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

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

Expected processing time: 4-8 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 12.1" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. All trees 12.1+ inches diameter at 4.5 feet. Indigenous trees (oak, madrone, buckeye) at lower threshold. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in San Mateo: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: ASCA booklet format with 14+ sections: tree ID, health, risk assessment, site analysis, recommendations, mitigation. Required certifications: ISA TRAQ for hazard trees; ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA for reports.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to County Planning Department. Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4748/Protected-Trees.

    View the full San Mateo ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

County Planning Department

(650) 363-4161

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your San Mateo permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment