Santa Clara, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Under SCCC § 12.35.090(c)(4), a protected tree (one of the nine specimen species in § 12.35.080(b), or any private tree with a 38-inch trunk) can only be removed if the Community Development Department makes one of several findings, such as irreversible disease or danger of falling. Subsection (F) creates an easier path for single-family lots: if the tree is "an unsuitable species," listed by name as Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum), Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum), Pinus (pines), Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven), Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree), Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm), Ceratonia siliqua (carob tree), or palm trees, that classification alone satisfies the removal-permit finding, without the owner having to show disease, hazard, or utility conflict.

A permit from Community Development is still required to remove one of these trees; the applicant must still submit a site drawing, written explanation, ISA-certified arborist report, photographs, and the fee under § 12.35.090(c)(2). Because the code treats these species as dead or unsuitable trees for replacement purposes, § 12.35.090(c)(7)'s replacement table sets the ratio for "dead tree or unsuitable tree (e.g., eucalyptus, liquidambar, pine, tree of heaven, tulip tree, and palm tree)" at 1:1, minimum 15-gallon, on a single-family lot, the same low ratio that applies to a dead tree, rather than the heavier 2:1 or 4:1 ratios used for multifamily and commercial replacement. The designation does not ban planting these species elsewhere in the city and does not apply outside single-family residential lots; it only streamlines removal of existing specimens that already qualify as protected trees.