By Lisa Awbrey, HANC Board

On December 9, 2025, as part of Mayor Lurie’s announced Permit SF planning code reforms, D4 Supervisor Alan Wong (appointed by Lurie) cosponsored legislation (File #251211) to “streamline“ urban development by altering street tree requirements. The controversial ordinance would allow developers to pay an in lieu fee of $2590 instead of planting a required replacement tree when a tree is removed from the landscape. Under the change, developers could choose to provide “alternate landscaping” (whatever that is.) The proposed change also exempts ADUs from tree requirements, and most controversially, the change eliminates the public’s ability to appeal city initiated tree removals in our neighborhoods. 

Opponents are concerned that the ordinance would markedly reduce San Francisco’s urban tree canopy. Decades of data show that city trees are proven to assist in filtering urban air, and that established trees help reduce urban heat islands by providing shade. Mature trees also require little to no additional water and are largely drought tolerant. Opponents of the measure are concerned about diminished public oversight of developers who profit from construction in our neighborhoods. 

A hearing of the ordinance is pending at the Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee. Concerned parties should monitor the Land Use and Transportation agendas for upcoming meetings, which are held on Mondays at 1:30 PM. D4 Supervisor Alan Wong can be reached at 415-554-7460, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..