Santa Rosa, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

5, R-1-9, PRD, or R-1-PD zones (unless the district's own policy requires a permit); trimming that clears utility lines, storm drains, or sightlines to traffic signs; hazardous trees needing immediate removal, authorized in writing by the Police, Fire, Public Works, Utilities, Recreation and Parks, Community Development, or the City Manager; City-owned park trees removed by City crews; and a named exempt-species list. 040 requires a written application to the Director of Community Development identifying each tree, the reason for the work, and, if offered, a certified arborist's recommendation.

The Director weighs the tree's health and hazard, its effect on erosion or drainage, its role among neighboring trees, and sound urban-forestry practice before inspecting the site and issuing or denying the permit. An approved permit is valid 60 days and must be posted on-site for 30 days after work begins. Removing a tree that was approved for removal triggers two replacement trees per 6 inches of trunk diameter (minimum 15-gallon size); removing one that was not approved triggers four replacement trees per 6 inches, or a $100 in-lieu payment per tree if there's no room to plant them on-site. 090.