Tree Trimming: Petaluma vs Rohnert Park
How do tree trimming rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Rohnert Park, CA?
Petaluma and Rohnert Park have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County regulates tree removal through the Tree Protection Ordinance (Zoning Code Sec. 26-88-010(m)) and Heritage/Landmark Tree Ordinance (Chapter 26D), and separately requires lower-limb pruning to 6 feet under the Chapter 13A defensible-space rules.
View full Petaluma rules →Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County regulates tree removal through the Tree Protection Ordinance (Zoning Code Sec. 26-88-010(m)) and Heritage/Landmark Tree Ordinance (Chapter 26D), and separately requires lower-limb pruning to 6 feet under the Chapter 13A defensible-space rules.
View full Rohnert Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Rohnert Park |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Protection Code | Sec. 26-88-010(m) | Sec. 26-88-010(m) |
| Heritage Tree Chapter | Chapter 26D (Ord. 3651, 1986) | Chapter 26D (Ord. 3651, 1986) |
| Protected Species (2024 update) | 31 species at 6 in. dbh | 31 species at 6 in. dbh |
| Use Permit Threshold | Hardwoods 36 in. dbh / Redwoods 48 in. dbh | Hardwoods 36 in. dbh / Redwoods 48 in. dbh |
| Defensible-Space Limb-Up | 6 ft from ground | 6 ft from ground |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my property?
If the tree is a protected species at or above the regulated diameter under Sec. 26-88-010(m) (currently 31 species at 6 in. dbh after the April 2024 update) or is a designated heritage or landmark tree under Chapter 26D, yes.
What about pruning for fire safety?
Chapter 13A defensible-space rules require limbing tree branches up at least 6 feet from the ground and clearing branches within 10 feet of chimneys; these prunings do not require a tree permit.
Are there exemptions for dead or hazardous trees?
Permit Sonoma exempts removals for defensible-space compliance and dead, dying, or diseased trees within 100 feet of structures.
Rohnert Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my property?
If the tree is a protected species at or above the regulated diameter under Sec. 26-88-010(m) (currently 31 species at 6 in. dbh after the April 2024 update) or is a designated heritage or landmark tree under Chapter 26D, yes.
What about pruning for fire safety?
Chapter 13A defensible-space rules require limbing tree branches up at least 6 feet from the ground and clearing branches within 10 feet of chimneys; these prunings do not require a tree permit.
Are there exemptions for dead or hazardous trees?
Permit Sonoma exempts removals for defensible-space compliance and dead, dying, or diseased trees within 100 feet of structures.
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