San Jose, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City director (Transportation)
- Planting zone
- Furnishing Zone/Parkstrip
- Species cost
- Paid by permittee
- Maintenance duty
- Falls on adjacent property owner
Summary
Planting a street tree in the Furnishing Zone/Parkstrip in San Jose requires a director-issued permit before you dig, and the property owner must maintain and replace any street tree fronting their lot.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to plant or install any street tree within the city, unless one of the following conditions exists: 1. A permit that allows the planting or installation of the street tree was issued by the director in accordance with this chapter; or 2. There is a valid written contract with the city for the planting or installation of street trees approved by the city manager or city council, as applicable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San Jose Municipal Code § 13.28.300 makes it unlawful to plant or install a street tree anywhere in the city without a permit from the director (Transportation) or a valid city contract, and the permit must specify the applicant, completion deadline, tree species to be purchased at the permittee's expense, and planting location. The tree goes in the Furnishing Zone/Parkstrip, defined at § 13.28.065 as the strip of street between the face of curb and the sidewalk. Under § 13.28.400, the owner of the abutting lot must plant and replace any removed or missing street trees per §§ 13.28.300 and 13.28.310, and must keep them safe and nonhazardous for street users, including watering, pruning, pest control, and clearance maintenance.
Violations & Fines
Planting a street tree without a permit is unlawful under § 13.28.300(A). Failing to maintain or replace a required street tree under § 13.28.400 can make the property owner liable for any resulting damage or injury, and unpermitted work can draw a director's notice of violation under § 13.28.500 with cost recovery or a lien if uncorrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the parkway strip in front of my San Jose house myself?
Who has to water and prune San Jose street trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle parkway planting.