Tree Removal Permit in San Francisco, CA
Permit Summary
Do You Need a Tree Removal Permit?
Exemptions
The Public Works tree-removal permit does not apply generally to every tree on private property. Article 16 regulates protected trees: Street Trees, Significant Trees, and Landmark Trees. A private tree that is neither a Significant Tree nor a Landmark Tree is not subject to this Public Works tree-removal permit solely because it is a private tree, although a development approval or other law may impose separate tree-protection requirements. Emergency removal of protected trees is a separate Director-controlled pathway, not a general self-help exemption.
Protected Trees & Removal Eligibility
Protected Tree Rules
Article 16 protects Street Trees, Significant Trees, and Landmark Trees. Every tree in the public right-of-way is a Street Tree regardless of size. Significant Trees on private property receive the same removal protections as Street Trees when they meet the location and size criteria in Section 810A. Landmark Trees are specially designated under Section 810, including temporary designation during qualifying nomination proceedings, and are subject to stricter removal procedures.
When Removal Is Allowed
Public Works evaluates each removal request. For a Significant Tree, the Director must consider size, age, species, visual and aesthetic characteristics, cultural or historic characteristics, ecological characteristics, location, hazard status, and maintenance. Public Works states that street trees in poor health or that are structurally unsound may be removed after the required notification process; other requested removals go through permit review. A Landmark Tree may not be authorized for removal unless it constitutes a hazard tree under the Public Works Code.
Replacement Requirements
Replacement Rules
When Public Works grants a Street Tree removal permit, the Code requires replacement Street Tree or Trees of equivalent replacement value, or an in-lieu fee, unless the Director makes written findings waiving or modifying the requirement. The 2026–2027 in-lieu fee is $2,646 per tree when applicable. Public Works also states that each permitted removal requires a replacement tree; the property owner maintains an approved replacement for three years, replaces it at the owner's expense if it dies during that period, and obtains an Urban Forestry inspection before the City assumes maintenance responsibility.
Arborist & Professional Requirements
Professional Requirements
For ordinary removal requests, Public Works recommends that an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist evaluate the tree and provide a written report, and recommends using a licensed and insured arborist or other contractor for tree work. For construction projects, a required Tree Protection Plan must be prepared with input from a certified arborist and include the arborist's estimate of total replacement cost. Public Works may require a report for excavation within 5 feet of an existing Street Tree or Significant Tree with DBH greater than 5 inches.
Public Notice Requirements
Notice Rules
Standard tree removals use a 30-day Notice of Intent, posted on the tree and at the four corners of the block under Public Works posting guidance; Article 16 also requires notice to interested organizations and, to the extent practicable, nearby owners and occupants. Hazard-tree removal uses a 15-day notice period. Public Works lists an immediate/one-day posting path for imminent hazards. If objections require a hearing, hearing notice is posted at least seven days before the hearing. Landmark Tree removal generally requires public notice and a hearing.
Emergency Tree Removal
For a Street Tree, the Director may authorize immediate Department removal when there is manifest danger and immediate necessity, followed by notice explaining the action. For a Significant Tree, the Director must determine the manifest danger and immediate necessity in writing and may remove the tree or require the responsible owner to remove it immediately, followed by notice to interested organizations and nearby owners and occupants. Landmark Trees have a similar Director-controlled emergency pathway with after-removal notice to the Board of Supervisors and other required recipients. These provisions do not create a general right for an owner to remove a protected tree without City authorization.
Development & Special Areas
Development-Related Rules
For construction- or development-related removal, the application must include site plans accurately showing tree locations and the building permit number. Construction work must protect Street Trees, Significant Trees, and Landmark Trees from damage. Before a building or site permit is issued for a project that may damage a protected tree, the applicant must submit a Tree Protection Plan to Public Works for approval; a Tree Protection Plan is also required before certain Public Works permits for work within a protected tree's dripline. Protected-tree removal remains subject to the applicable removal procedures in Sections 806, 810, and 810A.
Special Zone Rules
If a Landmark Tree is also designated as part of a local historic district or landmark under Planning Code Article 10, its removal is subject to the Article 10 procedures in addition to Public Works Code Section 810; where the requirements conflict, the more restrictive provision applies. Landmark Trees on City-owned property under another City agency's jurisdiction are subject to that agency's approval process together with the Section 810 criteria and notice procedures.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
Obtain Public Works approval before removing a protected tree. Submit the Tree Removal Permit application and applicable fee, identify the tree or trees and proposed replacement species, and allow Public Works inspection and review. If approved, the applicant is responsible for removal and replacement costs. Street-tree permit work must be completed within six months of permit issuance unless Public Works grants an extension.
Required Documents
Submit the tree-removal application with the number and name of the proposed replacement tree species. Public Works may require proof of claimed tree damage, such as paid repair invoices. For removals related to new construction, include site plans accurately showing tree locations and the building permit number. Construction projects that may affect protected trees may also require a Tree Protection Plan and associated arborist information.