Tree Permits
Tree Pruning Permit
Tree Removal Permit
Tree Permits Handout
Applying for a Tree Permit
Residents or their tree contractor are required to apply with the City for a Tree Pruning Permit before performing work on any street tree or protected tree located on private property. A Tree Removal Permit is also required for the removal or relocation of any street tree or protected trees in the City (Millbrae Municipal Code Section 8.60.080). Residents can perform routine maintenance and basic trimming themselves on trees located within their private property without a permit under certain conditions.
Tree Pruning Permit applications can be dropped off in the “Water Payment” box in the parking lot at City Hall, brought to our Engineering Department front counter, mailed to the Engineering Department at 621 Magnolia Ave. Millbrae, CA 94030, or emailed to us at treepermits@ci.millbrae.ca.us. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:30 pm. There is no-fee for tree pruning permits.
Tree Removal Permit applications require a fee and must be submitted in person to the Community Development Department at 621 Magnolia Ave. Millbrae, CA 94030. Tree removals require replacement trees to be planted and an inspection as per Millbrae Municipal Code Section 8.60.110(E). For more information about tree removal permits, contact the Planning Division at (650) 259-2341.
A copy of our Tree Permits Handout is available for download here.
Can a gardener perform tree work?
Tree work in California is required by State law to be conducted by a licensed tree and palm contractor (Cal Bus. & Prof. §7026.1). Under the law, gardeners are limited to performing only incidental trimming of trees measuring less than 15 feet in height after planting. While residents can perform routine tree maintenance and basic trimming themselves without a permit (defined as less than 25% of a trees mass), the City needs to be notified of major tree work in advance by applying for a tree permit.
Emergency Tree Work
Sometimes bad weather happens and unexpected emergency tree work is required to protect your home after-hours. A protected tree may be removed or pruned in an emergency without a permit where it presents an imminent danger to life, property, utilities or essential transportation systems. In such an event, the property owner or their tree contractor must notify the authorities and obtain an Emergency Tree Permit from the City within 72 hours of the incident occurring (Millbrae Municipal Code Section 8.60.160).
Sustainable Landscaping
Trees are an important part of a sustainable, water-efficient landscaping project, as they provide shade, cooling and other important benefits. The City of Millbrae has a website with resources to help homeowners plan an appropriate water-efficient landscaping design for their yards. The City encourages the use of drip irrigation systems, beneficial in using 30-50% less water than conventional spray irrigation and prevent overwatering by keeping the water close to the base of the plants and soil.
The City of Millbrae has adopted an ordinance prohibiting the installation of synthetic grass and artificial turf landscaping. Residents with existing synthetic grass and artificial turf landscaping are required to remove and replace their synthetic material with natural landscaping once their installations begin to show visible signs of wear. Residents who need to remove their artificial grass or synthetic turf when planting or replacing a tree will be required to replace their synthetic turf with natural water-efficient landscaping at that time.
Utility Agency Tree Permits
As per Millbrae Municipal Code Section 8.60.150, public utility companies subject to the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission may perform pruning or other alteration of street trees, as is necessary, to comply with the safety regulations of said commission and to maintain the safe operation of their facilities. On an annual basis, utility companies are required to obtain a special Utility Agency Tree Permit from the City and, following issuance of the special permit, are required to notify the Parks Division of Public Works at least three working days prior to undertaking any pruning or other work on a street tree (except in cases of emergency).
Background and Process
The City of Millbrae updated their Tree Protection and Urban Forestry Ordinance in July 2024. The City’s prior tree ordinance only applied to street trees within the public right-of-way. As per Municipal Code Chapter 8.60, residents are responsible for maintaining street trees in front of their properties as well as certain protected trees on their own properties. Major tree work must be performed by a state licensed tree contractor.
Tree permits for tree pruning of street trees in the public right-of-way and on private property are reviewed and processed by the Public Works Department. The City of Millbrae continues to issue tree pruning permits to residents at no cost. Either residents or their tree service contractor can apply for a no-fee tree pruning permit. A separate encroachment permit ($358.95) continues to be required when tree work is conducted within the street.
Permits for tree pruning work consist of a simple registration to improve convenience and to encourage contractors' compliance. Basic trimming and routine maintenance to maintain a protected tree in a healthy condition does not require a tree permit. Residents should be aware that gardeners [who do not hold a California Tree and Palm Contractors License] are limited to performing incidental pruning of trees less than 15 feet in height (Cal Bus. & Prof. § 7026.1) and are not permitted to perform major tree work. The City will be enforcing this requirement to ensure that tree work is being done safely, properly, and in accord with the law.
Permits for the removal or relocation of protected trees are also required. When removing a tree, replacement trees or payment into an in-lieu tree replacement fund is required. In these instances, an arborist's report may be required. Tree removal permits require payment of a $248 fee and may be applied for at the Community Development Department counter.
The City Council reviewed the updated Tree Protection and Urban Forestry Ordinance on July 9, 2024 and voted to enact the ordinance upon second reading at their meeting held on Tuesday July 23, 2024.
A copy of the June 9, 2024 staff report is available here.
A copy of the June 23, 2024 staff report is available here.