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Sonoma County, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit Required
To remove or damage designated tree
Designating Authority
Board of supervisors, by resolution
Public Notice
15 working days posted on-site
City Exemption
Trees within incorporated city limits exempt
Enforcement
Citations under Section 26-92-192

Summary

Removing or damaging a county-designated heritage or landmark tree requires a tree permit from the planning department, with a required site inspection, 15-day public notice period, and board of supervisors approval for the original designation.

City-specific rules exist: Petaluma, and Santa Rosa have their own heritage & protected trees rules that differ from Sonoma County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Sonoma County Heritage or Landmark Tree Ordinance. Unless otherwise exempt under this chapter, any person or entity proposing to remove or damage a heritage or landmark tree shall obtain a tree permit.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Sonoma County's Heritage or Landmark Tree Ordinance (Chapter 26D) lets the board of supervisors designate individual trees or groves as heritage or landmark trees for historical significance or outstanding size, age, rarity, shape, or location. Once designated, removing or damaging the tree requires a tree permit: a formal application, site inspection, a 15-working-day posted public notice, and planning director review before construction can begin. The ordinance exempts trees within incorporated city limits, including the City of Sonoma, commercial timber operations under the Z'berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act, and emergency hazard removals. Violations are citable, with penalties set by the board of supervisors.

Violations & Fines

Removing or damaging a designated tree without a permit is a citable violation under Section 26-92-192; the board of supervisors sets fines and can require tree replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ordinance apply inside the City of Sonoma?
No. Section 26D-6 exempts trees within incorporated city limits. The City of Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and the other seven cities regulate their own trees under their own municipal codes, not this county ordinance.
How does a tree get heritage or landmark status?
The planning director nominates a tree, the property owner must consent in writing, staff inspects it against the criteria, and the board of supervisors makes the final designation by resolution recorded with the county recorder.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sonoma County

Protected Tree SpeciesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsInvasive Plant Rules: Prohibited SpeciesSome RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Building InspectionsSome RestrictionsHistoric Preservation: Historic-Cultural MonumentsSignificant Restrictions

All Sonoma County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California tree protection overview

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Heritage & Protected Trees in Cities Across Sonoma County

Santa Rosa, CAPetaluma, CA