Tree removal in Millbrae: the local rules

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

What Millbrae's code says

Millbrae code What Millbrae's code adds
Exemptions	Routine trimming to keep a protected tree healthy needs no permit. Applies: Routine and incidental trimming. § 8.60.110 · code text Routine and incidental trimming to maintain a protected tree in a healthy condition does not require a permit. These trees are never protected, regardless of size. Applies: Acacia, broadleaf privet, fruit trees, palms and other monocots, Russian olive, Tasmanian blue gum, Tree of Heaven and tulip tree. § 8.60.060 · code text The following trees may not be classified as significant trees or designated as heritage trees, regardless of size:
Replacement trees	The Planning Commission may allow another replacement measure instead of the in-lieu fee. Applies: Heritage tree removal needed for public health and safety because a certified arborist finds natural, irreversible decline and death. § 8.60.110 · code text The planning commission may authorize an alternate replacement measure in those circumstances where a certified arborist has determined the removal of a heritage tree is necessary for public health and safety purposes due to the natural and irreversible decline and death of the tree. Replacement trees, payment into an in-lieu tree fund, or both. Applies: Any protected tree removed, with or without approval. § 8.60.110 · code text Any protected tree that is removed, whether authorized or in violation of this chapter, must be mitigated with either replacement trees, payment into an in-lieu tree replacement fund, or a combination of both, as determined below. 2 replacement trees per tree removed, in 24-inch boxes with at least 1.5-inch caliper. Applies: Removed significant trees under 18 inches in diameter. § 8.60.110 · code text Removed significant trees with a diameter less than eighteen inches must be replaced at a 2:1 ratio with a tree box diameter of twenty-four inches and having a minimum caliper of one and a half inches. 3 replacement trees per tree removed, in 24-inch boxes with at least 1.5-inch caliper. Applies: Removed significant trees between 18 and 24 inches in diameter. § 8.60.110 · code text Removed significant trees with a diameter between eighteen inches and twenty-four inches must be replaced at a 3:1 ratio with a tree box diameter of twenty-four inches and having a minimum caliper of one and a half inches. An in-lieu fee equal to the protected tree's value. Applies: Removed heritage trees. § 8.60.110 · code text Removed heritage trees must be mitigated through payment of an in-lieu fee. A reduced in-lieu fee together with fewer replacement trees. Applies: When replacement trees and in-lieu fees are combined. § 8.60.110 · code text A reduced in-lieu fee may be assessed when paid in combination with a reduced number of replacement trees as required in this section.
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Removing, pruning or otherwise materially altering a protected tree on private property. § 8.60.110 · code text No protected tree may be removed, pruned, or otherwise materially altered without a permit, except as provided in this chapter.
Protected trees	Heritage trees named by city council that are healthy, visible from a public right-of-way and exceptionally significant. Applies: Significance may be history, size, location, species or age; the tree must be well adapted to local climate. § 8.60.060 · code text The city council may declare by resolution any tree to be a heritage tree for special recognition if said tree is healthy and has adapted well to the climatic conditions of the area, if said tree is visually accessible from a public right-of-way and if the city council finds that the tree is of exceptional significance with respect to history, size, location, species, or age. Any species at least 10 inches in diameter (31.4 inches around) at 54 inches above grade, except exempt species. Applies: Significant trees. § 8.60.060 · code text A tree of any species measuring ten inches diameter (31.4 inches circumference) or more, when measured at fifty-four inches above natural grade, except those tree species identified as exempt under this section. Trees protected by a planning approval, required as replacement or approval conditions, or set aside for carbon, mitigation or storage. Applies: Significant trees. § 8.60.060 · code text Any tree designated for protection through the approval of a planning entitlement application.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Millbrae's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Removing, pruning or otherwise materially altering a protected tree on private property.) (§ 8.60.110); Heritage trees named by city council that are healthy, visible from a public right-of-way and exceptionally significant. (Significance may be history, size, location, species or age; the tree must be well adapted to local climate.) (§ 8.60.060).

Tree removal in Millbrae

What Millbrae's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Millbrae property

More on building on your lot in Millbrae