Sonoma, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SMC 12.08.030, right-of-way tree permits
- Permitting authority
- Public works director
- Permit validity
- 60 days, one 60-day extension
- Minimum civil fine
- $1,000 per violation
- Infraction fines
- $200 / $350 / $500 escalating
Summary
In the City of Sonoma, only the public works director or an authorized representative may plant, trim, prune or brace a tree in a public street, right-of-way or public property, and anyone else needs a written permit first. Altering, removing or relocating a public tree requires a separate written permit under SMC 12.08.050.
Unless specifically excepted by ordinance of this city, it is unlawful for any person other than the public works director or his/her duly authorized representative to trim, prune, brace, or plant any tree in any public right-of-way, or public property within the city, or to cause the same to be done, unless and until a written permit to do so has first been obtained from the public works director. ... It is unlawful for any person other than those authorized under emergency circumstances within this chapter to alter, remove, relocate, or cause to be altered, removed, or relocated any tree in any public street, public right-of-way, or public property within the city, unless and until a written permit to do so has first been obtained in accordance with SMC 12.08.050.
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, controls what happens to trees on city-owned property and in the public right-of-way within the City of Sonoma. Subsection A makes it unlawful for anyone other than the public works director or a duly authorized representative to trim, prune, brace, or plant a tree in a public right-of-way or on public property without first getting a written permit from the public works director. 050, and the public works director can void a permit if its terms are violated; this does not apply to tree removal required for new street construction, which is handled under Article V.
Subsection C makes it unlawful to break, injure, deface, mutilate, kill or destroy a public tree, or to attach wire, rope, signs, paint or other devices to one, with only the public works director or designee excepted. 020(S)), and a decision within 30 days of referral. A granted permit is valid 60 days, extendable once for another 60 days. 060(C)).
Violations & Fines
Violations of the tree ordinance carry a civil fine equal to the appraised value of the tree, with a $1,000 minimum per violation, brought by the city attorney (SMC 12.08.080). A violation is also a criminal infraction: up to $200 for a first offense, up to $350 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year (SMC 12.08.090). The city attorney may also seek an injunction (SMC 12.08.100), and a violator may petition to plant four replacement trees in lieu of the fine (SMC 12.08.110).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a resident of the City of Sonoma plant a street tree in the parkway strip themselves?
Who decides whether a permit to plant or alter a right-of-way tree is granted?
Is routine trimming of an overhanging street tree exempt from a permit?
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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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle parkway planting.