San Francisco Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
San Francisco County, California
Protected Tree Definition
Street trees and Significant Trees on private property within 10 feet of public right-of-way. Landmark Trees designated by Board of Supervisors.
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Landmark Trees designated by Board of Supervisors for age, size, species rarity, location, or historical association.
Permit Requirements
Tree removal permit from Bureau of Urban Forestry for street or significant trees.
Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent
Required Report Sections
Species identification, DBH, health assessment, reason for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan
Replacement Requirements
1:1 minimum for street trees
Street tree replacements drawn from the SF Public Works approved street tree list at 15-gallon minimum container size; in-lieu fees to the Bureau of Urban Forestry tree planting fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.
Fees & Fines
- Permit fee
- $575.00
- Max fine/tree
- $50,000.00
Street tree removal $575. Unauthorized removal fines up to $50,000.
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist report may be required
Municipal Code
Public Works Code Article 16 (Sections 800-810)
View full ordinanceContact
Bureau of Urban Forestry
(628) 652-8733
urbanforestry@sfdpw.orgOther California cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with San Francisco before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in San Francisco →
See California permit fees compared: How San Francisco's $575.00 fee ranks in California →
See California replacement obligations compared: How San Francisco's replacement ratio ranks in California →
See California heritage criteria compared: How San Francisco's heritage designation ranks in California →
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