Tree Protection in Sonoma, CA (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Sonoma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
The City of Sonoma's Heritage Tree Ordinance lets the parks and recreation commission designate a tree at least 50 inches in diameter, or one of unusual historical or horticultural value, as a heritage tree. Once dedicated, it is unlawful to injure, kill or destroy it, with penalties up to $500 and six months in jail.
Heritage Tree Designation Rules in Sonoma
Significant RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code §§ 12.09.020, 12.09.040
As used in this chapter, “heritage tree” means a tree or group of trees specifically designated by official act of the parks and recreation commission that: ... ... D. The tree or group of trees is the size of 50 inches or more in diameter measured at 24 inches above natural grade; and ... It is unlawful for any person to break, injure, deface, mutilate, kill or destroy any heritage tree or set...
Parkway Planting
In the City of Sonoma, only the public works director or an authorized representative may plant, trim, prune or brace a tree in a public street, right-of-way or public property, and anyone else needs a written permit first. Altering, removing or relocating a public tree requires a separate written permit under SMC 12.08.050.
Planting Trees in the Public Right-of-Way
Significant RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code § 12.08.030
Unless specifically excepted by ordinance of this city, it is unlawful for any person other than the public works director or his/her duly authorized representative to trim, prune, brace, or plant any tree in any public right-of-way, or public property within the city, or to cause the same to be done, unless and until a written permit to do so has first been obtained from the public works direc...
Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonoma city rules.
Tree Protection in Sonoma County →