Sonoma does not single out species by name; instead Chapter 12.08 protects all trees that meet the 'significant tree' definition in §12.08.020 — which captures many oaks, elms, maples, redwoods, and cedars — plus designated heritage trees under Chapter 12.09.
Rather than a species-specific list, Sonoma's protections operate through SMC §12.08.020's definitions of 'significant tree' and 'significant tree, private' (Article II, Definitions). The ordinance is broad enough that many species attain 'significance' — including various Oak species, deciduous species such as Elm and Maple, and evergreens such as Redwood and Cedar. Once protected, any alteration, removal, or relocation requires a written permit (§12.08.050). Heritage trees designated by official act of the Parks and Recreation Commission and accepted by the City Council under §12.09.020 receive even stronger protection. Outside the City, Sonoma County's Chapter 26D (Heritage and Landmark Trees) provides parallel county-level protection for designated trees on unincorporated parcels.
Unpermitted removal of a protected tree exposes the actor to administrative citation, mandatory replacement under §12.08.065, and — for heritage trees — penalties under SMC §12.09.060. Unauthorized work on public-property trees carries a fixed $1,000 fine under §12.08.030.
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See how Sonoma's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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