How to apply for a tree removal permit in San Francisco, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from San Francisco's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 4-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    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 designation: Landmark Trees designated by Board of Supervisors for age, size, species rarity, location, or historical association.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in San Francisco: Property owner or authorized agent.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH, health assessment, reason for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist report may be required.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Bureau of Urban Forestry. Permit fee: $575.00. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_publicworks/0-0-0-4154.

    View the full San Francisco ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Bureau of Urban Forestry

(628) 652-8733

urbanforestry@sfdpw.org

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California permit fees compared — San Francisco's $575.00 fee in context.

See California replacement obligations compared — how San Francisco's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See California heritage criteria compared — how San Francisco's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your San Francisco permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits San Francisco's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment