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

The County's Deciduous Oak Tree Protection and Regeneration ordinance (Article IX of Chapter 35, Ordinance No. 4490, effective April 15, 2003) requires an Oak Tree Removal Permit, issued by the Planning Commission (Sec. 35-912), once cumulative oak removals exceed set thresholds over a 30-year tracking period. "Protected" oaks are valley oaks (Quercus lobata) and blue oaks (Quercus douglasii) four inches or greater in diameter at breast height (Sec. 35-906). Thresholds are acreage-based and differ for agricultural versus non-agricultural removal: for non-agricultural removal, only 2 oaks may be removed exempt on lots under 50 acres, rising to 12 on lots over 899 acres; agricultural exemptions are higher (e.g., 8 oaks under 50 acres) but a permit is also triggered if 50% or more of all oaks are removed on lots under 100 acres (30% on larger lots). Exempt and not counted: oaks within 50 feet of an existing residence, naturally dead or uprooted oaks, and oaks posing an immediate safety threat (Sec. 35-907). Where a permit is required, Sec. 35-911 mandates an Oak Tree Management Plan and replacement at a 15:1 ratio, with replacement oaks nurtured for five years (the last two without supplemental watering) until ten survive per tree removed. The ordinance applies outside the coastal zone and urban boundaries in specified agricultural and resource-management zones; removals tied to a development permit are handled under Articles III/IV or the Grading Ordinance instead.