source: Marty Aligata license
The City of Berkeley has special regulations protecting Coast Live Oaks. Coast Live Oaks are the only tree whose felling and pruning are subject to special regulations in Berkeley.
Minimum size requiring a permit for removal and for some forms of pruning
Pruning and removal of Coast Live Oaks are subject to regulations if they are single-stemmed with a diameter of 5.7" diameter (18" circumference) or greater or multi-stemmed with a 6.3" combined diameter (26" circumference) or greater, measured 4 ft from grade.
Removal without a permit
It is possible to remove a Coast Live Oak in Berkeley, or to prune it without limits, without a permit, if the tree is under the minimum size limit.
Pruning without a permit
It is possible to prune a Coast Live Oak without limitations if the tree is under the minimum size limit.
It is possible to prune a Coast Live Oak exceeding the minimum size limit if the pruning is less than 25% of the functioning leaf, stem, or root system of a tree in any 24 month period.
Permit is required to:
- remove a Coast Live Oak over the minimum size limit;
- prune a Coast Live Oak over the minimum size limit of over 25% of the functioning leaf, stem, or root system of a tree in any 24 month period.
Obtaining a permit to remove a Coast Live Oak
- Fill this City of Berkeley Pruning or Removal Exemption Form | PDF
- email it to trees@berkeleyca.gov.
Will your request be approved?
You may get different answers on that:-) Most requests with a reasonable reason get approved unless there is opposition from your neighbors. In some situations, a preliminary discussion with your neighbors may be important.