Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Santa Rosa vs Sonoma
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Santa Rosa, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Santa Rosa and Sonoma have similar restriction levels.
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 →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Unincorporated Sonoma County requires a permit to remove most protected native trees 6 inches in diameter or larger. A ministerial zoning permit covers smaller trees; a discretionary use permit is needed for hardwoods 36 inches or larger and redwoods 48 inches or larger. Mitigation fees apply, starting at $510 per arboreal value point.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Rosa | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Protected size threshold | - | 6 inches DBH (native species) |
| Use permit - hardwoods | - | 36 inches DBH or larger |
| Use permit - redwoods | - | 48 inches DBH or larger |
| Mitigation fee | - | $510 per arboreal value point |
| Governing code | - | Code Section 26-88-010 |
| Ordinance updated | - | Adopted April 16, 2024 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Sonoma FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my Sonoma County property?
If it is a protected native species 6 inches DBH or larger, yes - typically a zoning permit. Larger hardwoods (36 inches+) and redwoods (48 inches+) require a discretionary use permit. Non-native or smaller trees are generally exempt.
How much does tree-removal mitigation cost?
The published in-lieu fee is $510 per arboreal value point. A 6-inch tree is one point; larger trees accumulate more points by diameter, so a 36-inch redwood (six points) runs about $3,060. The 2024 update raised maximum fines to around $3,500 per tree.
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