Simi Valley requires permits to remove protected trees including native oaks and designated significant trees. The application process requires an arborist report and the city typically mandates replacement planting or in-lieu fees.
The Simi Valley tree preservation ordinance requires a tree removal permit from the Community Development Department for all protected trees. Protected trees include native oaks (coast live oak, valley oak, scrub oak) with trunk diameters of 5 inches or more at 4.5 feet above grade, and any tree designated by the city as a significant or heritage tree. The permit application requires a certified arborist's report documenting the tree's species, size, health, and justification for removal. The review process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks and may require a public hearing for large or prominent trees. Approved removals generally require replacement planting at ratios of 2:1 to 3:1 with same-species trees of specified minimum container size, or payment of an in-lieu mitigation fee.
Removing a protected tree without a permit carries fines from $1,000 to $10,000 per tree depending on species and size. The violator must also plant replacement trees at enhanced ratios (up to 5:1) and pay restoration costs. Criminal prosecution may be pursued for willful violations. Enforcement is handled by Code Enforcement at (805) 583-6238.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 22 establishes noise standards that prohibit excessive noise during nighttime hours in residential zones. The city enforce...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley regulates the use of leaf blowers and similar powered garden equipment through noise ordinance provisions. Gas-powered leaf blowers are subject t...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces and prohibits blocking sidewalks, driveways, and fire hydrants. Driveway modifications requir...
Simi Valley, CA
Vehicles parked on Simi Valley city streets must be moved every 72 hours or the Police Department may cite or tow them under California Vehicle Code Section ...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley restricts parking of RVs, boats, and other oversized vehicles or detached trailers on every city street under SVMC Section 4-9.402, with a 48-hou...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley requires a Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division before installing, altering, or replacing a property line wall or fence. A Building Permit...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle tree removal permits.
See how Simi Valley's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.