Santa Maria, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Title 8, Chapter 8-8 of the Municipal Code governs Santa Maria's urban forest. The City affirmatively manages street trees in the parkway strip (between curb and sidewalk) and up to ten feet onto the front of private property. No person, firm, or corporation may spray, root-prune, fertilize, trim, stake, guy, rod, cable, plant, transplant, grade, or trench within the foliage drip line, or remove, any street tree, vine, shrub, or flower without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Recreation and Parks (unless operating under an approved City contract or plans authorized by another City department). To request removal, the property owner must submit a written request stating the reasons; City staff inspect, evaluate, and advise. The Recreation and Parks Commission acts on the Council's behalf for tree matters and the property owner may appeal Commission decisions to the City Council. Street trees are candidates for removal only if dead, dying, diseased, or structurally unsound (SMCC 8-8.05-A). If a healthy tree is removed for development or owner convenience, the property owner pays removal and replacement costs, and must plant two 24-inch box replacement trees for each healthy tree removed. Routine pruning, staking, and ongoing care of City-managed street trees is performed by the City; residents call Recreation and Parks at (805) 925-0951 ext. 260 and an inspection is completed within 48 hours.