San Mateo County’s New Tree Protection Rules: What Property Owners Need to Know Before Removing Trees in 2024

Property owners in unincorporated San Mateo County face significant new requirements following the adoption of comprehensive tree protection updates. The Protected Tree Ordinance was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on October 22, 2024. This landmark legislation consolidates and strengthens previous tree regulations, creating stricter guidelines for tree removal and replacement that directly impact homeowners planning landscaping changes or dealing with hazardous trees.

Major Changes Under the New Protected Tree Ordinance

The proposed revisions will consolidate and revise the County’s Heritage Tree and Significant Tree ordinances into one Protected Tree Ordinance. This streamlined approach eliminates confusion between different tree categories while expanding protection coverage. The revised ordinance broadens the definition of protected trees, adds species-specific protections, updates permit requirements, establishes an in-lieu fee program for the County’s Tree Replacement Fund, and establishes new findings and review criteria for permit approvals.

The most significant change affects which trees require permits. The County has designated trees of 12″ in diameter or larger (measured at breast height) in any area of the unincorporated County, as well as trees of 6″ in diameter or larger in the Residential Hillside (RH) District, as Significant Trees to prevent their indiscriminate removal. Indigenous trees, such as oak, madrone, and buckeye trees, are protected at a lower diameter threshold; please see Table 1 of the Protected Tree Ordinance.

New Replacement Requirements and In-Lieu Fee Program

One of the most impactful changes involves mandatory tree replacement. For most cases of tree removal, tree replacement will be required. Property owners can no longer simply remove protected trees without providing adequate replacement vegetation or compensation.

The ordinance introduces a new Tree Replacement Fund supported by in-lieu fees. When on-site replacement isn’t feasible, property owners must contribute to this fund, which supports countywide tree planting and maintenance efforts. This system ensures that San Mateo County maintains its tree canopy even when individual properties cannot accommodate replacement plantings.

Updated Removal Procedures and Permit Requirements

The revisions will also establish new tree pruning, removal, and replacement requirements and prohibit the issuance of after-the-fact permits. This change eliminates the previous practice of seeking permits after unauthorized tree removal, requiring property owners to plan ahead and obtain proper authorization before any work begins.

The County requires a permit for the removal of these trees and may require an arborist report to substantiate tree health or safety concerns. Professional documentation becomes increasingly important, particularly for removal requests based on tree health or safety issues.

Permit fees have been updated to reflect the new ordinance structure. Approximate Time: 1-2 Months* Approximate Fee: Protected Tree (Removal: $670 / Pruning: $550), Expedited Removal: $430** These fees support the enhanced review process and ongoing tree management programs.

Exemptions for Hazardous Tree Removal

Recognizing fire safety concerns, the County maintains exemptions for certain hazardous tree situations. As described in the notice, the County has waived permit requirements and fees for the responsible removal of hazardous trees that present a significant fire hazard risk and a hazard to life and personal property, as demonstrated by meeting the criteria and requirements listed below. The tree(s) are of the following species: Eucalyptus, pines, acacia, tan oak, and bay trees.

Why Professional Tree Removal Services Matter More Than Ever

With these enhanced regulations, property owners benefit significantly from working with experienced professionals who understand local requirements. Professional tree removal san mateo county services can navigate the complex permit process, ensure compliance with replacement requirements, and provide the necessary arborist documentation for approval.

Professional services also understand the nuances of species-specific protections and can advise property owners on alternatives to removal, such as strategic pruning or treatment options that might preserve valuable trees while addressing safety concerns.

Planning Ahead for Tree Work

The Department has prepared an update to the County’s Tree Removal Regulations to improve management of individual trees and tree canopy in the County, and to improve the tree removal and trimming permit process, consistent with the County’s General Plan. This comprehensive approach reflects the County’s commitment to balancing property rights with environmental stewardship.

Property owners should begin permit applications well in advance of planned tree work, as processing times can extend 1-2 months. Early planning allows time for proper arborist evaluations, exploration of alternatives to removal, and coordination with replacement planting requirements.

The updated ordinance represents a significant shift toward proactive tree management in San Mateo County. While the requirements are more stringent, they ensure that the county’s valuable tree canopy receives appropriate protection while still allowing necessary tree work when properly justified and executed. Property owners who understand these new requirements and work with qualified professionals will find the process manageable and beneficial for long-term property planning.