Photo via SF Public Works
Trees offer several benefits for congested concrete jungles such as San Francisco. They offer shade amidst bright sunlight and hot weather, and this naturally cools homes and offices, cutting energy costs. They absorb carbon emissions, which cleans the air and slows climate change. Their roots and soil soak up water from rainstorms, preventing sewer overflow and significantly lowering the risk of flooding. In addition, a street lined with trees makes the neighborhood more attractive, which will elevate property values. Last but not least, studies show that being around trees has a calming effect on human beings, lowering stress and blood pressure.
In December 2025, San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong, an appointee of Mayor Daniel Lurie, cosponsored Board File #251211, a City proposal part of Mayor Lurie's planning code reform. The legislation would allow developers to pay an in lieu fee of $2,590 instead of planting a required replacement tree when a tree is removed from the landscape. The ordinance would also alter City Public Works, Administrative and Planning codes to exempt owners of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from mandatory street tree requirements.
Currently under San Francisco law, if a property owner is meant to add an ADU, they are required to have one street tree for every 20 feet of frontage that borders the public right-of-way.
Considering that the cost of planting a tree in San Francisco typically ranges from $4,461 to $6,412, it's predictable that many landlords and developers would be delighted at the opportunity to pay the in lieu fee, save a couple thousand bucks and have done with the matter. Then again, thinking long term, wouldn't the costs associated with diminished air quality and reduced shade possibly outweigh saving a couple thousand bucks per tree?
Photo via Friends of the Urban Forest
Perhaps most unsettling of all, File #251211 would deprive San Francisco citizens of the ability to appeal City-initiated tree removals. On its face, this provision appears to inhibit City residents from exercising their First Amendment right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
The Board of Supervisors is set to vote on the legislation on the first day of September 2026. Opponents are naturally concerned that the ordinance would reduce San Francisco's tree canopy.
In the meantime, local attorney Joshua Klipp has called for City residents to email and/or call the Mayor's Office and the Board of Supervisors to express opposition to this ordinance. There also will be direct actions taking place on August 31, in which opponents of the measure will protest on the Civic Center side of Polk Street across from City Hall and eventually go into City Hall to confront Mayor Lurie.
Klipp also recommends people attend the Board of Appeals hearing in City Hall Room 416 to be held at 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
