San Leandro, CA Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Under SLMC §5-2-215 (as amended by Ord. 2019-015), if an existing street tree is removed by the City and the property owner requests a replacement, there is no cost to the property owner. If the property owner declines a replacement tree, the owner is required to pay the City the planting fee set forth in the City of San Leandro Adopted Master Fee Schedule — currently $210 — for a tree to be planted in a location of the City's choosing. Property owners have limited discretion over species selection, restricted to the City's approved Street Tree List based on the area available for planting. The same $210 fee applies when a property owner requests an entirely new street tree be planted. New plantings as replacements for street trees existing on the effective date of Chapter 5-2 must conform to the species and planting criteria established by the Public Works Director. For trees on private property, NO replacement is required when they are removed (since no removal permit is required in the first place). The Tree Master Plan adopted January 6, 2025, sets equity-based canopy planting goals prioritizing historically marginalized neighborhoods with insufficient urban forest coverage.