Tree removal permit rules in Fremont, CA β sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances β list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Fremont requires a permit to remove Heritage Trees and native oaks on private property. Replacement planting or in-lieu fees apply. Street tree removal needs Public Works approval.
Under the Fremont Tree Preservation Ordinance, removal of any Heritage Tree (24 inches DBH or greater, or any native oak, sycamore, bay, or buckeye 10 inches DBH or greater) requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Community Development Department. Applications require a certified arborist report documenting the tree species, size, health, and reason for removal (dead, hazardous, diseased, construction conflict). Approved removals typically require 1 to 3 replacement trees on site or payment of an in-lieu fee to the tree fund. Emergency removals of imminently hazardous trees can be authorized verbally but documented within 72 hours. Street trees in the public right-of-way are city property and require a Public Works permit. Unpermitted removal carries fines up to 5,000 dollars per tree plus appraised replacement value.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits leaf blower use to daytime hours and must comply with California AB 1346 banning sales of new gas blowers statewide as of 2024.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits industrial noise to 70 dBA at commercial property lines and 55 dBA at abutting residential lines under FMC Chapter 5.30.
Fremont, CA
Fremont treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under FMC Chapter 6, with Animal Services investigating complaints and issuing citations.
Fremont, CA
Fremont permits wood, masonry, vinyl, and metal fences but restricts barbed wire, electric fencing, and combustible materials in fire-hazard zones.
Fremont, CA
Retaining walls over 3 feet high require engineered permits in Fremont, with extra scrutiny for Mission Peak and Hayward Fault slope areas.
Fremont, CA
Fremont prohibits exotic and wild animals under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and FMC Chapter 6, preempting most exotics.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
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