Do I Need a Tree Permit in San Mateo?
San Mateo uses a dual threshold — oaks are protected at 10 inches diameter while all other species start at 15 inches. Here's how the permit process works, what it costs, and what happens if you skip it.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your tree type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on San Mateo's ordinance (SMMC Ch. 13.40 (Ord. 2021-13)).
trunk diameter = diameter measured at 54 inches above natural grade. Wrap a tape around the trunk and divide by 3.14.
What trees are protected in San Mateo?
San Mateo's dual-threshold system gives oaks extra protection at 10 inches diameter (versus 15 inches for all other species), measured at 54 inches above natural grade. Violations require paying the tree's full appraised value plus mandatory replanting — which on mature oaks can mean five-figure penalties. Street trees in the public right-of-way are always protected regardless of species or size.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oaks (all species) | ≥10″ trunk diameter | At 54″ above natural grade — lower threshold | Up to $10,000/tree + 48″ box replacement |
| All other species | ≥15″ trunk diameter | At 54″ above natural grade | Up to $10,000/tree + 48″ box replacement |
| Street trees | Any size | City-owned, in public right-of-way | City replacement + penalties |
Not sure if your tree qualifies?
Measure first. An arborist consultation ($150–$300) is far cheaper than violation penalties. Call CDD/Building at (650) 522-7172 or Parks & Rec at (650) 522-7420 — they can often tell you on the phone whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in San Mateo
San Mateo's permit process is split: CDD/Building handles protected tree removal intake, while Parks & Rec Tree Division handles heritage and street tree permits. Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Measure and identify species
Measure trunk diameter at 54 inches above natural grade. If it's an oak and ≥10 inches, or any other species ≥15 inches, the tree is protected.
Get an arborist report
An ISA Certified Arborist report is required for heritage tree removals. Budget $300–$600. The report must document condition, reason for removal, and alternatives.
Submit to Community Development
File the permit application with the appropriate department: CDD/Building at (650) 522-7172 for protected tree removal, or Parks & Rec at (650) 522-7420 for heritage/street trees. Pay the permit fee ($100 for CDD protected tree removal; $113 for heritage/street tree permit through Parks & Rec). Include arborist report, site plan, and photos.
City review
Community Development reviews the application. Standard processing takes 4–6 weeks. Heritage tree removals may require additional review.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-49). Replacement planting is required per permit conditions. The permit must be on-site during removal.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
Up to $10,000 per participant per tree + 48-inch box replacement
Removing a protected tree without a permit in San Mateo carries a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per participant per tree. Unpermitted removals must be replaced with one 48-inch box tree (FY 26–27 cost: $3,376) or enhanced replacement up to the full replacement value. Even dead tree removals require a 15-gallon replacement. The city actively enforces violations.
A permit costs $100–$113 and takes 4–6 weeks. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
San Mateo Community Development — contact and resources
Call before you apply
City staff at (650) 522-7172 can often tell you whether your tree is likely protected before you spend money on an arborist report. Worth a 10-minute call.
Frequently asked questions
Does pruning require a permit in San Mateo?
Pruning following ISA standards that removes less than 25% of the crown does not typically require a permit. Major pruning — defined as removing more than 25% of the crown, cutting roots within 6 times the trunk diameter radius, or topping — requires a permit. Any pruning of street trees also requires a permit.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
San Mateo has no expedited or self-help track for dead trees. A dead tree still requires a permit — the dead condition is an approval criterion, not an exemption. Replacement is still owed (15-gallon minimum for dead trees). Contact CDD/Building at (650) 522-7172 or Parks & Rec at (650) 522-7420 Hazard applications receive priority review but still require a permit.
Why do oaks have a lower threshold than other species?
San Mateo recognizes oaks as the most ecologically and culturally significant trees on the Peninsula. The lower 10-inch threshold (versus 15 inches for other species) ensures oaks receive protection earlier in their growth cycle. A coast live oak may take 15–20 years to reach 10 inches diameter, meaning relatively young established oaks are already protected.
Related reading for San Mateo tree owners
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