Trees and Urban Forestry

The Forestry Team is a critical part of Santa Barbara’s emergency response team. During and following severe weather, staff shift their focus to tree-related response and recovery efforts. The response process includes the following:

• Notification – The Forestry Team is notified of a tree concern. This may be identified by City staff or reported by members of the public. Residents often play a critical role in noticing subtle changes in the trees in their neighborhoods.  
• Assessment – A member of the Forestry Team will visit and assess the site to determine the next steps. Most staff are certified arborists and possess a tree risk assessment qualification, administered by the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Prioritization - When numerous items need a response, as is common with severe storms, work is prioritized based on public safety and public access, with major roadways taking priority over secondary streets.
• Response – The Forestry Team aims to complete a project in its entirety before moving on, but competing priorities may require projects to be addressed in phases as workloads and weather conditions allow.

  • Phase 1 focuses on addressing immediate safety risks and restoring public access. This can include taking down a tree or limbs, breaking up a fallen tree, and moving debris out of the road or walkway.

  • Phase 2 is an initial clean-up to remove debris and material from the site.

  • Phase 3 is a comprehensive site clean-up and restoration, including adding additional soil and grinding tree stumps. When response projects need to be approached in phases, the team will focus on completing the same task across multiple sites in the same workday to improve efficiency.

Because trees are so important to the community’s aesthetics, health, and vitality, some regulation has been placed on trees located within the front setback of private properties, as well as trees on approved landscape plans, and trees designated as historic or specimen trees. These regulations are set by the following City policies:

• Preservation of Trees Ordinance: Adopted by the City Council in 1969, Chapter 15.24 of the City's Municipal Code regulates tree removal and the degree of pruning allowed for any privately-owned trees located in the regulated front setback of a residential or commercial property, regulated parking lots, trees identified on an approved landscape plan, and/or Historic and Specimen trees located anywhere on a private lot.
• Fine Schedule: City Council adopted Resolution 09-096 on December 8, 2009. The Resolution established a Municipal Code violations fine schedule specific to certain violations in Chapters 15.20 and 15.24, including tree pruning and removal without a permit, and Chapter 22.11, maintenance of approved landscape plans, and authorizes the Arborist or Community Development Director to issue corrective measures if deemed appropriate.

The fine schedule is as follows:

Resources

Below are resources to help residents understand whether regulations exist for a tree, and the appropriate department to speak to regarding proposed work on regulated trees:

• Tree & Landscaping Checklist
• Historic & Specimen Trees

Trees and Views

Like the ocean and mountains, trees contribute to views of the City. Yet, at times, there are instances where a tree may block views or access to sunlight. Although the City does not take part in this discussion between property owners, the City does have resources to help residents seeking to resolve these private matters:

• Trees & Views
• Municipal Code Chapter 22.76 View Dispute Resolution Process

Street Tree maintenance is guided by Municipal Code Chapter 15.20, Santa Barbara's Tree Planting and Maintenance Ordinance, and the Street Tree Master Plan (STMP). Chapter 15.20 requires a comprehensive plan for planting and maintaining trees along streets and in public areas, and establishes general elements to be included in the plan. The STMP was adopted by City Council in 1977.

Street trees are under tremendous pressure due to the surrounding environment and require more frequent care than trees located in parks or open space areas. Tree pruning occurs on a 5-8 year cycle, depending on the location, tree species, and the age and condition of the tree.

Residents with street trees adjacent to or in front of their home are required to maintain the trees, watering and cleaning up fallen debris such as leaves or berries. However, parkway plantings, removal, and trimmings may only be conducted by City staff. Residents requesting the removal of a tree must fill out the application below.

Removal applications are reviewed by the Arborist and Street Tree Advisory Committee (STAC). The committee makes recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission at regularly held public meetings. The review process takes up to 60 days.

For street trees, if the tree is found to be in good condition and the removal request is granted solely for the convenience of the applicant, the full cost of such removal and replacement shall be borne by the applicant. If the removal is determined necessary due to the condition of the tree, the City will assume the responsibility for all removal and replacement costs. Tree removal will be scheduled according to other pending priorities. All decisions by the Parks and Recreation Commission are appealable to City Council.

Street Tree Designation List by Street and Block

To learn more about the tree removal review process, view the Tree Review Bodies document.

Interested in a commemorative tree plaque to celebrate a loved one or special event? Visit Santa Barbara Beautiful, call (805) 965-8867, or email Info@SBBeautiful.org to learn more about the program.