Ventura County, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Diameter threshold
- 28 inches single trunk
- Multi-trunk threshold
- 22 inches, two trunks combined
- Thin-trunk alternative
- 60 ft tall or 75 years old
- Measured at
- 4.5 feet above grade
- Applies in
- Coastal zone only
- Permit from
- Planning Division
Summary
In Ventura County's coastal zone, a non-native tree with a single trunk 28 inches or more in diameter, or with two trunks that together measure 22 inches, is a heritage tree that cannot be altered or removed without a tree permit from the Planning Division.
Heritage trees are defined as non-native, non-invasive or non-invasive watch list species trees or group/grove of trees with unique value that are considered irreplaceable because of the tree's rarity, distinctive features, or prominent location with a community or landscape. To be considered a heritage tree, a tree (or group/grove of trees) shall meet either of the following criteria: (1) The tree has a single trunk of twenty-eight (28) inches or more in diameter or with multiple trunks, two (2) of which collectively measure twenty-two (22) inches or more in diameter
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
Ventura County's Tree Protection Regulations, which apply only in the coastal zone under Sec. 2, set aside a protected class for trees that are not native to the area but are considered irreplaceable anyway. Under Sec. 4(a), a heritage tree is a non-native tree of a non-invasive or non-invasive watch list species, or a group or grove of such trees, that has unique value because of its rarity, its distinctive features, or its prominent location within a community or landscape. So the label is not automatic for every large ornamental: the tree has to be both non-native and non-invasive, and it has to carry the irreplaceable quality the ordinance describes.
Size does the rest of the work. 5 feet above grade. Naturally thin-trunked species such as palms get an alternate route: at least 60 feet of height or 75 years of age. Because the definition covers a group or grove as well as a single tree, a stand of trees can be protected collectively even where no individual member would qualify on its own. Once a tree is a heritage tree, county approval comes first: a tree permit is required before any alteration or removal.
Violations & Fines
Removing or altering a heritage tree without a Planning Division tree permit is a code violation. Where impacts to a heritage tree are unavoidable, Sec. 8178-7.6 requires mitigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the heritage tree rule cover my whole property in the county?
What size tree counts as a heritage tree?
My tree is not native to California. Can it still be protected?
Can a group of trees qualify together?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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