Santa Rosa, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 17-24.030(A)(5)
- Exempt species
- Ailanthus, plus 9 other listed trees
- Permit needed on private land
- No
- Street-tree exception
- Exemption void if grown as street tree
- Who sets the list
- City Council, by resolution
Summary
Santa Rosa's tree ordinance singles out ailanthus, the invasive tree-of-heaven, for special treatment: Section 17-24.030(A)(5) lists it among species exempt from the citywide tree permit, so owners can cut it down without applying to the Director of Community Development, the same as other nuisance trees like silver maple and poplar.
Exempt Trees. The following species of tree and any additional species, as determined by resolution of the City Council from time to time, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter (except for those that may exist as street trees) and a permit is not required for their alteration, removal or relocation: acacia, silver maple, poplar, ailanthus, hawthorn, fruitless mulberry, ligustrum, pyracantha, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, and fruit and nut trees, except walnut trees which are not exempt.
Full Breakdown
030(A)(5) carves out a short list of species the City Council has decided don't need that protection. Ailanthus, commonly called tree-of-heaven, is on that list alongside acacia, silver maple, poplar, hawthorn, fruitless mulberry, ligustrum, pyracantha, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, and fruit and nut trees other than walnut. 100 that applies to unpermitted work on a covered tree. 075's street-tree removal permit, administered by the Director of Recreation and Parks, because the City treats trees in the public right-of-way differently regardless of species. The City Council retains authority to add species to, or remove species from, the exempt list by resolution at any time, so the ailanthus exemption isn't permanent by ordinance text alone; it stands only as long as the Council's current list keeps including it.
Violations & Fines
Because ailanthus is on the exempt list, removing one from private property carries no permit violation under Chapter 17-24. But an ailanthus growing as a street tree loses the exemption: removing it without the Director of Recreation and Parks' permit under Section 17-24.075 exposes the responsible party to the same misdemeanor charge under Section 17-24.100 that applies to any unauthorized street-tree removal in Santa Rosa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree-of-heaven in my yard?
Is the exemption different if the tree is growing next to the street?
Could the City add or drop species from the exempt list?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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