Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Petaluma and Santa Rosa have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County protects native trees 6 inches in diameter or greater under the Tree Protection Ordinance (Code §26-88-010(m)), with stricter rules for heritage and landmark trees (Chapter 26D), oak woodlands (§26-67), and trees in riparian corridors (§26-65). The county adopted an updated tree ordinance on April 16, 2024.
View full Petaluma rules →Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa protects certain trees through its Tree Preservation Ordinance. Removing heritage trees or trees over a specified diameter requires a permit. Protected trees include native oaks and other significant species.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Protection Ordinance | §26-88-010(m) | - |
| Permit Threshold | Native trees ≥6 in. diameter | - |
| Heritage/Landmark Trees | Chapter 26D | - |
| Oak Woodland | §26-67 (OAK Combining Zone) | - |
| Riparian Corridor | §26-65 | - |
| In-Lieu Fee | ~$510 per arboreal value point | - |
| Updated | April 16, 2024 | - |
| Protected Trees | - | Heritage, native oaks, large diameter |
| Permit | - | Required for protected tree removal |
| Arborist Report | - | May be required |
| Mitigation | - | Replacement planting or in-lieu fees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in unincorporated Sonoma County?
Yes if the tree is a protected native species measuring 6 inches in diameter or greater at breast height, or a designated heritage/landmark tree. Section 26-88-010(m) requires a zoning permit and mitigation; Chapter 26D requires a separate tree permit for heritage and landmark trees.
Which tree species are protected in Sonoma County?
Protected native species under §26-88-010(m) include valley oak, coast live oak, blue oak, black oak, maples, cottonwoods, alders, willows, redwoods, and several listed native pines and cypresses. Non-native species (eucalyptus, ornamentals) are generally exempt.
Are there any tree-removal exemptions in Sonoma County?
Yes. The April 2024 update preserves exemptions for hazardous, dead, dying, or diseased trees that threaten structures; trees below the size threshold; routine residential maintenance; and removals required for defensible space under fire safety rules.
What is the penalty for removing a protected tree without a permit?
Penalties include administrative citations under County Code Chapter 1, mandatory replanting (often at higher ratios), and assessment of in-lieu mitigation fees at roughly $510 per arboreal value point. Unauthorized removal of a designated heritage tree can rise to misdemeanor prosecution.
Does Sudden Oak Death affect oak removals?
Yes. Sonoma County is within the regulated Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum) area. Oak removals — especially of infected wood — must follow state quarantine rules administered by CDFA, and movement of infected wood off-site is restricted.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Santa Rosa?
You need a permit to remove heritage trees, native oaks, and trees above certain diameter thresholds. Contact the Planning Division for specific requirements.
What if a tree is a safety hazard?
Emergency removal of hazardous trees may proceed but you should document the hazard and notify the city as soon as possible.
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