The City of Ventura has adopted a new emergency ordinance that immediately restricts trimming or removing certain trees within the city. The rule, approved by the Ventura City Council on February 10, 2026, is intended to protect sensitive wildlife habitats while the city works on a permanent tree protection law.
For homeowners, the biggest takeaway is this: violating the ordinance can result in civil penalties of up to $15,000 per tree.
Here is what Ventura residents need to know.
Why the City Passed the Emergency Ordinance
According to the city, the ordinance was adopted after recent tree trimming occurred within a Monarch butterfly overwintering habitat. City officials determined that immediate action was necessary to prevent additional removal or trimming of trees that serve as important wildlife habitat.
The ordinance specifically references concerns about protected wildlife species, including animals listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as Monarch butterflies, which rely on specific locations along the California coast to overwinter each year.
Ventura contains several of these Monarch habitat areas, and the city says protecting those sites is important to preserving the local ecosystem.
Where the Tree Protection Rule Applies
The ordinance does not apply to every property in Ventura. It only applies to trees located within designated protected wildlife habitat areas.
These areas include:
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat areas for threatened or endangered species
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Monarch butterfly overwintering sites identified in Ventura’s 2050 General Plan
If a property falls within one of these mapped zones, trimming or removing trees may be prohibited unless a permit is obtained.
Residents who want to determine whether their property is located within one of these areas can review:
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Critical Habitat Mapper
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Figure 23 in Ventura’s 2050 General Plan, which identifies Monarch overwintering sites
The city’s Parks Division can also assist residents in identifying whether their property falls within a protected habitat zone.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes. The ordinance includes several exceptions that allow trees to be removed or trimmed under specific circumstances. However, a permit is generally required before work can proceed.
Examples of possible exceptions include:
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Trees that are dead, diseased, or structurally dangerous
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Situations where fire safety or defensible space requirements require tree removal
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Instances where insurance companies require removal
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Cases where the tree creates a substantial hardship for the property owner
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Situations involving public safety or community benefit
In many cases, property owners may need to provide documentation from a certified arborist supporting the request.
Potential Penalties for Violations
The city has established significant penalties for violating the ordinance.
Violations may result in:
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Civil penalties of up to $15,000 per tree
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Required corrective actions, such as replacing removed trees
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Additional enforcement actions by the city
Each violation may be treated as a separate offense.
A Temporary Rule for Now
The ordinance is temporary and will remain in effect while Ventura develops a more comprehensive and permanent tree protection ordinance.
City officials say the emergency rule is designed to prevent immediate damage to sensitive habitats while a long-term policy is crafted.
What This Means for Ventura Homeowners
For most residents, the ordinance will not change how they maintain trees on their property. However, homeowners whose properties fall within designated wildlife habitat zones may need to check the maps and obtain permits before trimming or removing trees.
Given the potential penalties, property owners may want to verify whether their property falls within one of these areas before performing significant tree work.
Ventura frequently updates policies that affect homeowners, property owners, and development across the city.
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