Tree Removal/Pruning Permit

Updated: December 5, 2025

A Tree Removal/Pruning Permit is required to remove or prune protected trees in Hayward as defined in the Tree Preservation Ordinance HMC 10-15.14. Tree Removal/Pruning Permits require City Approval and may be appealed to the Planning Director.

Tree Questions?

Want to know if your tree is protected or what type of tree is on your property email your question and a photo of the tree to the following for answers:

Protected Trees Include

• Street trees planted in the parkway between the curb and sidewalk
• Street trees within 15’ of the back of sidewalk when no parkway is present
• Parking lot trees
• Native trees in front and rear yard over 4” in caliper or greater refer to list HMC 10-15.14
• Non-Native Trees on commercial or in front yards of residential properties with a 8” caliper or greater (excludes invasive trees listed here)
• Memorial and Heritage Trees (HMC 10-15-19)
• Trees that were required in the planning process in development or planned community projects.

Tree Pruning/Removal Permit Requirements

The submittal items below are required for the project types identified (Residential or Development). Please note additional submittal items may be required depending on the project scope.

For Single Family Residence

If determined a permit is needed for pruning of a tree the following is required.

For Tree Pruning:

• Email a photo of the tree or trees to be pruned to the city for review: Tree.Pruning@hayward-ca.gov
• Apply for tree pruning permit on line if permit is determined to be required
• Hire a certified arborist to trim your trees - Arborist certification required for trimming a Heritage Tree determined by the city
• Email photos of completed work to Tree.Pruning@hayward-ca.gov
• Permit finalized

For Tree Removal:

For the removal of 2 or fewer trees:

• Email a photo of the tree or trees requested to be removed to the City Landscape Architect for review at Tree.Removal@hayward-ca.gov
• Apply for tree removal permit online if permit is determined to be required
• Hire a certified arborist to remove tree or trees if approved
• Plant (2) new 24” box for each removed – can be done by owner or contractor
• Provide irrigation to each new tree planted – can be done by owner or contractor if prefer to water by hand for a two year establishment period submit declaration of tree care. A photo of the tree will be required to be sent to the city every 6 months for a period of 2 years
• Email city photos of trees planted and irrigation operating (if applicable) to Tree.Removal@hayward-ca.gov
• City will set up a final inspection with the applicant
• Permit finalized

For the removal of 3 or more trees:

Email a photo of trees requested to be removed to the city for review at Tree.Removal@hayward-ca.gov

If trees are approved to be removed follow the steps below:

• Hire a certified arborist to draft an Arborist Report – Report to contain reason for tree removal and appraised value of proposed removed trees and a simple plan of type and location of new replacement trees to be planted
• Apply for tree removal permit on line
• Submit the HOA approval letter or an Owner Authorization Letter for tree removal if not the owner of the property
• Hire a certified arborist to remove trees if approved
• Plant new trees to replace removed trees (number and size of replacement trees to be determined by appraised value of removed tree) – can be done by owner or contractor; contractor preferred
• Provide irrigation to each new tree planted – can be done by owner or contractor; contractor preferred
• Email city photos of trees planted and irrigation operating to Tree.Removal@hayward-ca.gov
• City will set up a final inspection
• Permit finalized when final inspection approved

For Development Projects

• Tree removal and replacement is reviewed during the planning process. If trees are to be removed the applicant is responsible to submit an arborist report for all the trees on the property will be required
• Prior to issuance of a grading or building permit the applicant is required to pull a tree removal permit on line

Submitting a Tree Pruning/Removal Permit Application on-line

1. Contact the City's Landscape Architect to review status of the tree: 

Please include the project address(es) and a detailed description of your project.

1. Register for an e-Permit Portal account: You must Login or Register before you can submit your application at Hayward e-Permit Portal. Learn more about how to register on our e-Permit Portal help page.

2. Apply for your Tree Permit Type: Login using the e-Permit Portal, apply for your Permit by completing the online application and attaching the required submittal materials at Hayward e-Permit Portal. Learn more about how to apply for a Permit on our e-Permit Portal help page.

Project Review

Applicants will be notified by email or can login to the e-Permit Portal for updates on their application. Tree Removal/Pruning Permits typically take one week to process. Estimated processing times do not include the time needed by the applicant to revise and resubmit their application.

Permit Fees

After submitting your application through the e-Permits Portal, staff will reach out to coordinate payment. The application fee for a Tree Removal/Pruning Permit is as follows: