Tree Protection in Santa Maria, CA (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Santa Maria, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
The Recreation and Parks Commission can confer "Heritage Tree" status on any tree, public or private, that is over 50 years old, an uncommon species of remarkable height, or historically significant, under Municipal Code Section 8-8.19. The designation carries no maintenance duty or legal protection beyond the honor itself.
Santa Maria Heritage Tree Designation
Light RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code § 8-8.19
The Recreation and Parks Commission shall consider conferring this designation upon the review of the facts contained in a letter/report from the public or staff... To be considered as a Heritage Tree the determination that the tree is over 50 years old, or be a species that is not common to the California coastal zone and has reached a remarkable height, or it can be documented that the tree p...
Parkway Planting
New street-tree plantings tied to development must survive a one-year establishment period, pass a pre-planting City inspection, and follow current species and soil specs under Municipal Code Section 8-8.15. Developers may need 10 inches of structured soil under adjoining sidewalks.
Santa Maria Parkway Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code § 8-8.15
New tree plantings that result from use permits, zone changes, subdivisions, and related activity shall require a one year establishment period to ensure the health and vigor of the tree. Establishment period will commence upon City's acceptance of the planting. Tree replacement shall be required if the tree dies during the establishment period. A new establishment period will be determined at ...
Looking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Maria city rules.
Tree Protection in Santa Barbara County →