Rohnert Park, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt species
- Ailanthus spp. (Tree of Heaven) is permit-exempt
- Governing section
- Rohnert Park Municipal Code § 17.15.030(B)(5)
- No permit needed
- No site plan, arborist report, or director review required
- Other exempt species
- Acacia, Eucalyptus, Privet, Liquidambar, Monterey Pine, Lombardi poplar also listed
Summary
Rohnert Park's tree preservation ordinance exempts Ailanthus spp. (Tree of Heaven) from its removal permit requirement, letting property owners take one down without applying to the community development director. The exemption sits at § 17.15.030(B)(5) alongside five other listed species the chapter does not protect.
The following trees shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter: ... 5.Any of the following trees: Acacia spp. (Acacia), Ailanthus spp. (Tree of Heaven), Eucalyptus spp., Ligustrum spp. (Privet), Liquidambar styraciflua (Liquidambar), Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine), or Populus lombardii (Lombardi poplar);
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
030(B) lists categories of trees the chapter does not cover. , Ligustrum spp. (Privet), Liquidambar styraciflua, Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine), and Populus lombardii (Lombardi poplar). 040(A) otherwise requires, and without a decision from the community development director. 070. 24, trees that are part of a larger entitlement application, routine pruning under ISA standards that removes no more than a third of the canopy, and trees an imminent-hazard tree determined by the director of public safety, public works, the city arborist or the community development director.
None of those alternate paths is required for Tree of Heaven specifically: the species exemption in item 5 applies on its own regardless of health, hazard status or project context.
Violations & Fines
Because Tree of Heaven is exempt under § 17.15.030(B)(5), removing one does not trigger the permit violation penalties in § 17.15.080 that apply to protected trees. If a property owner mistakenly removes a different, non-exempt tree while believing it to be Tree of Heaven, that removal is punishable under Chapter 1.16 and the city can seek the replacement value set under § 17.15.050(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a Tree of Heaven in Rohnert Park without a permit?
Why is Tree of Heaven exempt from Rohnert Park's tree ordinance?
Do I owe a replacement fee for removing a Tree of Heaven?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rohnert Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Rohnert Park to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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