Berkeley Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Alameda County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

5.7" DBH minimum for protection

Only Coast Live Oak protected on private property. Single stem: 18 inches circumference (5.7 inches dia) at 4 feet. Multi-stem: 26 inches combined circumference.

Protected Species

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) only

Permit Requirements

Permit from city arborist for removal/significant pruning of qualifying Coast Live Oaks.

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Municipal Code

Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 12.44

View full ordinance

Contact

Parks, Recreation and Waterfront

trees@berkeleyca.gov

Nearby Cities in Alameda County

Dublin Fremont Hayward Oakland

Other California cities

Davis Folsom Fremont Pleasanton Sacramento Sunnyvale Torrance Ventura

See all California cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Berkeley before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Berkeley →

Need an arborist report for Berkeley?

Start your free TRAQ tree risk assessment — designed for Berkeley's specific permit requirements.

Start Free TRAQ Assessment