Tree removal in Ventura County: the local rules

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

What Ventura County's code says

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Exemptions	Tree emergencies are exempt. Applies: When an official finds the tree or its limbs an imminent threat to public safety, general welfare or the tree's health. § 8107-25.5 · code text Cases of a tree emergency where the Planning Director, or any employee of a government authority or special district, in the performance of his or her duties determines that a tree or its limbs pose an imminent threat to the public safety or general welfare or the health of the tree. Dead limbs or roots may be pruned or trimmed without a Tree Permit. Applies: Applies to dead limbs or root tissue of any size. § 8107-25.5 · code text Pruning and trimming of any size dead limb or root tissue. Naturally fallen trees, or standing trees certified dead, may be removed. Applies: Certification or objective data may be required for a standing dead tree. § 8107-25.5 · code text The removal of any naturally fallen trees and/or the felling and subsequent removal of standing, certifiably dead, trees. Certification by a qualified tree consultant or objective data confirming that a standing tree is dead shall be submitted to the Planning Director upon request. Pruning or trimming is allowed without a Tree Permit. Applies: Living limbs and roots each under 20% of trunk girth; must not endanger the tree, unbalance it, or remove over 20% of canopy or roots. § 8107-25.5 · code text Pruning and trimming of living limbs and roots, each of which is less than twenty (20) percent of the tree trunk's girth, provided such trimming does not endanger the life of the tree, result in an imbalance in structure, or remove more than twenty (20) percent of its canopy or the root system. ESHA trees may be altered or removed only for imminent hazard, minimum economically beneficial use, or an approved plan. Applies: Environmentally sensitive habitat (ESHA) trees in the unincorporated coastal zone; plans are ESHA mitigation or vegetation management plans. § 8178-7.4.2 · code text The alteration or removal of a tree that is ESHA pursuant to Section 8178-2.4.1 shall only be permitted when:
Permit to remove	Yes, a Tree Permit is required. Applies: Protected trees in unincorporated areas outside the coastal zone, unless the work is exempt, such as dead limbs or minor pruning. § 8107-25.6 · code text Except as provided in Sections 8107-25.4, 8107-25.5, or 8107-25.7, no person shall alter, fell, or remove a protected tree without obtaining a Ministerial Tree Permit for the following circumstances: Yes, a Ministerial Tree Permit. Applies: An Introduced Protected Tree, certified by a qualified tree consultant, on private property. § 8107-25.6 · code text The tree to be felled and/or removed is an "Introduced Protected Tree", as certified by a qualified tree consultant, and is located on private property. Yes, a Discretionary Tree Permit approved by the Planning Director. Applies: Removing a heritage or historical tree, 4 or more oaks or sycamores, or 6 or more other protected trees. § 8107-25.7 · code text Except as provided in Sections 8107-25.4, 8107-25.5 or 8107-25.6, no person shall alter, fell, or remove a protected tree without obtaining a Planning Director-approved Discretionary Tree Permit.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Ventura County?

Ventura County's code: Yes, a Tree Permit is required. (Protected trees in unincorporated areas outside the coastal zone, unless the work is exempt, such as dead limbs or minor pruning.) (§ 8107-25.6); Tree emergencies are exempt. (When an official finds the tree or its limbs an imminent threat to public safety, general welfare or the tree's health.) (§ 8107-25.5).

Tree removal in Ventura County

What Ventura County's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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