Berkeley, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Berkeley, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Director of Recreation and Parks
- Governing section
- BMC § 12.44.020
- Scope
- Street, parking strip, park, playground trees only
- Not covered
- Trees entirely on private property
- Nuisance-tree abatement window
- 48 hrs personal / 72 hrs mailed notice
- Violation class
- Infraction, Ch. 1.20
Summary
Berkeley requires a permit from the Director of Recreation and Parks before anyone cuts, trims or removes a tree, shrub or plant growing on a street, parking strip, park or playground. This covers the public street trees that line most Berkeley blocks; it does not reach trees growing entirely on private property.
It is unlawful for any person to cut, trim, remove, mutilate, injure or in any way impair the growth of any tree, shrub or plant being or growing in or on any street, parking strip, public square, park or playground in the City, or to cause or permit the same to be done. Provided, however, that in the event that any person desires permission to cut, trim, remove or in any way impair the natural growth of any such tree, shrub or plant, application shall first be made to the Director of Recreation and Parks for a permit therefor.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 8031-NS, passed July 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020 makes it unlawful to cut, trim, remove, mutilate, injure or otherwise impair the growth of any tree, shrub or plant growing in or on a street, parking strip, public square, park or playground in Berkeley, or to cause or permit that work to be done, without first applying to the Director of Recreation and Parks for a permit. The Director may inspect before deciding whether to issue or refuse the permit, and can require that the approved work be done under City supervision, with the applicant paying the supervision cost if the Director sets that condition.
010, which separately requires Recreation and Parks permission before anyone plants a new tree, shrub or plant on a street, parking strip, public square, park or playground, with the Director specifying the kind, variety and size allowed. 40. 080.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, trimming or removing a street tree without the required Recreation and Parks permit, or violating any other provision of Chapter 12.44, is an infraction under § 12.44.090, enforced through Chapter 1.20's citation process. Failing to abate a declared nuisance tree within the 48-hour (personal service) or 72-hour (mailed notice) window under § 12.44.070 exposes the owner to City-performed abatement and a special assessment against the property under § 12.44.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my own backyard in Berkeley?
Who issues the permit to trim or remove a Berkeley street tree?
What happens if a city street tree is damaging power lines or blocking the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle tree removal & heritage trees.