San Francisco has some of California's strictest tree protections under Public Works Code Article 16 (Section 806 et seq.). Removal or significant pruning of Street Trees, Significant Trees, and Landmark Trees requires a permit from the Bureau of Urban Forestry, with fines up to $2,487 per violation plus restitution.
SF regulates three tiers of trees. Street Trees are any tree in the public right-of-way, regulated under Public Works Code Section 806. Any removal, significant pruning (>25% crown), or root disturbance requires a BUF (Bureau of Urban Forestry) permit, typically $200-$500 with a 15-day neighbor notice period. Significant Trees are trees on private property with diameter 12+ inches, height 20+ feet, or canopy 15+ feet within 10 feet of the public right-of-way; removal requires the same BUF permit. Landmark Trees are designated by Board of Supervisors resolution as having exceptional historic, cultural, or ecological value; removal is nearly impossible without extensive public hearing. Unpermitted removal of any regulated tree carries fines of $2,487 minimum per tree, plus replacement requirements and restoration bonds. The 2017 amendments made private-property protection far stricter. Property owners are responsible for Street Tree maintenance under Public Works Code, including sidewalk repair caused by roots, a burden frequently contested.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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See how San Francisco's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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