Berkeley protects most public trees and significant private trees over specific size thresholds, requiring a permit from Public Works or Parks before removal and replacement planting in many cases.
Under BMC Chapter 12.44 and 12.45, all street trees and city park trees in Berkeley are city property and cannot be pruned beyond minor maintenance or removed without a permit from the Public Works Forestry Section or the Parks Department. Coast live oak and other native species over specific diameter thresholds on private property also require permits. Applications consider tree health, hazard risk, and species value. Replacement planting is typically required at one-to-one or higher ratios. Emergency removals for imminent hazard are allowed with after-the-fact reporting within 72 hours.
Unpermitted removal of a protected tree can carry fines starting at $1,000 and may include valuation-based penalties; replanting orders and stop-work directives are common.
Berkeley, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle tree removal permits.
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