Tree removal in Hayward: the local rules

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

What Hayward's code says

Hayward code What Hayward's code adds
Permit to remove	Yes; Site Plan Review first, approved only if the burden of keeping the tree outweighs the public benefit. Applies: Heritage Trees. § 10-15.23 · code text A Heritage Tree removal permit may be approved only if the reviewing body finds the burden to the Applicant in preserving the tree outweighs the benefit to the public.
Protected trees	Native trees of the listed species at least 4 inches in diameter at standard height (DSH). Applies: Trees native to the Hayward area. § 10-15.14 · code text Native Trees to the Hayward area of the following species that have a minimum diameter at standard height (DSH) of four (4) inches or greater: Non-native trees at least 8 inches in diameter at standard height, on commercial lots or residential front yards. Applies: Excludes species listed as invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council. § 10-15.14 · code text Non-Native Trees on commercial properties or in front yards of a residential property, excluding those listed as invasive species by the California Invasive Plant Council, having a minimum DSH of eight (8) inches or greater. Street trees. § 10-15.14 · code text Street Trees. Memorial trees recognized by the city. § 10-15.14 · code text Memorial Trees recognized by the City. Replacement trees planted for earlier removed protected trees. § 10-15.14 · code text Replacement trees that were planted for previously removed Protected Trees. Any tree marked for preservation on an approved map or plan, or required by approval conditions or environmental mitigation. § 10-15.14 · code text Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved final map, development plan, building permit plan, site plan or required to be retained as a condition of approval or environmental mitigation measure. Trees required by a condition of approval or other zoning rule. § 10-15.14 · code text Trees required as a condition of approval or other Zoning requirement. Coast redwoods more than 36 inches in diameter at standard height. § 10-15.14 · code text Coast Redwoods (Sequoia Sempervirens) greater than 36" DSH.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

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

Hayward's code: Yes; Site Plan Review first, approved only if the burden of keeping the tree outweighs the public benefit. (Heritage Trees.) (§ 10-15.23); Native trees of the listed species at least 4 inches in diameter at standard height (DSH). (Trees native to the Hayward area.) (§ 10-15.14).

Tree removal in Hayward

What Hayward's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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