Do I Need a Tree Permit in Fremont?
It depends on the species and size. Fremont protects native trees (oaks, redwoods, buckeyes, madrones, sycamores, big-leaf maples, redbuds, bays) at 6-inch trunk diameter and any species at 18-inch trunk diameter. All trees 6 inches or larger on vacant or undeveloped lots also require permits. Permits are free — only the arborist report costs money.
Who Needs a Permit?
You need a permit if your tree is: a native species (oak, redwood, buckeye, madrone, sycamore, big-leaf maple, redbud, bay — all genera) at 6-inch+ trunk diameter; any species at 18-inch+ trunk diameter; any tree 6-inch+ on a vacant or undeveloped lot; any tree in a grove of 6 or more same-species trees at 6-inch+; a tree planted as a condition of development approval; or a designated landmark tree at any size.
Exemption: Developed R-1 (single-family) lots of 10,000 square feet or less are exempt for trees located behind the front face of the house.
How the Permit Process Works
Submit a permit application to Fremont's Urban Forestry Section with an ISA Certified Arborist report documenting health, structural condition, and removal justification. The permit itself is free under FMC 18.215.110(a)(1) — the only cost is the arborist report. Standard review takes 2–4 weeks. Landmark tree removals require a City Council hearing filed 90 days ahead. If approved, replacement planting or mitigation is typically required.
Penalties for Unpermitted Removal
Unauthorized removal carries administrative fines of $250 for the first offense, $750 for the second, and $1,000 for the third and each additional offense per tree, plus restitution and mitigation under FMC 18.215.200(c). Street tree violations are handled separately under FMC 12.30.180.
Tips from an ISA Certified Arborist
Check your species first — Fremont's native tree protection starts at just 6-inch trunk diameter, which catches many trees homeowners assume are too small to be regulated. Native oaks and sycamores in Niles Canyon and Mission San Jose hills are almost always protected. Development-condition trees in Warm Springs are protected regardless of species or size. Remember the permit is free — only the arborist report costs money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Fremont?
It depends on species, size, and lot status. Native trees (oaks, redwoods, buckeyes, madrones, sycamores, big-leaf maples, redbuds, bay laurels) at 6-inch or larger trunk diameter require a permit under FMC 18.215. Any species at 18-inch trunk diameter or larger also requires a permit. All trees 6 inches or larger on vacant or undeveloped lots need permits. Developed R-1 lots of 10,000 square feet or less are exempt for trees behind the front face of the house.
What trees are protected in Fremont?
Fremont protects eight native genera (oak, redwood, buckeye, madrone, sycamore, big-leaf maple, redbud, bay) at 6-inch trunk diameter, any species at 18-inch trunk diameter, trees in groves of 6 or more same-species trees at 6 inches, and landmark trees (Council-designated) at any size.
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Fremont?
The permit itself is free under FMC 18.215.110(a)(1). The only cost is the required ISA Certified Arborist report ($300–$700). Contact the Urban Forestry Section at treepermits@fremont.gov or (510) 494-4730.
How long does a Fremont tree permit take?
Standard permits: 2–4 weeks. Landmark tree removals require a City Council hearing filed 90 days ahead. Emergency removals can be expedited with arborist documentation.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit in Fremont?
Administrative fines of $250 for the first offense, $750 for the second, and $1,000 for the third and each additional offense per tree, plus restitution and mitigation. Street tree violations are handled separately under FMC 12.30.180.
Contact Information
- Ordinance: Fremont Municipal Code Chapter 18.215 — Tree Preservation
- Permits: Fremont Permit Information
- Contact: Urban Forestry Section — treepermits@fremont.gov, (510) 494-4730
Related reading for Fremont residents
Need a tree assessment or permit help?
An ISA Certified Arborist report strengthens your Fremont permit application and ensures compliant removal with proper replacement planning.