Tree removal in San Marino: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the San Marino Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Marino's code says

San Marino code What San Marino's code adds
Exemptions	No permit application fee. Applies: Applies to an established, heritage or oak tree damaged by storm, fire or natural disaster and found dangerous by the Director. § 23.19.05 · code text An application to remove an established tree, heritage tree, or oak tree that has been damaged by a storm, fire or other natural disaster, and which is determined to be dangerous by the Director of Community Development or his/her designee. No permit application fee. Applies: Applies to a dead established, heritage or oak tree, as found by a certified arborist and confirmed by the Director. § 23.19.05 · code text An application to remove an established tree, heritage tree, or oak tree found to be dead, as determined by a certified arborist and confirmed by the Community Development Director or his/her designee.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit from the Community Development Director is required. Applies: Applies to removing an established, heritage or oak tree in the R-1 or C-1 zones. § 23.19.05 · code text All persons desiring to remove an established tree, heritage tree, or oak tree in the R-1 or C-1 zones shall first submit a tree removal permit application to the Community Development Director.
Replacement trees	One 36-inch box tree. Applies: Applies when the removed tree's trunk diameter at breast height is 4 to 8 inches. § 23.19.05 · code text 4-8 inches \| 1-36" box Two 36-inch box trees. Applies: Applies when the removed tree's trunk diameter at breast height is 9 to 12 inches. § 23.19.05 · code text 9-12 inches \| 2-36" box Four 24-inch box trees or two 36-inch box trees. Applies: Applies when the removed tree's trunk diameter at breast height is 13 to 18 inches. § 23.19.05 · code text 13-18 inches \| 4-24" box or 2-36" box Eight 24-inch box trees or four 36-inch box trees. Applies: Applies when the removed tree's trunk diameter at breast height is 19 to 36 inches. § 23.19.05 · code text 19-36 inches \| 8-24" box or 4-36" box Twelve 24-inch box trees or eight 36-inch box trees. Applies: Applies when the removed tree's trunk diameter at breast height is 37 inches or more. § 23.19.05 · code text 37" or greater \| 12-24" box or 8-36" box Replace with equivalent heritage trees. Applies: Applies to heritage tree removal. § 23.19.05 · code text Heritage trees shall be replaced with equivalent heritage trees, as defined in this Article, that are appropriate or compatible with the landscaping of the property and the neighborhood (as defined in the Municipal Code). Replace with equivalent oak trees. Applies: Applies to oak tree removal. § 23.19.05 · code text Oak trees shall be replaced with equivalent oak trees, as defined in this Article, that are appropriate or compatible with the landscaping of the property and the neighborhood (as defined in the Municipal Code). Plant another tree, or pay the city the full cost of replacing it at another location. Applies: Applies when a required replacement or transplanted tree does not survive for 3 years. § 23.19.07 · code text Should a designated replacement or transplanted tree not survive for a period of three years, the applicant shall be required to replace it with another tree or pay to the city the full cost of replacing the tree at another location to be determined by the Director of Community Development or the Director's designee.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Marino?

San Marino's code: Yes, a tree removal permit from the Community Development Director is required. (Applies to removing an established, heritage or oak tree in the R-1 or C-1 zones.) (§ 23.19.05); One 36-inch box tree. (Applies when the removed tree's trunk diameter at breast height is 4 to 8 inches.) (§ 23.19.05).

Tree removal in San Marino

What San Marino's code says

Who this affects

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