San Mateo has a Protected Trees ordinance (Chapter 13.40) covering Heritage Trees, Street Trees, and trees designated through planning. Heritage Trees are oaks 10 inches+ diameter and other species 15 inches+ at 54 inches above grade. Damage or removal without approval is prohibited.
The City of San Mateo adopted Chapter 13.40 (Protected Trees) in 2021 to preserve significant trees. Heritage Trees include oak trees with trunk diameter of 10 inches or more (31.4 inches circumference) and other species with trunk diameter of 15 inches or more (47.1 inches circumference), measured at 54 inches above natural grade. Street trees growing in the public right-of-way are also protected. Actions prohibited without approval include removal, bark damage exceeding 3 inches, cutting roots over 2 inches, grade changes under the canopy, and pruning that cumulatively harms the tree within 3 years. Major pruning (removing more than 25% of crown) requires a permit. Construction near protected trees requires a Tree Protection Plan and Project Arborist oversight. The tree protection zone extends 10 times the trunk diameter from the trunk.
Damaging or removing a heritage tree without approval carries significant penalties. The city may require replacement planting at assessed value using the Guide for Plant Appraisal. Violations are subject to enforcement proceedings.
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See how San Mateo's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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