Showing ordinances that apply to Loma Mar, CA
Loma Mar is an unincorporated community (population 134) in San Mateo County, California. Because Loma Mar is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, San Mateo County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The tree removal permits rules below are the ones that govern your area.
The San Mateo County Protected Tree Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4895, adopted October 22, 2024; Code Title 11) requires a permit to remove or significantly prune any tree 12.1+ inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) anywhere in the unincorporated County, and any tree 6+ inches DBH in the Residential Hillside (RH) District. Certain native species (coast live oak, California bay laurel, redwood, Douglas-fir) receive heightened protection regardless of size. An arborist report is typically required, and replacement planting or in-lieu fees apply.
Ordinance No. 4895 (adopted October 22, 2024) consolidated the County's previous Heritage Tree and Significant Tree ordinances into a single Protected Tree Ordinance. Significant Tree threshold: 12.1 inches DBH (measured 4.5 ft above grade) countywide; 6+ inches DBH in the Residential Hillside (RH) District. Certain indigenous species — coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak, California bay laurel, coast redwood, Douglas-fir, Monterey pine (native-range), madrone, and buckeye — have heightened protection at any size above a low threshold due to cultural and ecological value. A Tree Removal Permit from the Planning & Building Department is required unless the tree is exempt (dead, imminently hazardous, within 10 ft of a permitted foundation, or certain agricultural operations). Applications typically require a certified arborist report documenting health, hazard, or construction conflict, and a replacement plan. Unauthorized removal triggers significant fines per tree, a replacement requirement (often 2:1 to 3:1), and a hold on further permits. Erosion Control / Tree Protection Pre-Site Inspection is now required for all construction or demolition on specific site types.
Unauthorized removal of Significant Tree: $500-$10,000 per tree depending on size/species, PLUS required 2:1 to 3:1 replacement at owner expense. Heritage-designated tree removal: up to $25,000 per tree. Construction damage to protected tree: similar fines plus remediation. Permit hold on future projects until compliance.
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