Ventura, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Under San Buenaventura Municipal Code (SBMC) Division 11, the City exercises exclusive authority over trees in the public right-of-way, parkway strip (the planting area between curb and sidewalk), and other public easements. The Parks Division Urban Forestry Program (805-667-6519) issues a free permit to plant, prune, or remove parkway trees. Species selection must follow the City Tree Master Plan, which sets approved species by street type and overhead utility conflict, and the program prefers drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate canopy trees consistent with MWELO (CCR Title 23 §490 et seq.). Routine pruning is performed by city crews on a 6-year cycle across 24 maintenance zones; residents may request unscheduled pruning through Ventura Connects or by calling Urban Forestry. New development and street-improvement projects under SBMC Division 13 (Zoning) and Division 14 (Subdivision Regulations) must install street trees per City standards, including root barriers and tree wells in commercial corridors. Sidewalk repair where roots have caused displacement is handled jointly by Public Works (sidewalk) and Urban Forestry (tree); the City does not remove a healthy street tree solely because it drops leaves, flowers, or fruit.