Accessibility Tools

Permit Requirements

How do I know if I need a permit?

The County of San Mateo has created an application that is designed to help residents and arborists determine whether their tree maintenance project requires a tree permit under the County of San Mateo’s adopted tree ordinance. You can access the survey by clicking the link below.

Please Note: If the tree in question on your property is located within the coastal zone (see this interactive map), a Coastal Development Permit may be required. Do not proceed with the ‘Do I need a Permit’ application. Instead, please contact a County planner directly at (650) 363-1825 or email planningprojects@smcgov.org.

Do I Need a Tree Permit?

Tree Emergencies

An emergency tree situation exists only in the following two scenarios:

  • A tree presents an imminent danger to life, property, utilities, or essential transportation systems.
  • A Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) Arborist has determined that the tree has a high or extreme level of risk.

In the event of an emergency tree situation:

  • Stay Safe. Do not put yourself in harm’s way to complete any of the following actions.
  • Notify the Community Development Director. If after hours, contact the County Sheriff’s Department.
  • Take photos. Photos should be taken to accurately depict the emergency. Focus on documenting the following:
    • Tree type and size
    • Tree defect or cause for emergency
    • Targets: What physical object or person can be harmed in this situation?
  • Contact a TRAQ Arborist for risk consultation
  • Submit Photo and Tree Risk Report within 72 hours of emergency action.
  • Replacement trees are required

Arborist Reports

Arborist Reports are required to be filed along with a protected tree removal or protected tree pruning permit to provide additional information why a tree requires removal.  Submitted reports shall follow industry best management practices and reporting standards by providing fact-based, objective review of the subject tree(s).  Reports filed for review with incomplete or missing information, are deemed heavily subjective, or do not consider or provide reasonable alternatives to removal (for protected tree removal permits), will be returned to the applicant or reporting arborist for revisions.

The County prefers that your certified arborist completes a standardized Arborist Report using a SMC template.

Download the Template

Photographs are required of each tree listed on the application form. Photographs must clearly show the subject tree and any additional site or tree conditions that are stated on the application form as the reason for destruction, removal, or pruning.