Ventura, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Ventura, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Removal grounds
- 6 listed conditions, § 20.150.140
- Sewer-conflict test
- Within 10 feet of sewer lateral
- Replacement deadline
- 40 days after permit issued
- Removal cost
- City-borne unless permittee-requested
- Appeal window
- 15 calendar days of permit denial
Summary
The City of Ventura's parks manager can remove a public street tree under Municipal Code Section 20.150.140 only for specific reasons: the tree is dead or diseased, it damages sidewalks or sewer lines, it's an unauthorized species, or it otherwise threatens public health or safety. Private removal of a street tree separately needs a permit under Section 20.150.210.
The parks manager may remove trees from public parkways if the parks manager determines that one or more of the following conditions exist: A. If a tree is dead, or in severe physical decline; or if there is splitting or cracking of major limbs or the tree trunk; or if the tree appears dangerous or obstructive to public safety or travel. ... D. ... If tree growth resulted in sidewalk, curb, or gutter disruption that cannot be reasonably repaired without removing the tree.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-008, passed May 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
140 limits the parks manager's removal authority to six grounds: (A) the tree is dead or in severe physical decline, has splitting or cracking major limbs or trunk, or is dangerous or obstructive to public safety or travel; (B) it is incurably diseased in a way that will permanently injure, disfigure, or kill it; (C) its roots conflict with a sewer line, tested by a three-part standard requiring the tree be within 10 feet of the sewer lateral, root intrusion verified by photographs or physical inspection, and repair methods that would spare the tree deemed inappropriate; (D) its growth has disrupted a sidewalk, curb, or gutter beyond reasonable repair without removal; (E) it is an unpermitted or inappropriate species that conflicts with the city's tree master plan; or (F) removal is otherwise justified to protect public health, safety, or welfare.
160 lets the parks manager cut down a dangerous overhanging private tree through the code's nuisance abatement process. 210 requires any private person to obtain a tree permit before removing, pruning, defacing, or injuring a street tree, and a permittee who removes a tree must replant one of the specified kind and size within 40 days of permit issuance. 260, added by Ordinance No. 2020-001 on January 13, 2020.
Violations & Fines
Removing or injuring a street tree without a permit, or outside the grounds listed in Section 20.150.140, violates Chapter 20.150. A permittee who removes a tree under a permit but fails to plant a replacement of the specified kind and size within 40 days, as required by Section 20.150.210, is also in violation and can be denied future permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can Ventura's parks manager remove a street tree?
Who pays to remove a diseased or hazardous street tree?
Do I have to replace a street tree I'm permitted to remove?
Can I appeal if Ventura denies my tree removal permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle tree removal & heritage trees.