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

The City of Santa Barbara administers tree removal permits through two tracks tied to where the tree sits and how it is protected, under Municipal Code Chapters 15.20 (street tree planting and maintenance) and 15.24 (preservation of trees). Protected trees requiring a removal permit include street trees (parkway, tree well, right-of-way, parks, and other City-maintained areas), designated historic and specimen trees, setback trees (50% or more of the trunk within a front setback), parking lot trees, and trees on an approved landscape plan. A Minor Tree Removal Permit, filed with the Community Development Department's Planning Division through the Accela Citizen Access portal, applies when one to three protected trees are removed and no other development is proposed; removing more than three trees or removal tied to redevelopment is folded into a discretionary Planning application instead. Street trees, right-of-way specimen or historic trees, and setback trees outside a historic district route to the Street Tree Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Commission, while setback trees inside a historic or landmark district go to the Historic Landmarks Commission. The reviewing body votes within 60 days of acceptance, needs a majority of members present to approve, and there is a 10-day appeal period to City Council before the permit is issued and inspection is called. Replacement on roughly a 1:1 basis is expected for removed trees 4 inches or larger in diameter unless infeasible.