Simi Valley, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Simi Valley's Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance is codified at Title 9 (Development Code), Chapter 9-38 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code (SVMC). A 'Mature Tree' is defined as any living native oak tree with a diameter of 5 inches or more, or a tree of any other species with a diameter of 9.5 inches or more, measured 4.5 feet above the root crown. Protected trees include all historic trees, all mature native oak trees, and any mature trees associated with a proposal for urban development, located on a vacant parcel, or located on developed multi-family, commercial, industrial, or vacant property. Mature trees located in the yards of single-family dwellings are NOT protected, except for native oak trees and historic trees - those remain protected regardless of where they grow. Section 9-38.090 (Exceptions) provides that pruning or trimming which does not endanger the life of the tree is permitted without a permit, as are trees within commercial nurseries and trees on properties owned by certain park districts and county agencies. To remove a mature tree on multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, or vacant property - or to remove a mature native oak or historic tree anywhere in the city - a Tree Removal Permit must first be obtained from the Environmental Services Director, who will require a tree report prepared for review by the Environmental Planner. If a protected tree is removed with a permit, replacement specimen trees with a total value equal to the removed tree must be planted on the same property. Separately, mature trees located within the public right-of-way may only be removed by authority of the City's Public Works Department, and the Public Works Department inspects all landscaping work in the City's street right-of-way. The Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance is administered by the Planning Division (805-583-6769); street-tree maintenance is handled by Public Works (805-583-6400).