Hayward Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Alameda County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

6.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected Tree: any tree 6+ inches DBH on vacant/underdeveloped lots and developed lots subject to new development or discretionary review. Native oaks, California Sycamore, and Big Leaf Maple protected at 4+ inches DBH. Ordinance overhauled August 2025 to broaden protection.

Protected Species

Coast Live Oak Valley Oak California Sycamore Big Leaf Maple (lower 4-inch threshold)

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Trees: any tree 24+ inches DBH regardless of species, or trees designated by City Council for historical/cultural significance.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for any protected tree on sites subject to development review, and for heritage trees city-wide. Development projects require a Tree Preservation Plan and tree survey prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory with species, DBH, canopy dripline, condition/health assessment, retention/removal status, construction impact analysis, replacement/mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

1:1 for protected trees; 2:1 for heritage trees; caliper-inch mitigation option for large trees

15-gallon minimum for 1:1 replacement; 24-inch box minimum for heritage tree replacement. In-lieu fees to the Tree Mitigation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Hayward Municipal Code Chapter 10 Article 16 (Tree Preservation Ordinance, revised 2025)

View full ordinance

Contact

Development Services Department

Nearby Cities in Alameda County

Berkeley Dublin Fremont Oakland

Other California cities

Berkeley Campbell Folsom Fremont San Mateo Santa Monica Simi Valley 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 Hayward before submitting permits or reports.

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

See California replacement obligations compared: How Hayward's replacement ratio ranks in California →

See California heritage criteria compared: How Hayward's heritage designation ranks in California →

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