San Francisco Tree Planting & Removal Rules

Land Use and Zoning California 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of California

Property owners in San Francisco, California must follow city rules for planting new trees and removing existing trees on their property or in the public right-of-way. This guide explains who enforces tree rules, when a permit is required, how to apply, and common compliance steps for residential and commercial property owners. It summarizes permit names, where to find official forms, enforcement pathways and appeals, and concrete steps to avoid fines or mandatory remediation. Use the contact links and resources below to confirm current rules and forms before you start work.

Overview of tree rules

The City maintains rules for street trees and trees affecting public safety or city property. For details on planting, removal, and maintenance of street trees see the San Francisco Public Works street tree pages: San Francisco Public Works - Street Trees[1].

Always check the official city page before pruning or removing a tree.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for street trees and related permits is handled by the department listed on the official city pages; civil penalties, stop-work orders, and mandatory replacement or remediation may apply. Exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the enforcing department or by consulting the municipal code referenced by the department.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see official department pages for amounts and daily continuing penalties.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences may be treated differently; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or remediation orders, required replacement plantings, and court enforcement actions are used.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the street-tree or public-works unit handles inspections and complaints; use department contact pages in Resources below.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are available; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the enforcing department.
If you suspect an emergency tree hazard, call the city emergency contact immediately.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permits for street-tree planting and removal. The cited department page lists permit names such as a planting permit and a removal permit; fees, detailed form names, and submission steps are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed on the official permit pages or by contacting the department.[1]

  • Typical permit: Street Tree Planting Permit — purpose: plant or replace trees in the public right-of-way; fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Typical permit: Street Tree Removal Permit — purpose: remove a street tree when allowed; fee and required documentation: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: many permits accept online or in-person submission; confirm current methods on the department permit page.

Action steps for property owners

  • Identify whether the tree is a street tree (in the public right-of-way) or on private property.
  • Check the official permit page for required approvals and timelines before scheduling work.
  • Contact the listed department for inspections or emergency removals.
  • Pay any required permit fees and keep receipts and permit numbers for records.
Keeping records of communications and permits prevents disputes and supports appeals.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
Removal of street trees or trees that affect city property generally requires a permit; private-yard tree removals may be subject to separate rules—confirm with the city department listed in Resources.
How long does a permit take?
Processing times vary; the cited department page does not specify exact processing deadlines—contact the department for current timelines.
What if a neighbour or contractor removed a tree without permission?
Report unauthorized removal to the enforcing department immediately; enforcement can include fines and required replacement plantings.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the tree is a street tree or private tree by consulting the city map or contacting the department.
  2. Gather required documents: site plan, photos, reason for removal, and tree health or hazard reports if available.
  3. Submit the permit application online or in person as directed on the department permit page.
  4. Pay applicable fees and schedule any required inspection.
  5. If denied, follow the department appeal instructions and note any appeal deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm permit requirements before pruning, planting, or removing trees.
  • Keep written records of permits, inspections, and communications.
  • Contact the enforcing department for emergencies and to verify fees and appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] San Francisco Public Works - Street Trees

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