Why do we Regulate Private Trees?

• Trees contribute to the attractiveness and livability of the City of Fremont.
• Trees contribute to the visual framework, climate control, preservation of other natural resources, property values, buffer between land uses, and provide a critical element of nature in an urban environment in the city.
• Trees in Fremont collectively constitute an urban forest where individual tree removals can negatively or positively affect the overall city forest.

Because of the above stated, it is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare of the people of the City of Fremont to regulate the removal and/or damage to trees.

When is a Permit Required?

• 18" DBH* or larger.
• 10" DBH or larger if native to Fremont.**
• 6" DBH if on undeveloped or vacant land.
• Any size DBH if it was required in a previous development approval.
• Located within any non-Single Family Home lot in Fremont.
• Located within any Single Family Home lot larger than 10,000 square feet.
• Located within the front yard of any Single Family Home lot 10,000 square feet or less. (A side yard facing a street on a corner lot is regulated as a front yard.) 

You DO NOT need a permit if your tree species is:

• A commercial-type fruit or nut bearing tree (except Walnuts and Olives are protected and do require permits for removal).
• Located within the rear or side yard of any Single Family Home lot 10,000 square feet or less.

Definitions

*DBH – Diameter at Breast Height (Trunk diameter measured four and one half feet from ground level).

**Trees Native to Fremont include:

• Oak
• Redwood, Buckeye
• Madrone
• Sycamore
• Big-Leaf Maple
• Redbud
• Bay

Non-Native Trees

Non-native trees that have exceptional adaptability to Fremont, and are treated as native trees, include:

• Fremont Cottonwood
• California Pepper
• European Olive
• Black Walnut
• Deodar Cedar

Tree Removal Application

Tree Removal Application PDF	Please download Acrobat Reader if you cannot view this document: Adobe Acrobat Reader Download