Do I need a permit to remove a tree in South San Francisco?

For protected trees, yes - and SSF protects them in tiers (Chapter 13.30): Heritage species - oaks, California bay, buckeye, cedars and others: protected at 30 inches in circumference Most other species: protected at 48 inches around Even the problem species - blue gum eucalyptus, black acacia, myoporum, sweetgum, privet: protected once they reach 75 inches around The process is per-tree: each removal gets its own permit through Parks and Recreation, neighbors within 100 feet are notified with a comment period, and permits expire after four months - so the timeline needs active management. That is what we do: solid arborist findings, clean applications, and work scheduled inside the permit window.

For protected trees, yes – and SSF protects them in tiers (Chapter 13.30):

Heritage species – oaks, California bay, buckeye, cedars and others: protected at 30 inches in circumference
Most other species: protected at 48 inches around
Even the problem species – blue gum eucalyptus, black acacia, myoporum, sweetgum, privet: protected once they reach 75 inches around

The process is per-tree: each removal gets its own permit through Parks and Recreation, neighbors within 100 feet are notified with a comment period, and permits expire after four months – so the timeline needs active management. That is what we do: solid arborist findings, clean applications, and work scheduled inside the permit window.