Santa Clarita, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Designation method
- City Council resolution, tree-by-tree
- Categories
- Specimen, habitat, historic, indigenous
- Authority
- Full control given to Parks Director
- Removal protection
- Blocks driveway-related removal exception
- First infraction fine
- Up to $250
- Third infraction
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 months
Summary
Santa Clarita designates certain trees as legally 'protected' by City Council resolution rather than by a blanket species rule. Municipal Code Section 13.76.020 covers exceptional specimen, habitat, historic and indigenous trees, and Section 13.76.040(B)(1) gives the Parks Director full authority over every tree that carries that designation.
"Protected tree" means any tree in one or more of the following categories which are to be protected and preserved as long as possible, and so designated by resolution of the City Council. Trees are as follows: 1. "Exceptional specimen tree" means a tree considered an outstanding specimen of its species by reason of age, rarity, location, size, aesthetic quality, endemic status, or unique character, and so designated by resolution of the City Council. ... 3. "Historic tree" shall mean a living tree in association with some event or person of historical significance to the community or because of special due to size, condition or aesthetic qualities, and so designated by resolution of the City Council.
Full Breakdown
76 lets the Santa Clarita City Council designate individual trees as 'protected trees' by resolution, a landmark-style status distinct from the City's general street tree rules. 020 defines four qualifying categories: an 'exceptional specimen tree' recognized for age, rarity, location, size, aesthetic quality, endemic status or unique character; a 'habitat tree' with special importance to wildlife; a 'historic tree' tied to a person or event of historical significance to the community; and an 'indigenous tree' that occurs naturally within the City. Each category requires its own City Council resolution before the designation attaches.
040(B)(1) gives the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director 'full and complete authority' over the tree, covering all protected trees existing or later planted on public streets and public areas. 070(A)(7) lets an ordinary street tree be removed to allow a driveway or parking space improvement, but expressly excludes a tree that 'has been designated a protected tree' from that removal justification, meaning a heritage designation can block a property improvement that would otherwise justify cutting the tree down. 060.
Violations & Fines
Damaging a protected tree is enforced the same as any street tree violation under Section 13.76.060(F): a $250 fine for a first infraction, $500 for a second within a year, and a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and six months in jail for a third. The violator also owes the full cost of replacing or repairing the tree, and each protected tree damaged is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tree become a protected 'heritage' tree in Santa Clarita?
Does protected status stop a tree from being removed for a driveway?
Who enforces protected tree rules and what is the penalty for damaging one?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clarita to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle heritage & protected trees.