Tree removal in Burlingame: the local rules

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

What Burlingame's code says

Burlingame code What Burlingame's code adds
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree permit is required. Applies: Removing or heavily pruning a protected tree for a private development project needing no discretionary or state-mandated ministerial approval. § 11.06.040 · code text Where a property owner wishes to remove or excessively prune a protected tree under this chapter on private property as part of a development or redevelopment project for which no discretionary approval is required under Title 25, an application for a permit shall be made pursuant to the standard application procedures and submittal requirements set forth in Section 11.06.060 and as otherwise stated in this chapter. Yes; the tree permit is filed with the discretionary application and approved with the project. Applies: Removing or heavily pruning a protected tree for a private development project that needs discretionary approval. § 11.06.040 · code text Where a property owner wishes to remove or excessively prune a protected tree under this chapter as part of a development or redevelopment project for which a discretionary approval under Title 25 of this code is otherwise required, the application for discretionary approval shall be accompanied by a permit(s) for the work under this chapter to the decision maker for the discretionary approval. Yes; filed with the ministerial application and approved with the project, subject to replacement and reforestation rules. Applies: Trees that would physically block a state-law ministerial project. § 11.06.040 · code text the application for ministerial approval shall also be accompanied by an application for a permit(s) under this chapter to the reviewer of the ministerial approval for all trees which would physically preclude the approved development or redevelopment project.
Replacement trees	Replace 1 inch of trunk diameter for each inch removed (1:1). Applies: Properties other than lots with 1- or 2-unit homes. § 11.06.100 · code text Any other tree replacement plan for all other properties must provide for the replacement of protected trees at a ratio of one-inch DSH of tree replaced for each inch DSH of tree removed (1:1 ratio). Replant on-site or off-site, pay an in-lieu fee, or get credit for existing landscape trees. § 11.06.100 · code text A tree replacement or reforestation plan must include one or more of the following options:

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Burlingame?

Burlingame's code: Yes, a tree permit is required. (Removing or heavily pruning a protected tree for a private development project needing no discretionary or state-mandated ministerial approval.) (§ 11.06.040); Replace 1 inch of trunk diameter for each inch removed (1:1). (Properties other than lots with 1- or 2-unit homes.) (§ 11.06.100).

Tree removal in Burlingame

What Burlingame's code says

Who this affects

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