Berkeley, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Street trees
- City/licensed arborist only
- Oak/Redwood
- Permit for major pruning
- Fire zone
- 6-foot limbing required
- No topping
- Prohibited practice
- Contact
- Forestry (510) 981-6660
Summary
Private trees may be pruned by owners, but protected species and street trees require city approval. Fire zone pruning is mandatory under PRC 4291 defensible space rules.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, brush-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or a land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line. (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.
Full Breakdown
Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 12.45 (Street Trees) and Chapter 6.24 (Tree Ordinance) regulate pruning. Street trees - those in the public right-of-way - may only be pruned by the Berkeley Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department or a licensed arborist with a permit; unauthorized pruning triggers fines up to 1,000 dollars. Private trees of protected species (Coast Live Oak, California Bay, Coast Redwood, and any tree with a 12-inch or greater DBH in the hills) require a Tree Removal or Major Pruning Permit if more than 25 percent of the canopy is removed. Routine thinning, deadwooding, and fire-safety pruning are allowed without permit. In the VHFHSZ, PRC 4291 requires limbing trees up 6 feet (or 1/3 tree height) and removing branches within 10 feet of a chimney or roof. Cuts must be clean with no topping allowed. ISA-certified arborists are recommended. Contact Parks at (510) 981-6660 or Forestry at forestry@berkeleyca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prune my neighbor's tree overhanging my yard?
Do I need a permit for fire-safety pruning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
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