Tree Protection in Moorpark, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Moorpark, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Moorpark protects 'historic trees': living trees the city council formally designates by resolution because of a historic association or exceptional size, condition or aesthetic value. Municipal Code § 12.12.030 defines the term, and any historic tree on a parcel needs a city-issued removal permit under § 12.12.070(B)(1) before it can be cut down.
Moorpark Historic Tree Protection Rules
Significant RestrictionsMoorpark Municipal Code §§ 12.12.030, 12.12.070(A), (B)(1), 12.12.120(B), 12.12.130
'Historic tree' means a living tree designated by resolution of the city council as an historic tree because of an association with some event or person of historical significance to the community or because of special recognition due to size, condition or aesthetic qualities. ... § 12.12.070. ... B. Single Parcel Review Requirement. Permits for removal of trees on any single parcel shall be re...
Protected Tree Species
Any living oak of the species Quercus lobata, agrifolia or dumosa, or their hybrids, is automatically protected in Moorpark under Municipal Code § 12.12.030, no matter its size or age. Section 12.12.040 bans removing, cutting down or destroying a native oak without a city permit, and injuring or scarring one is a separate misdemeanor.
Moorpark Native Oak Tree Protection Law
Significant RestrictionsMoorpark Municipal Code §§ 12.12.030, 12.12.040, 12.12.080(A), 12.12.100, 12.12.130
'Native oak tree' means a living tree of the genus Quercus and species lobata, agrifolia, dumosa or hybrids thereof. ... § 12.12.040. Removal—Prohibitions. No native oak tree, historic tree or mature tree shall be removed, cut down, or otherwise destroyed, except as provided for in Sections 12.12.070 through 12.12.090. ... § 12.12.080. ... A. The condition of the tree with respect to disease, d...
Parkway Planting
Moorpark requires written permission from the director of community services before anyone plants a tree, shrub or plant over 36 inches tall on city-owned public property, including street parkways.
Moorpark Parkway Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsMoorpark Municipal Code § 12.08.080(A)
No person shall plant any tree or any shrub or plant with a mature height in excess of thirty-six inches on any public property of the city without written permission from the director. B. Any tree, shrub or plant planted in violation of subsection A of this section may be removed by the director. The director shall notify the abutting property owner in writing, listing the unlawfully plante...
Looking for Ventura County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Moorpark city rules.
Tree Protection in Ventura County →