Tree Replacement Requirements: Santa Rosa vs Sonoma
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Santa Rosa, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
No data available yet for Santa Rosa.
Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
When a significant tree is approved for removal, SMC §12.08.065 requires replacement; the City may accept an in-lieu payment of $100.00 per 15-gallon replacement tree, with funds earmarked for tree education and planting.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Rosa | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| In-lieu fee | - | $100.00 per 15-gallon replacement tree (SMC §12.08.065) |
| Required approval | - | City Council, on developer request |
| Use of funds | - | Tree-related educational projects and/or city planting programs |
| Master Tree List adopted | - | March 19, 2025 — 32 climate-resilient species |
| Code section | - | Sonoma Municipal Code §12.08.065 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Rosa FAQ
No FAQs available.
Sonoma FAQ
How many trees do I have to replace?
Replacement counts are set in SMC §12.08.065 and the permit conditions. The City may accept $100.00 per 15-gallon replacement tree as an in-lieu payment if Council approves.
What species should I plant as replacements?
The Sonoma City Council adopted an updated Master Tree List on March 19, 2025, listing about 32 climate-resilient species (pineapple guava, strawberry tree, crape myrtle, desert willow, etc.). Use of the list is strongly encouraged but not mandatory.
Where do my in-lieu fees go?
Per §12.08.065, in-lieu payments must be used exclusively for tree-related educational projects and/or planting programs operated by the City.
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