I remove a dead protected tree?
A dead or hazardous protected tree may be approved for removal with documentation, typically including a Certified Arborist report.
South San Francisco FAQ
When can I remove a tree without a permit in the unincorporated County?
Key exemptions include dead trees, true emergencies determined by Planning and Building, CAL FIRE-identified defensible-space work, and specific fire-risk species (eucalyptus, pine, acacia, tanoak, bay) near structures - unless that tree is 38 inches DSH or larger.
Does the hazardous-tree exemption apply everywhere?
The extended hazardous-tree removal exemption (through July 1, 2026) applies in the Coastal Zone of the unincorporated County and only to eucalyptus, pines, acacia, tanoak, and bay. Redwoods, Douglas firs, true oaks, maples, and buckeyes still need a permit.
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