Sonoma, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SMC Chapter 12.09, Heritage Tree Ordinance
- Size threshold
- 50 inches diameter at 24 inches height
- Designating body
- Parks and recreation commission
- Waiting period before dedication
- 6 months (182 days) minimum
- Maximum penalty
- $500 fine and/or 6 months jail
Summary
The City of Sonoma's Heritage Tree Ordinance lets the parks and recreation commission designate a tree at least 50 inches in diameter, or one of unusual historical or horticultural value, as a heritage tree. Once dedicated, it is unlawful to injure, kill or destroy it, with penalties up to $500 and six months in jail.
As used in this chapter, “heritage tree” means a tree or group of trees specifically designated by official act of the parks and recreation commission that: ... ... D. The tree or group of trees is the size of 50 inches or more in diameter measured at 24 inches above natural grade; and ... It is unlawful for any person to break, injure, deface, mutilate, kill or destroy any heritage tree or set fire or permit any fire to burn where such fire or the heat thereof will injure any portion of a heritage tree, or to cause or permit any wire charged with electricity to come into contact therewith, or to allow any gas, liquid, or solid substance which is harmful to such trees to come in contact with their leaves.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025).
Full Breakdown
08 Tree Ordinance and covers trees the City of Sonoma designates for their historical or horticultural significance, wherever they occur in the city. 020, a heritage tree is one the parks and recreation commission specifically designates because it has historical significance, is mutually dependent on other trees for survival, is an outstanding specimen of its species, or measures 50 inches or more in diameter measured 24 inches above natural grade, and has been recommended by the commission and accepted by the city council. 030, weighing maintenance costs against the tree's landmark value, and cannot recommend acceptance until at least six months (182 days) after the proposed dedication is first considered.
The owner then dedicates the tree to the city, including a right of access for maintenance, and the city council accepts the dedication by resolution. 050, a recognition that does not restrict the owner's normal property rights. 040 makes it unlawful to break, injure, deface, mutilate, kill, or destroy a heritage tree, or to attach wire, rope, signs, paint or similar devices to it without a written permit from the parks and recreation commission.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of the Heritage Tree Ordinance is punishable, upon conviction, by a fine not to exceed $500.00, imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both (SMC 12.09.060). This penalty applies separately from the civil and criminal penalties in the general Chapter 12.08 Tree Ordinance, which covers non-heritage trees on public property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tree in the City of Sonoma become a designated heritage tree?
What size does a tree need to be to qualify as a heritage tree?
What is the penalty for damaging a heritage tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle heritage & protected trees.