How to apply for a tree removal permit in Simi Valley, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Simi Valley's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 5" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Mature Tree: native oaks 5+ inches diameter, other species 9.5+ inches diameter, at 4.5 feet above root crown. Heritage / landmark designation: Mature Trees designated under the Simi Valley Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance receive heritage-level protection: native oak species at 5-inch or greater diameter, all other species at 9.5-inch or greater diameter, measured at 4.5 feet above root crown. Tree Advisory Board reviews removal applications and may recommend additional landmark designation.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Simi Valley: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH (native oak 5+ or other species 9.5+ measured at 4.5 feet above root crown), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved native and adapted species list, Tree Advisory Board review materials. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) recommended for hazard-tree determinations submitted to the Tree Advisory Board.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Environmental Services - Planning Division. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.simivalley.org/departments/environmental-services/planning-division/tree-advisory-board-arbor-day/mature-tree-preservation-ordinance.

    View the full Simi Valley ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 2:1 minimum for mature tree removal under the Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance; in-lieu fees accepted at Tree Advisory Board discretion. 15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native and adapted species list; in-lieu deposits to the Mature Tree Preservation Fund set as a permit condition by the Tree Advisory Board.

Where to file

Environmental Services - Planning Division

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California replacement obligations compared — how Simi Valley's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See California heritage criteria compared — how Simi Valley's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Simi Valley permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Simi Valley's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment