Permits - Street Trees and Plants

Public Works issues street tree planting and removal permits as well as sidewalk landscaping permits to residents.

Street Tree Planting - There is no fee required for a street tree planting permit. However, the permit is necessary to ensure that trees do not impact infrastructure and are appropriately planted so that they thrive and become a neighborhood asset.

Street Tree Removal - If a street tree is in poor health or structurally unsound, the City will remove the tree after following the public notification process.  If you wish to remove a street tree for another reason, you can apply for a permit to remove the tree and go through the City’s tree-removal permitting process. This permit is also required for the proposed removal of any Significant Tree. Street Tree removal without a permit is a violation of Article 16 of the Public Works Code and penalties will apply.

Sidewalk Landscaping - We issue low-cost permits for sidewalk landscaping so property owners can convert a portion of their sidewalk into an attractive landscaped area. Public Works staff ensures that landscaping on sidewalks is properly constructed and maintained to protect public safety, ensure pedestrian access and protect City infrastructure. Landscaped sidewalks look great, provide wildlife habitat, reduce flooding and increase property values!

Billboard Street Tree Pruning – A permit is required before any Street Tree within 150 feet of any portion of a general advertising sign can be pruned. Street Tree pruning near a general advertising sign without a permit is a violation of Article 16 of the Public Works Code and penalties will apply.

Tree Protection - For information on Tree Protection and construction and tree protection diagrams.

Please note, all of San Francisco's street trees are now being maintained and cared for by StreetTreeSF. If there is a reason you need to prune a tree adjacent to your property prior to a StreetTreeSF scheduled pruning, contact the Bureau of Urban Forestry first. The pruning of street trees without prior permission is a violation of Article 16 of the Public Works Code and penalties will apply.