HOW DO WE PRESERVE OUR TREES?

Trees play a significant role in the desirability of Santa Rosa as a place to live, work, and play. Toward that end the City Council adopted an ordinance on October 2, 1990, regulating the removal of large and/or significant trees. Following are common questions and answers regarding this ordinance and tree preservation in Santa Rosa.

What are the major changes in the new ordinance from previous requirements?

Heritage trees in R-1 (Single Family Residential) Districts are now regulated; replacement trees are required for those removed by new development; and fines and penalties are included for removing trees without a permit.

What is a heritage tree?

A heritage tree is a tree or grove of trees designated by the Planning Commission as having a special significance requiring review before removal may be permitted.

The following trees are native to Sonoma County and are considered heritage trees when their diameter or circumference is of a size specified in the ordinance:

When are permits required?

A permit is required to remove/alter heritage trees in all zoning districts.

Non-heritage trees which are 4" or greater in diameter require a permit except in the following zones:

R-1, R-1-6, R-1-7.5, R-1-9, PRD, and R-1-PD (unless the specific PD policy requires compliance with the tree ordinance, e.g., the Junior College PD) if the property is incapable of being further subdivided. (It may also be exempt if further subdivision is determined unlikely by the Director of Community Development.)

On Undeveloped Property

Permits are required for removal, alteration or relocation of all trees with a 4" or greater diameter in all zoning districts where development is being proposed or may occur in the future.

What is a protected tree?

A protected tree is any tree, including a Heritage tree, indicated to be preserved on an approved development plan, an approved tentative map or tentative parcel map, or other approved development.

Are any trees exempt from permits?

The following trees are exempt from permit requirements in all zoning districts, whether the parcel is developed or not:

Acacias, silver maple, poplars, ailanthus, hawthorn, fruitless mulberry, ligustrums, pyracantha, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, and fruit and nut trees (except walnuts).

Are street trees governed by this ordinance?

Yes, both planting and removal are addressed. Street tree planting must comply with the City’s street tree list as specified by the City Parks Department (543-3422). Street tree removal requires a permit from the City Parks Department.

Are there penalties for violations of the tree ordinance?

Yes, both civil fines and/or criminal penalties may apply. Please see the tree ordinance for details.

Are there replacement requirements?

Yes, replacement trees may be required under specific conditions. Please see the tree ordinance for details.

How are permits obtained?

A completed tree removal application form must be filed with the Department of Community Development. It will be processed within two weeks for developed properties. Processing for undeveloped properties will occur along the proposed project under review.

For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Development at 543-3223   TDD # 543-3031