Santa Clara, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

"Heritage tree" is defined at SCCC § 12.35.020(h)(2) as a tree "designated as significant by the City due to their age, commemoration of an event, or memory of a person or event in history." Section 12.35.080(a) lists heritage trees first among the city's protected-tree categories and applies the protection "in all zoning districts," reaching commercial and industrial parcels as well as single-family lots, not just residential neighborhoods. Removing, transplanting, or damaging a protected tree, including a heritage tree, without a permit is unlawful under § 12.35.090(c)(1); the same subsection makes vandalizing, grievously mutilating, or unbalancing a heritage tree beyond an approved permit's scope a separate violation.

An owner seeking to remove a heritage tree files an application with the Community Development Department that must include a site drawing showing the tree and any proposed replacements, a written explanation of why removal is warranted, an ISA-certified arborist's report, the owner's (and HOA's, where applicable) signature with proof of an HOA vote, photographs of the tree, and the applicable permit fee, per § 12.35.090(c)(2). While the Department has final say on most protected-tree removals, § 12.35.090(c)(3)(A) reserves heritage trees for the City Council, which must make one of the findings listed in § 12.35.090(c)(4), such as irreversible disease, danger of falling, or a trunk within five feet of an existing residence or an underground utility line, before it can approve removal. Approval may be conditioned on replacement planting at the ratios set in § 12.35.090(c)(7): 1:1 minimum 15-gallon for a single-family residence, or 2:1 at 24-inch box (or 4:1 at 15-gallon) for multifamily, commercial, or industrial property.

Enforcement runs through SCCC § 12.35.150, which lets the City pursue heritage-tree violations as criminal, civil, or administrative matters, with administrative citations following the Chapter 1.10 SCCC process.