Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in San Francisco, CA? Enter your address for San Francisco tree removal and pruning rules, size thresholds and how to apply.
On private property, a Significant Tree (any part of the trunk within 10 ft of the public right-of-way and either 20 ft+ tall, 15 ft+ canopy, or 12"+ diameter at 4.5 ft) needs a Public Works permit to remove. Landmark trees are protected too. Other private trees farther than 10 ft from the right-of-way need no city permit.
How to apply: Apply to San Francisco Public Works (Bureau of Urban Forestry) for a tree removal permit.
How to measure: most Bay Area cities measure trunk diameter (or circumference) at 4.5 ft (54") above natural grade, but some measure elsewhere: Berkeley at 4 ft, Redwood City at the widest point between 6" and 36". Where a city sets its limit by circumference, we show the diameter (circumference ÷ 3.14).
Official sources: sfpublicworks.org/services/significant-and-landmark-trees · codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_public