Tree Protection in Ventura County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Ventura County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Ventura County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Heritage & Protected Trees

In Ventura County's coastal zone, a non-native tree with a single trunk 28 inches or more in diameter, or with two trunks that together measure 22 inches, is a heritage tree that cannot be altered or removed without a tree permit from the Planning Division.

Ventura County Heritage Tree Protection

Significant Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8178-7.3.4(a)

Heritage trees are defined as non-native, non-invasive or non-invasive watch list species trees or group/grove of trees with unique value that are considered irreplaceable because of the tree's rarity, distinctive features, or prominent location with a community or landscape. To be considered a heritage tree, a tree (or group/grove of trees) shall meet either of the following criteria: (1) The ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Protected Tree Species

Unincorporated Ventura County protects the tree species listed on Table 1 of its Tree Protection Regulations, along with any heritage tree reaching 90 inches of single-trunk girth, and a tree permit is required before altering, felling, or removing one.

Ventura County Protected Tree Species

Significant Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8107-25.2 (Definitions)

Protected Trees—Any trees from among the species or any heritage or historical tree listed in Table 1 (following definitions) with one or more differentiated trunks which meets the dimensional standards therein and which is situated on land with the applicable zoning shown on Table 1. Heritage Tree—Any species of tree with a single trunk of ninety (90) or more inches in girth or with multiple t...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

In Old Town Saticoy, an unincorporated Ventura County community near the city of Ventura, landowners must landscape and maintain the parkway strip between curb and building, including required street tree plantings, under the Old Town Saticoy Development Code.

Ventura County Parkway Tree Landscaping Rule

Some Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8119-1.4.2(e)(3)

For Primary and Side Streets, the "parkway" portion of the public right-of-way (see Chapter 5 of the Saticoy Area Plan), as well as setback areas along those streets, shall be landscaped and maintained by the landowner. Landscaping shall be provided from the edge of sidewalk or back of curb to the building facade or garden wall. Paved areas shall be limited to walks and driveways, where present.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗