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Tree Removal in Santa Cruz County

The regulations regarding tree removal/trimming are probably the most misunderstood rules that we administer. The purpose of this handout is to explain them clearly.

First, it is important to distinguish between ordinary tree removal versus clearing or timber harvesting. There are special rules for clearing and timber harvesting. Clearing is often undertaken to prepare an area for development, to convert an area to another use, such as for crops or grazing, or for fire safety purposes. Timber harvesting refers to the harvesting of trees for commercial purposes. The rules and regulations regarding land clearing and timber harvesting are explained in greater detail below.

The regulations regarding the cutting of trees in the County of Santa Cruz (outside the cities) depends on the location of the tree and what the property owner intends to do with the tree.

For tree removal as related to fire safety and defensible space click here

Tree Removal

Trees are an important part of our natural and built environment. It takes years for most trees to grow to maturity, whether in the redwood forest, along streams, or in our neighborhoods. They provide important habitat for birds and other species; provide shade for our streams and watercourses, and the fish that live there. Trees provide shade for our homes and yards, and are an important part of what makes Santa Cruz beautiful-and a special place to live.

However, occasionally it is necessary to remove or trim a tree because it is: dead or diseased, a fire or safety hazard, or causing damage to a structure or other improvement. Or the tree(s) may be in the way of a planned improvement to a structure or yard. Sometimes, an owner simply desires more sunlight.

To remove or trim a tree for one of these reasons, you do not need any permit from the County of Santa Cruz unless:

  • Your parcel is within the Coastal Zone
  • The tree is within a riparian corridor
  • The tree is part of a sensitive habitat
  • Your property is included in a Land Division or other Planning approval that has conditions restricting the removal of trees

To determine if any of these apply, please refer to the information available on your property in the Planning Information (GIS) Interactive Map

Coastal Zone



If your property is located within the Coastal Zone and you wish to remove or trim more than one-third of the green foliage of a tree, you may be subject to the County's Significant Trees Protection Ordinance (Chapter 16.34 of the County Code). The definition of a significant tree is as follows:

  • Significant Tree. For the Purposes of this Chapter, significant tree shall include any tree, sprout clump, or group of trees, as follows:
    1. Within the Urban Services Line or Rural Services Line, any tree which is equal to or greater than 20 inches d.b.h. (approximately 5 feet in circumference); any sprout clump of five or more stems each of which is greater than 12 inches d.b.h. (approximately 3 feet in circumference); or any group consisting of five of more trees on one parcel, each of which is greater than 12 inches d.b.h. (approximately 3 feet in circumference).
    2. Outside the Urban Services Line or Rural Services line, where visible from a scenic road, any beach, or within a designated scenic resource area, any tree which is equal to or greater than 40 inches d.b.h. (approximately 10 feet in circumference); any sprout clump of five or more stems, each of which is greater than 20 inches d.b.h. (approximately 5 feet in circumference); or, any group consisting of ten or more trees on one parcel, each greater than 20 inches d.b.h. (approximately 5 feet in circumference).
    3. Any tree located in a sensitive habitat as defined in Chapter 16.32. Also see Section 16.34.090(c), exemption of projects with other permits.
  • (Note: d.b.h. means diameter breast height; 4.5 feet above the ground)

If the tree that you wish to remove or trim falls within this definition, you must obtain a Significant Tree Removal Permit from the County. A Significant Tree Removal Permit is an administrative permit that is processed by the Environmental Planning staff. You may be required to present professionally prepared evidence to document the need for the tree removal (report be either a licensed arborist or other professional). If the Significant Tree Removal Permit is approved, you may be required to plant one or more replacement trees from a list of approved species or provide other mitigation measures. If the permit is not approved, you may appeal the decision to the Planning Director according to the procedures for filing appeals in County Code Chapter 18.10.

Fire Safety

Section 16.34.060(b) of the County Code allows approval of a Significant Tree Removal Permit if necessary to protect health, safety and welfare. Therefore, the removal of significant trees for the purpose of fire suppression, in accordance with Fire Protection District regulations, would be allowed under the County Significant Trees Protection Ordinance. It is important to note that creating fire protection or “defensible space” around structures does not mean cutting down all trees. Please check with your local Fire Protection District about recommended measures for your property.

You may view the CDF General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space at:

http://www.bof.fire.ca.gov/pdfs/Copyof4291finalguidelines9_29_06.pdf

Exceptions: There are several exceptions to the requirement for a Significant Tree Removal Permit, as follows:
  1. Emergencies - County Code Section 16.34.080 establishes an emergency clause, as follows:
    • In the case of emergency caused by the hazardous or dangerous condition of a tree and requiring immediate action for the safety of life or property, such necessary action may be taken to remove the tree or otherwise reduce or eliminate the hazard without complying with the other provisions of this part, except that the person responsible for cutting or removal of the tree shall report such action to the Planning Director within ten (10) working days thereafter
    • These types of actions most often occur during and following storm events when the ground is saturated and there are high winds. Any tree or branch that is immediately threatening the safety of the inhabitants of any structure may be removed under this section.
  2. Diseased Trees - The removal of trees with certain diseases, such as Sudden Oak Death Syndrome (SODS) or Pitch Canker, are subject to over-the-counter permits with reduced fees.
  3. Commercial Timber Harvesting - Cutting of trees pursuant to a Timber Harvest Plan submitted to and approved by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is exempt from the County requirements.

Riparian Corridor/Sensitive Habitat

If you intend to remove a tree that is located within 100-feet of a stream, lake or other body of water, you may be subject to the requirements of the Riparian and Wetland Protection and Sensitive Habitat Ordinances. In this case, you should review the brochures regarding Riparian Corridors and Sensitive Habitats that can be found in the Planning Department lobby or on the Department's website.

Land Divisions and Other Approvals

Oftentimes, conditions of approval for land divisions and other types of permits include specific restrictions regarding the preservation of existing trees. Before trees that are subject to these restrictions are removed an amendment or other approval may be required. To determine if your property is subject to these project-related conditions, please contact the Planning Department.