Simi Valley, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Designation authority
- City Council, by resolution
- Designation basis
- Historic event/person tie or aesthetic/size merit
- Private-yard exemption
- Does not cover historic trees
- Removal restitution
- Double the appraised tree value
- Max fine
- $1,000 and/or 6 months jail
- Appeal path
- Director to Commission to Council
Summary
Simi Valley lets the City Council designate individual trees as "historic" by resolution for their tie to a historic event or person, or for outstanding size, condition, or beauty. Once designated, a historic tree keeps full protected-tree status even inside a private single-family yard, where most trees are exempt.
Historic Tree. A living tree designated by resolution of the Council as an historic tree because of an association with some event or person of historical significance to the community, or because of special recognition due to aesthetic qualities, condition, or size. ... I.Single-family dwelling. Trees within the private yards of single-family dwellings, with the exception of mature native oak trees and historic trees, are not protected trees.
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
090. 020) defines a "Historic Tree" as one designated by Council resolution because of an association with an event or person of historical significance, or because of special recognition for aesthetic qualities, condition, or size. 090(I) exception, but that exception explicitly carves out mature native oak trees and historic trees: they stay protected wherever they stand on the lot. That means a homeowner cannot remove a Council-designated historic tree in a backyard the way they could remove an unprotected ornamental tree. 080, including disease, structural danger, and interference with an existing structure or utility service.
The Director gives inspection priority to threats to public health and safety and can defer a decision to the Planning Commission. Because the historic designation itself runs through a Council resolution rather than a routine permit, property owners cannot self-declare or remove that status administratively.
Violations & Fines
Removing a designated historic tree without a permit triggers restitution under Section 9-38.100: the Director can require planting or donating replacement trees worth twice the removed tree's appraised value, in addition to the general Development Code penalties in Chapter 9-78, which apply as an infraction or misdemeanor under SVMC § 1-2.01, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Permit denials or Director determinations are appealable to the Planning Commission and then the City Council under Chapter 9-76.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a historic tree from my own backyard in Simi Valley?
Who decides if a tree in Simi Valley is "historic"?
What happens if a historic tree is removed without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle heritage & protected trees.