Alameda County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Alameda County, 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
- Scope
- Right-of-way trees only
- Remedy
- Replacement or mitigation fund payment
- Valuation method
- CTLA tree value guide
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 per violation
Summary
Unincorporated Alameda County requires replacement of any right-of-way tree that's improperly removed or damaged, and can order payment into a tree mitigation fund when replacement alone won't cover the loss.
The director will require replacement of a tree within the right-of-way that is improperly removed or damaged. Where replacement is inadequate to correct the harm caused by an improperly removed or damaged tree or is impracticable, the director may also require the property owner to pay the loss of value of such tree into a tree mitigation fund as abatement for such loss of value.
Full Breakdown
This applies only to trees within the county road right-of-way in unincorporated Alameda County, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland and similar communities, not inside Oakland, Berkeley or the county's other thirteen cities, each of which runs its own tree code. Under Alameda County Code § 12.11.130, the Public Works director can require a property owner to replace a right-of-way tree that was improperly removed or damaged. Where replacement can't fully correct the harm, the director may instead require payment into a county tree mitigation fund, with the tree's lost value calculated using the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers' valuation guide.
Violations & Fines
Improper removal or damage to a right-of-way tree is a public nuisance under § 12.11.120, and violators face civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation under § 12.11.250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover trees on my own property in Castro Valley?
How is a mitigation payment calculated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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