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Thousand Oaks · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Thousand Oaks's code says

Thousand Oaks code What Thousand Oaks's code adds
Exemptions
  • Trees damaged by natural disasters and found dangerous by listed officials; the city must be told promptly.
    Applies: Applies to landmark trees.
    § 9-4.4304 · code text
    Trees damaged by thunderstorms, windstorms, floods, earthquakes, fires, or other natural disasters and determined to be dangerous by a peace officer, fireman, civil defense official, or code enforcement officer in their official capacity. The Community Development Department shall be promptly noticed of the nature of the emergency and action taken;
  • Removal needed while firefighters are actively fighting a fire.
    Applies: Applies to landmark trees.
    § 9-4.4304 · code text
    When removal is determined necessary by fire department personnel actively engaged in fighting a fire;
  • Trees on an occupied single-family home lot smaller than 2 acres.
    Applies: Exempt from the landmark tree permit only; the oak tree permit rule is separate.
    § 9-4.4304 · code text
    Trees within the property boundaries of an occupied single-family detached dwelling; provided, that the parcel in question is smaller than two (2) acres;
Permit to remove
  • Yes, an oak tree permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to oak trees on public or private property in the City.
    § 9-4.4204 · code text
    No person shall cut, remove, encroach into the protected zone, or relocate any oak tree on any public or private property within the City, unless a valid oak tree permit has been issued by the City pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and the oak tree preservation and protection guidelines.
  • Yes, a landmark tree permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to landmark trees on public or private property in the City.
    § 9-4.4304 · code text
    No person shall cut, remove, encroach into the protected zone, or relocate any landmark tree on any public or private property within the City unless a valid landmark tree permit has been issued by the City pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
Protected trees
  • Oak trees.
    § 9-4.4204 · code text
    No person shall cut, remove, encroach into the protected zone, or relocate any oak tree on any public or private property within the City, unless a valid oak tree permit has been issued by the City pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and the oak tree preservation and protection guidelines.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Thousand Oaks?

Thousand Oaks's code: Yes, an oak tree permit is required. (Applies to oak trees on public or private property in the City.) (§ 9-4.4204); Oak trees. (§ 9-4.4204).

General information, not legal advice.

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Thousand Oaks Municipal Code — full text