Hayward, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Designation standard
- 2 of 4 criteria, staff finding
- Deciding official
- City Landscape Architect
- Removal review
- Site Plan Review, Sec. 10-1.3000
- Removal test
- Applicant burden must outweigh public benefit
- Mitigation cap
- Up to full appraised tree value
- In-lieu fee
- 125% of appraised value
Summary
Hayward designates Heritage Trees when the City Landscape Architect finds at least two of four criteria under Section 10-15.19: native species, essential wildlife habitat, horticultural significance, or historical or cultural ties to the city. Removing a Heritage Tree in a development project needs approval from the highest review body under the public-benefit test in Section 10-15.23.
(2)Heritage Trees Determination. A tree is considered a Heritage Tree when the City Landscape Architect finds at least two (2) of the following criteria are met:a.Native Tree: The tree is a native species of Hayward, as listed in Section 10-15.14.b.Provides Essential Habitat: The tree currently or commonly provides habitat for any state or federally listed endangered or threatened species as identified by the projects Certified Arborist... c.Horticulture Significance: The tree is rare or significant in the horticultural development of Hayward.d.Historical or Cultural Significance: The tree has a documented historical or cultural connection to the City of Hayward including original plantings or coincides with historical events in the City.(3)The removal of a Heritage Tree as part of a Development Project shall be approved by the highest approving body, based on the findings per Section 10-15.22.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 28 Update 1 | Charter: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
14, essential habitat for a listed endangered or threatened species, horticultural rarity, or a documented historical or cultural connection to Hayward. That is a lower bar than Hayward's separate Memorial Tree program, which requires a City Council vote on a citizen or official nomination. 3000 before any removal, and the reviewing body may approve removal only if it finds the burden to the applicant of preserving the tree outweighs the public benefit, weighing seven listed factors: the tree's benefits, its contribution to neighborhood character and local ecology, its species, health and value, whether it anchors an important grove, its visibility to the public, whether the project itself provides a public benefit, and whether design changes short of removal are feasible. 21(4)(b) mandates a full arborist report whenever a Heritage Tree, a Memorial Tree, or three or more Protected Trees are proposed for removal. 21(7)(a).
Violations & Fines
Removing or severely pruning a Heritage Tree without the Section 10-15.23 findings triggers the same administrative citation scheme as any other Protected Tree violation: a fine under Section 10-15.29 equal to double the applicable permit fee, plus mitigation valued up to the tree's full appraised worth. The City may order a development project to cease work until the applicant obtains the permit, and citations are appealable to a hearing officer under Sections 1-7.07 through 1-7.10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tree become a Heritage Tree in Hayward?
Can a developer remove a Heritage Tree to build?
What does removing a Heritage Tree cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hayward
California rules heatmap·Compare Hayward to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle heritage & protected trees.