How to apply for a tree removal permit in Ventura, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Ventura'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 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Native trees 6+ inches DBH or 8+ inches combined for multi-trunk. Oaks/sycamores 9.5+ inches circumference. Any species 90+ inches circumference. Heritage / landmark designation: Trees with historical designation of any species.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH/circumference (native 6+ DBH, oak/sycamore 9.5+ circumference, or any species 90+ circumference), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved native species list emphasizing oak and California sycamore. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; native-species verification for the 6-inch DBH native and 9.5-inch oak/sycamore circumference thresholds under the Tree Protection Ordinance.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Resource Management Agency - Planning Division. Reference the full ordinance at https://rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/planning/tree-permits-and-the-tree-protection-ordinance/.

    View the full Ventura ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for protected native tree removal under the Tree Protection Ordinance; 2:1 for trees with historical designation. 15-gallon minimum replacement trees from the approved native species list emphasizing oak and California sycamore; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Resource Management Agency - Planning Division

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Ventura permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment