Santa Clarita Tree Trimming Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Santa Clarita has one of the more protective oak tree preservation ordinances in Southern California. No person shall cut, prune, remove, relocate, endanger, damage, or encroach into the protected zone of any oak tree on any public or private property within the city except in accordance with the conditions of a valid oak tree permit issued by the city. The protected zone encompasses the area around the trunk and beneath the canopy drip line of each oak tree.

It is the explicit policy of the City of Santa Clarita to require the preservation of all healthy oak trees unless compelling reasons justify their removal. This policy applies to removal, pruning, cutting, and encroachment into the protected zone. Property owners are required to make a reasonable effort to maintain all oak trees on their property in a state of good health, and failure to do so constitutes a violation of the ordinance. Oak tree permits are processed through the Planning Division as part of the development review process.

For fire safety purposes, trees within or near fire hazard zones should be trimmed from the ground to at least one-third of the plant height to reduce ladder fuels. A distance of at least 10 feet should be maintained between tree canopy and any roadways. The city's Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs) handle maintenance of trees and landscaping in common areas, slopes, and medians. Residents can report issues with city-maintained trees by calling (661) 290-2200 or through the Resident Service Center. The LMD hotline is available 24 hours at (661) 286-4050.