Santa Cruz County, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Chapter 16.34 (SCCC 16.34.010 et seq.) makes it unlawful to remove, cut down, or otherwise kill a 'significant tree' in the Coastal Zone without a permit. Under County guidance interpreting SCCC 16.34.030, a significant tree inside the Urban/Rural Services Line is a single tree 20 inches d.b.h. or larger, a sprout clump of 5+ stems each over 12 inches d.b.h., or a group of 5+ trees per parcel each over 12 inches d.b.h.; outside the services lines (visible from scenic roads, beaches, or scenic resource areas) the single-tree threshold is 40 inches d.b.h. with correspondingly larger clump/group thresholds. Any tree within a designated sensitive habitat is also covered. The permit process (16.34.050) requires an application and fee plus an arborist report; the County makes required findings (16.34.060) before approval and can attach conditions including replanting (16.34.070). When on-site replacement is infeasible, an in-lieu fee can fund tree planting in the Coastal Zone (proposed 16.34.075 mitigation framework). Outside the Coastal Zone, Chapter 16.34 does not apply, but tree removal in riparian corridors is governed by Chapter 16.30 and removal of rare species such as Santa Cruz cypress by the Sensitive Habitat Ordinance (16.32). Selling harvested timber may require a CAL FIRE Timber Harvest permit.