Tree removal in San Pablo: the local rules

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

What San Pablo's code says

San Pablo code What San Pablo's code adds
Exemptions	Trees prohibited on the city's plant list may be removed regardless of size. Applies: Applies to trees prohibited on the city's plant list. § 17.48.120 · code text Trees that are prohibited on the city’s plant list (these may be removed regardless of size). Exempt: unsafe, unhealthy, structurally distressed or dead trees. Applies: Applies to trees that are unsafe, in poor health, structurally distressed or dead. § 17.48.120 · code text Trees that are unsafe, in poor health, structurally distressed, or dead. Exempt: trees whose main trunk is partly in the right-of-way or on an adjoining site outside the land division. Applies: Applies when the main trunk is partly in the right-of-way or on an adjoining site not part of the land division site. § 17.48.120 · code text Trees where the primary trunk is partially located in the right-of-way or on an adjoining site that is not part of the land division site. Exempt: trees less than 6 inches in diameter. Applies: Applies to trees less than 6 inches in diameter. § 17.48.120 · code text Trees that are less than six inches in diameter.
Permit to remove	Yes. Zoning administrator approval is required. Applies: Applies to removing 3 or fewer trees identified for protection in the tree evaluation. § 17.48.120 · code text For the removal of three or fewer trees, the zoning administrator’s approval is required. Yes. Minor design review before the planning commission is required. Applies: Applies to removing 4 or more trees identified for protection in the tree evaluation. § 17.48.120 · code text For the removal of four or more trees, a minor design review before the planning commission is required.
Protected trees	Native trees at least 6 inches in diameter, measured 3 feet above natural grade. Applies: Applies to residential properties. § 17.48.120 · code text Residential properties removing native trees at least six inches in diameter measured three feet above natural grade.
Replacement trees	Replace with a 15-inch box tree. Applies: The damaged or removed tree is 2 inches in diameter, measured at 5 feet high. § 17.48.120 · code text 2 inches (diameter at 5-foot height) \| 15-inch box Replace with a 24-inch box tree. Applies: The damaged or removed tree is 4 inches in diameter, measured at 5 feet high. § 17.48.120 · code text 4 inches (diameter at 5-foot height) \| 24-inch box Replace with a 36-inch box tree. Applies: The damaged or removed tree is 6 inches or more in diameter, measured at 5 feet high. § 17.48.120 · code text 6 inches or greater (diameter at 5-foot height) \| 36-inch box

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

San Pablo's code: Yes. Zoning administrator approval is required. (Applies to removing 3 or fewer trees identified for protection in the tree evaluation.) (§ 17.48.120); Native trees at least 6 inches in diameter, measured 3 feet above natural grade. (Applies to residential properties.) (§ 17.48.120).

Tree removal in San Pablo

What San Pablo's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific San Pablo property

More on building on your lot in San Pablo