Do you need a permit to remove a tree in San Francisco, CA?
California · Last checked November 2026
San Francisco requires a permit to remove a "significant tree" on private land: one within 10 feet of the public right-of-way that also meets a size test, such as a 12-inch trunk.
Key facts
- Significant tree
- Any part of the trunk within 10 feet of the right-of-way, plus a size criterion such as 12 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet.
- Permit
- From San Francisco Public Works before removal.
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How it works
Many cities require a permit to remove trees on private property once the trunk passes a set size, or for protected native species. The permit is often free or cheap, but replacement trees or per-inch fees can cost far more than the removal.
- Measure the trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground. Some cities use diameter, others circumference.
- Check whether the species or size is protected, and whether the tree is near the street.
- Apply before any cutting. Dead or hazardous trees often still need sign-off.
- Plan for replacement planting or in-lieu fees.
What it costs
Removal itself commonly runs several hundred to a few thousand dollars. City fees range from free to hundreds of dollars, and per-inch recompense or tree fund payments can add much more.
Other San Francisco home rules
More in California and nearby
- Danville Permit needed above a size
- Los Angeles Permit for protected species
- Morgan Hill Permit needed above a size
- San Bruno Permit needed above a size
- San Jose Permit needed above a size
- Washington Permit needed above a size
- Henlopen Acres Permit needed above a size
Sources
Last checked November 2026. Programs open, close and change funding every year. Confirm with the city before you hire anyone. Report a change.