When tree removal is approved in San Francisco, replacement planting is typically required under the Urban Forestry Ordinance. Development projects must plant new street trees at a ratio specified by the Bureau of Urban Forestry, generally one or more replacement trees per tree removed.
Replacement tree requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis by BUF. The replacement ratio may be 1:1 or higher depending on the size and significance of the removed tree. New construction projects of certain sizes must plant street trees at specified intervals along the property frontage per Public Works Code Article 16, Section 806. Tree species must be selected from the BUF-approved street tree list. The developer or property owner is responsible for planting, staking, and maintaining replacement trees for a minimum establishment period. In-lieu fees may be accepted when on-site planting is not feasible.
Failure to plant required replacement trees can result in withholding of certificates of occupancy, administrative penalties, and enforcement by BUF.
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See how San Francisco's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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