San Francisco, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in San Francisco, 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 required
- Yes, from Public Works
- Notice period
- 30 days before removal
- Appeal body
- Board of Appeals
- Unpermitted removal penalty
- $10,000 or replacement value
Summary
San Francisco requires a Public Works permit before anyone plants or removes a street tree, with a hearing available if a neighbor objects.
It shall be unlawful for any person to plant or to remove any Street Tree without a valid permit for such work issued by the Department. All permits for the Planting or Removal of Street Trees issued by the Director for residential properties shall be recorded on the Report of Residential Building Records in accordance with Section 351 of the Housing Code. All work associated with a Street Tree permit must be completed within six months of issuance, unless an extension has been granted by the Department.
(2) Planting. An abutting property owner who desires a permit to plant a Street Tree shall apply to the Department on the designated form. If approved by the Director, the Department shall issue a permit to plant the specified climate appropriate species of Tree(s) to the applicant. There shall be no administrative fee imposed for a permit to plant a Street Tree unrelated to property development. The Director’s decision on a Street Tree planting permit shall be final and appealable to the Board of Appeals.
(3) Removal.
(A) An abutting property owner who desires a permit to remove a Street Tree shall apply to the Department on the designated form. The Department may grant or deny the permit in accordance with the following procedures and requirements. If the Department grants a Tree removal permit, it shall require that a Street Tree or Trees of equivalent replacement value to
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the Urban Forestry Ordinance, no property owner may remove a street tree without a permit issued by Public Works. If the Department grants the removal permit, staff notify Interested San Francisco organizations and nearby owners 30 days ahead and post notice on the tree; a written objection triggers a public hearing before the Director, whose decision is appealable to the Board of Appeals.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted removal is chargeable as an infraction or misdemeanor ($200-$400 infraction fines, up to $1,000 and 6 months jail for a misdemeanor), plus an administrative penalty of $10,000 or the tree's replacement value, whichever is greater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a street tree myself in San Francisco?
What happens if a neighbor objects to my tree removal permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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