Heritage & Protected Trees: Ojai vs Simi Valley
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Ojai, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Ojai and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Ojai provides enhanced protections for heritage oaks and significant native trees. Valley Oaks and Coast Live Oaks are iconic to the Ojai Valley landscape. Heritage designation may apply to exceptionally large, old, or historically significant trees.
View full Ojai rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Simi Valley designates certain exceptional trees as heritage trees based on their size, species, historical significance, or ecological value. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection beyond standard tree preservation requirements.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Size | Typically 24"+ DBH or multi-trunk | - |
| Protection Zone | Drip line plus 5 feet | - |
| Root Zone | No paving or chemical treatment | - |
| Construction | Arborist supervision required | - |
| Max Penalty | Up to $25,000 plus criminal prosecution | - |
| Designation Criteria | - | Size, species, history, ecology |
| Common Threshold | - | 24+ inch trunk diameter |
| Root Protection | - | Drip line plus 5 feet |
| Penalty Range | - | $5,000 to $25,000 per tree |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
What is a heritage tree in Ojai?
Exceptionally large oaks (typically over 24 inches DBH), historically significant trees, or trees specifically designated by the City Council receive enhanced protection.
Can I build near a heritage oak?
Yes, but with restrictions. A protection zone (drip line plus 5 feet) must be maintained during construction, with arborist supervision for any work in the root zone.
What happened to oaks in the Thomas Fire?
Many mature oaks were damaged or killed. The city has ongoing replacement planting programs to restore the valley's oak canopy.
Simi Valley FAQ
How do I know if a tree on my property is a heritage tree?
Contact Community Development at (805) 583-6800 to check if any trees on your property are designated. Generally, native oaks over 24 inches in diameter may qualify.
Can I build near a heritage tree?
Construction near heritage trees requires a tree protection plan by a certified arborist. No grading, trenching, or disturbance is allowed within the root protection zone without approval.
What if construction damages a heritage tree?
The project may receive a stop-work order. Fines of $5,000 to $25,000 may apply, plus costs for arborist treatment and restoration. Separate from any construction permit penalties.
Compare other topics
See how Ojai and Simi Valley compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool