San Leandro Municipal Code Ch. 2 Street Tree Policy and Procedures

A street tree is a plant of arborescent form planted by the City within the public right-of-way. Except as specifically provided in this Chapter, trees planted by the property owner that are located inside or outside the public right-of-way, and/or City trees that have been at some point maintained by the property owner are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the property owner.

Property owners desiring a new street tree must contact the City to request a tree. The City will plant the tree for a fee set forth in the City of San Leandro Adopted Master Fee Schedule. The property owner will have limited discretion as to the type of tree based on the area available for planting, and the species that the City will plant based on the approved Street Tree List.

If an existing street tree is being removed by the City under the circumstances in § 7.2.110 and the property owner asks for a replacement tree to be planted, there will be no cost to the property owner for this service.

(a) The City will remove a street tree under the following circumstances:

(1) Where the tree is dead or damaged beyond expected recuperation (by storm, vehicle accident, etc.).

(2) Where hazardous conditions exist (e.g., a tree in danger of falling over).

(3) Where the City determines a tree has caused concrete or utility line damage and further damage cannot be prevented by normal tree maintenance measures.

(4) Where the City is engaged in a scheduled and phased tree removal and replacement program.

(5) Under unusual hardship circumstances upon approval by the Recreation and Parks Director.

(b) A property owner may prune or remove a City street tree under the following conditions:

(1) The property owner shall obtain an encroachment permit from the Recreation and Parks Department prior to pruning or removal of the City tree.

(2) The tree removal shall include stump-grinding, with return of the planting area to either softscape or hardscape that does not create a tripping hazard to the public.

(3) The cost of pruning or removal and stump-grinding of the City tree shall be the exclusive responsibility of the property owner.

(4) If a replacement tree is not requested by the property owner as set forth in § 7.2.105, the property owner shall be required to pay the City the fee set forth in the City of San Leandro Adopted Master Fee Schedule for a tree to be planted in a location of the City's choosing.

The City trims street trees as needed for proper growth and tree health. Mature trees are trimmed by area on a scheduled basis depending on the size and species of the trees.

Pacific Gas & Electric, as the local electricity utility purveyor, may trim or remove City trees at any time to maintain electrical line clearance, and will attempt to provide prior notification to the property owner. It is noted that Pacific Gas & Electric does not remove/grind the stumps of trees that they remove.

The City may root prune street trees as needed; the health of the tree will be considered. The City will remove and dispose of large limbs that have fallen from street trees. The property owner is responsible for the cleanup of tree debris, such as small limbs, leaves, berries and nuts.

If large limbs from trees located on private property fall and obstruct the public sidewalk or street, the City will, upon notification by the property owner, remove the obstruction and place the limbs on the private property for disposal by the property owner.

In order to provide for a sustainable urban forest within San Leandro neighborhoods, street trees within identified neighborhoods, which may have grown beyond the public right-of-way, may require maintenance by the City. The Recreation and Parks Director is hereby given administrative authority to adopt policies pertinent to the maintenance of street trees as deemed necessary.

Editor's Note: Chapter 2 Street Tree Policy and Procedures was formerly Title 12, Chapter 8. The reorganization of the Public Works Department transferred trees to a new Recreation and Parks Department and this Chapter. Legislative history for former Title 12, Chapter 2: Resolution No. 83-260, 11/21/83 [§§ 12.8.100-12.8.130]; Resolution No. 2001-154, 09/17/01 [§§ 12.8.100-12.8.130]; Resolution No. 2003-125, 06/02/2003 [§§ 12.8.105, 12.8.110, 12.8.120, 12.8.130]; Resolution No. 2008-134, 11/03/2008 [§§ 12.8.110, 12.8.126]; Resolution No. 2010-049, 05/03/2010 [§ 12.8.105]; Resolution No. 2019-150, 09/03/2019 [§§ 12.8.100 — 12.8.115]

(Res. No. 2024-061, 6/17/2024 [7.2100-7.2.130])