Thousand Oaks has one of the strongest Heritage Tree Ordinances in Ventura County, protecting native oaks, sycamores, and California black walnuts. Trees with a trunk circumference of 30 inches or more at 4.5 feet above grade are designated Heritage Trees.
The Thousand Oaks Heritage Tree Ordinance is a cornerstone of the city's environmental protection program. Protected species include coast live oak, valley oak, California black walnut, and California sycamore with trunk circumferences of 30 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above grade. The ordinance prohibits removal, significant trimming, grading within the drip line, or any activity that threatens the health of a Heritage Tree without prior approval from the Community Development Department. Development projects must submit arborist reports identifying all Heritage Trees on site and within 25 feet of property boundaries. The city may require project redesign to preserve Heritage Trees. Thousand Oaks' identity is closely tied to its oak woodland landscape, and the community strongly supports tree protection. The city has approved over 400 Heritage Tree removal requests over the years but denies applications where preservation is feasible.
Unauthorized removal or damage to Heritage Trees: $1,000-$25,000 per tree. Replacement plantings at ratios of up to 10:1 may be required. Grading within the drip line without approval: $500-$5,000 plus remediation. Willful destruction may result in misdemeanor charges. The city has prosecuted developers and homeowners for Heritage Tree violations.
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle heritage & protected trees.
See how Thousand Oaks's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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