Fremont protects heritage, native oaks, and street trees. Homeowners can trim private trees but must not harm the tree or encroach on neighbor property without consent.
Fremont Municipal Code Title VIII establishes a tree preservation ordinance protecting Heritage Trees (trunks 24 inches or more in diameter at breast height, or native oaks and sycamores 10 inches or more DBH) on private property. Routine light maintenance pruning is allowed, but major crown reduction, topping, or removal of over 25 percent of live canopy requires a Tree Removal or Encroachment Permit reviewed by the City Arborist. Topping is discouraged as it damages tree health and can void preservation status. Street trees (in the parkway strip) are city-owned; Public Works performs or approves all street tree pruning. Californians have a right to trim neighbor branches overhanging their own property line back to the line, but cannot damage the tree overall or enter the neighbor property. Commercial tree services must carry a Fremont business tax certificate.
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 trimming.
See how Fremont's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.