San Mateo Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
San Mateo County, California
Protected Tree Definition
All trees 12.1+ inches diameter at 4.5 feet. Indigenous trees (oak, madrone, buckeye) at lower threshold.
Protected Species
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Significant Trees designated for exceptional size, age, species rarity, ecological value, or historical association under the San Mateo County Tree Ordinance; indigenous oak, madrone, and California buckeye receive automatic protection at the indigenous-tree threshold regardless of size.
Permit Requirements
County permit required. Arborist report for health/safety concerns. TRAQ assessment for hazard trees.
Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist report
Required Report Sections
ASCA booklet format with 14+ sections: tree ID, health, risk assessment, site analysis, recommendations, mitigation
Replacement Requirements
1:1 minimum for protected indigenous trees under the County Tree Ordinance; in-lieu fees to the County Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved indigenous species list (Coast Live Oak, Madrone, California Buckeye); county arborist sets specific sizing as a permit condition based on the removed tree's diameter.
Fees & Fines
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA TRAQ for hazard trees; ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA for reports
Municipal Code
San Mateo County Ordinance (adopted October 22, 2024)
View full ordinanceContact
County Planning Department
(650) 363-4161
Nearby Cities in San Mateo County
Other California cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with San Mateo before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in San Mateo →
See California replacement obligations compared: How San Mateo's replacement ratio ranks in California →
See California heritage criteria compared: How San Mateo's heritage designation ranks in California →
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