Simi Valley, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected native oak species
- Quercus agrifolia, berberidifolia, lobata
- Mature native oak threshold
- 20+ sq in trunk cross-section
- General mature tree threshold
- 72+ sq in trunk cross-section
- Historic tree designation
- By City Council resolution
- Private yard exception
- Only oaks and historic trees stay protected
Summary
Simi Valley protects all historic trees, all mature native oak trees, and mature trees tied to development or vacant parcels. Native oaks are limited to Quercus agrifolia, berberidifolia, and lobata, while a mature tree needs a 72-square-inch trunk cross-section to qualify.
Tree. The following terms and phrases are defined for the purposes of Chapter 9-38 (Tree Preservation and Removal). 1.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.2.Mature Native Oak Tree. A living native oak tree with a cross-sectional area of all major stems, as measured four and one-half feet above the root crown, of 20 or more square inches.3.Mature Tree. A living tree with a cross-sectional area of all major stems, as measured four and one-half feet above the root crown, of 72 or more square inches. Mature trees shall not include stump regrowths.4.Native Oak Tree. A living tree of the genus Quercus and species agrifolia, berberidifolia, lobata, or hybrids thereof.5.Protected Trees. All historic trees, all mature native oak trees, or any mature trees which are associated with a proposal for urban development, or are located on a vacant parcel.
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
020 (Article 8, Glossary, Tree definitions) defines exactly which trees Chapter 9-38's removal ban reaches. A 'Protected Tree' is any historic tree, any mature native oak tree, or any mature tree associated with a proposal for urban development or located on a vacant parcel. A 'Native Oak Tree' is limited to the genus Quercus and the species agrifolia (coast live oak), berberidifolia (scrub oak), or lobata (valley oak), or hybrids of those species; other oak species and other tree genera fall outside this protected category unless they separately qualify as historic or mature-and-development-linked.
A 'Mature Native Oak Tree' must have a cross-sectional area of all major stems, measured four and one-half feet above the root crown, of 20 or more square inches, while a general 'Mature Tree' needs a larger 72-square-inch cross-section to count, excluding stump regrowths. A 'Historic Tree' is any living tree the City Council has designated by resolution because of a historical association or special aesthetic, condition, or size recognition, regardless of species or size. 050(E) further exempts Blue Gum trees (Eucalyptus globulus) from preservation within parkways, medians, or planters under 12 feet wide, or within 75 feet of a habitable structure on single-family parcels, meaning even a mature eucalyptus loses protection in those settings.
090(I) narrows protection further inside private single-family yards: only mature native oaks and historic trees remain protected there, while every other species is exempt from the removal ban entirely.
Violations & Fines
Removing, cutting down, relocating or destroying a tree that meets the Section 9-80.020 protected-tree definition without a Tree Removal Permit violates SVMC Section 9-38.030, and under Section 9-38.100 the violator must plant on the property, or donate to the City, replacement trees valued at twice the value of the tree removed, on top of any penalty imposed under Chapter 9-78 (Enforcement).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every oak tree protected in Simi Valley?
Can I cut down a mature eucalyptus tree in my Simi Valley yard?
Are backyard trees protected the same way as trees on a development site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle protected tree species.