Berkeley, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- Coast Live Oak
- Single-stem threshold
- 18-inch circumference
- Multi-stem threshold
- 26-inch aggregate circumference
- Pruning limit
- 25% of tree per 24 months
- Moratorium ends
- Only on adoption of a Tree Preservation Ordinance
- Governing law
- BMC Ch. 6.52
- Last amended
- Ord. 7615-NS, 2018
Summary
Berkeley has banned removal of Coast Live Oak trees since 1996 under BMC Chapter 6.52: any single-stem oak 18 inches or more in circumference, or multi-stem oak totaling 26 inches or more, cannot be cut down absent a narrow City Manager exception.
A. A Moratorium is declared on the removal of any single stem Coast Live Oak tree of a circumference of 18 inches or more and any multi-stemmed Coast Live Oak with an aggregate circumference of 26 inches or more at a distance of four feet up from the ground within the City of Berkeley. B. Any pruning of a Coast Live Oak that is excessive and injurious to the tree is prohibited. Excessive and injurious pruning is defined as the removal of more than one-fourth of the functioning leaf, stem or root system of a tree in any 24-month period.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 8031-NS, passed July 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
52, titled 'Moratorium on the Removal of Coast Live Oak Trees,' declares a citywide ban rather than a permit system for this species. 010(A) bars removal of any single-stem Coast Live Oak with a circumference of 18 inches or more, or any multi-stemmed Coast Live Oak with an aggregate circumference of 26 inches or more, measured four feet up from the ground. 010(B) separately prohibits excessive and injurious pruning, defined as removing more than one-fourth of a tree's functioning leaf, stem, or root system within any 24-month period.
010(D). 010(E) and (F). 020 keeps the moratorium in force until the City Council adopts a separate Tree Preservation Ordinance, which as of this code text it has not done, so the original 1996 ban (last amended in 2018) remains the operative citywide rule for this protected species.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 6.52 does not carry its own separate penalty section; removal or excessive pruning of a protected Coast Live Oak outside the narrow Section 6.52.010(C)-(F) exceptions violates the moratorium directly and is enforced under the City's general code-violation authority. Because the ban has no permit-and-fine schedule of its own, unauthorized removal exposes a property owner or contractor to City enforcement action and required tree replacement rather than a set citation amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a Coast Live Oak tree on my Berkeley property?
How much can I prune a protected Berkeley oak tree?
When does Berkeley's oak tree moratorium expire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle protected tree species.