Heritage Trees
What is a Heritage Tree?
- Any native Bay (Umbellularia californica), Buckeye (Aesculus species), Oak (Quercus species), Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), or Pine (Pinus radiata) tree that has a diameter of six (6) inches or more measured at fifty-four (54) inches above natural grade;
- Any tree or stand of trees designated by resolution of the city council to be of special historical value or of significant community benefit;
- A stand of trees, the nature of which makes each dependent on the others for survival; or
- Any other tree with a trunk diameter of ten (10) inches or more, measured at fifty-four (54) inches above natural grade.
The City's Heritage Tree Ordinance declares such trees, whether located on City or private property, to be an asset to the community at large and provides penalties for removing or improperly pruning these trees.
When do you need a permit?
- When requesting to remove a tree.
- When pruning a tree and removing of up to one-quarter of the crown or existing foliage of the tree, or up to one-quarter of the root system.
Who needs a permit?
Any person who wishes to remove, or cause to be removed any heritage tree from any parcel of property that they own in the city either public or private.
Note: Removal or pruning of heritage trees in conjunction with a planning or building permit application also requires a separate heritage tree permit.
How do I get a removal or pruning permit?
Any person desiring to remove or prune one or more heritage trees must contact the Parks Division for a permit. The Parks Services Manager will issue the permit while considering the following conditions:
- The condition of the tree or trees with respect to disease, danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures and interference with utility services;
- The necessity to remove the tree or trees in order to construct any proposed improvements to allow reasonable economic enjoyment of the property;
- The topography of the land and the effect of the removal of the tree on erosion, soil retention and diversion or increased flow of surface waters;
- The number of trees existing in the neighborhood on improved property and the effect the removal would have on the established standard of the area and property values;
- The number of trees the particular parcel can adequately support according to good arboricultural practices.
Do I have to replace a tree after one is removed?
Trees removed with a valid tree removal permit shall be replaced in accordance with the recommendation of the Parks Services Manager. Replacement recommendations shall be formulated on the basis of location, condition, value, age, and reasons for tree removal. Tree replacement shall be a minimum of either two 24-inch box size trees, or one 36-inch box size tree, for each heritage tree removed. Trees removed without a valid permit shall be replaced by double the quantities specified above. If it is determined that replanting is not feasible and/or appropriate then the applicant may be require to make a payment of equal value to the cost of the purchase and installation of the replacement tree(s) to be made to the city tree planting fund.
What trees are exempt?
- Any tree removal or pruning performed for or by the City on City-owned open space or park parcels conforming to best management practices recommended by a certified arborist;
- Any tree removal or pruning for the purpose of creating a fire safety clear zone on City-owned open space parcels from nearby homes or buildings in accordance with a recommendation by the Fire Marshal; or
- Any other reason deemed to be in the best interests of the City of San Bruno.
What if my request for removal or pruning is denied?
Any person may request the Parks Services Manager to reconsider a decision on an application. Such a request shall be in writing, signed by the person making the request, and shall state the reasons the request is made, and shall be filed not later than 5 p.m. of the tenth calendar day after the decision. The Public Works Director will review the request and render a decision.
For further information or permit requests call the Parks Division at (650) 616-7180
