Santa Cruz County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Most ornamental pruning and routine maintenance on private property is exempt from permits. The key County limits are habitat- and coastal-based. Under Chapter 16.34 (Significant Trees Protection), which applies in the Coastal Zone, it is unlawful to remove, cut down, or trim more than one-third of the foliage of a 'significant tree' without an approved permit. Within riparian corridors, the County's defensible-space guidance instructs that where vegetation must be cut at stream crossings, owners should remove only branches that impinge on the access way and 'leave at least 2/3 of the foliage of any mature tree' (consistent with the Riparian Ordinance, Chapter 16.30). The defensible-space FAQ also recommends 'limbing up' trees 10 to 15 feet to separate the canopy from understory for fire safety, but doing so in the Salamander Protection Zone, sandhills, or other sensitive habitat may require a Biotic Approval. PG&E and utility line-clearance trimming for wildfire safety is a separate regulated program. Street trees in the County right-of-way are managed by Public Works.