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San Mateo
Tree Permits
Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in San Mateo, CA? Enter your address for San Mateo tree removal and pruning rules, size thresholds and how to apply.
Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in San Mateo, CA? Enter your address for San Mateo tree removal and pruning rules, size thresholds and how to apply.
Protected heritage trees (MC Chapter 13.40) are oak trees 10"+ in diameter and any other species 15"+. Street trees and trees protected through a planning application are also protected. Removing a protected tree needs a City permit.
How to apply: Submit the Protected Tree Work Application to the San Mateo City Arborist (arborist@cityofsanmateo.org, 650-522-7172).
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: cityofsanmateo.org/4748/Protected-Trees · cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/View/85506/Protected-Trees