San Leandro, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Private tree permit required
- No
- Street tree permit required
- Yes (encroachment permit)
- Maximum canopy pruning
- 25%
- Unauthorized street-tree fine
- Up to $1,000 (SLMC 5-2-200)
- Replacement tree fee
- $210
- Contractor requirement
- Licensed D-49 with insurance
Summary
San Leandro has no heritage tree ordinance for private property: owners may trim or remove trees on their own land without a City permit. Street trees in the public right-of-way require an encroachment permit, and unauthorized work is fined up to $1,000.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area 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, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure.
Full Breakdown
Under San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 5-2 (Street Trees), it is unlawful to plant, remove, prune, injure, or destroy any street tree without authorization. SLMC Section 5-2-200 establishes a fine of up to $1,000 for unauthorized work on a street tree. SLMC Section 5-2-215 allows property owners to remove or prune adjacent street trees only after obtaining an encroachment permit from the Engineering and Transportation Department (510-577-3428), using a licensed C-61/D-49 tree service contractor, and inspecting for active nests. Pruning is limited to no more than 25% of the canopy.
The City maintains street trees on a zone-pruning schedule by council district (Districts 1-6, 2025-2031). For trees entirely on private property, the City Council has not adopted a heritage tree ordinance, so no City permit is required to trim or remove a tree on private land. A draft private-tree ordinance for trees 24 inches DBH or greater in front yards has been discussed since 2014 but has not been enacted.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized planting, removal, pruning, injury, or destruction of any street tree is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 under SLMC Section 5-2-200. The City may also require replacement-tree planting at a mandatory $210 fee per tree. Removing a street tree without grinding the stump and restoring the area to a non-tripping condition is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my own backyard tree?
What about the tree in the strip between the sidewalk and the curb?
Can I cut a neighbor's branches that hang over my fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Leandro
California rules heatmap·Compare San Leandro to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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