Fremont, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Fremont Municipal Code Section 12.30.040, Planting - Permit and standards, sets three binding conditions on parkway tree planting. First, "a person may not plant a street tree except as authorized by a street tree permit or an approved development plan." Second, planting "must comply with the planting standards set forth in standard details adopted by the city council or as expressly authorized in writing by the city manager," which controls placement, spacing, and technique. Third, "only species approved in writing by the city manager or shown on an approved development plan may be planted as street trees," so homeowners cannot choose their own species for the parkway strip.

Section 12.30.030 makes planting, pruning, or removing a street tree outside this article unlawful. To get a permit, Section 12.30.120 requires submitting a complete application under Section 12.30.130, which must identify the adjacent property address, the adjoining owner's contact information, the person performing the work and their state contractor license number (or basis for exemption), and the species and location of each tree, signed under penalty of perjury, plus payment of fees the city council sets under Section 12.30.110. The city manager administers all permits under Section 12.30.100 and may issue them only to persons reasonably believed to be licensed under the contractors' state license law.

Section 12.30.170 separately bars paving, raised planters, ropes or devices, or injurious substances within four feet of a street tree without written city manager permission, and violations under Section 12.30.180 carry escalating administrative penalties of $250 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense, or a flat $1,000 for intentional or knowing damage. This article stems from Ordinance 11-2010, adopted May 25, 2010, and continues 1990 Code Section 6-2103.