Ventura City Council set to consider permanent Tree Protection Ordinance Tuesday
The council will consider a permanent Tree Protection Ordinance on Oct. 27 after it was first presented in July and refined with community input. An emergency ordinance adopted in February protects monarch butterfly habitat while the permanent rules are finalized.
The Ventura City Council will consider a permanent Tree Protection Ordinance on Tuesday, Oct. 27, after staff refined the measure using feedback from two community meetings and other public input.
Background. The City Council directed staff in mid-December 2025 to develop a permanent ordinance to protect and enhance Ventura's urban forest while establishing clear standards for tree preservation, removal, and replacement, according to information on the city's proposed tree ordinance webpage. That work included recommendations from the Tree Advisory Ad Hoc Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission, as well as input from city departments, local arborists, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Interim protection. While that work was underway, the council adopted an emergency tree ordinance in February 2026 to provide interim protections following unauthorized tree removal and trimming within a known monarch butterfly overwintering habitat area. The permanent ordinance is intended to replace that interim measure.
Council saw draft in July. The proposed permanent ordinance was presented to the City Council on July 7, 2026. Staff have since incorporated council and community input.
Public input. Community meetings on the permanent ordinance were held Oct. 5 and Oct. 20, with virtual input opportunities available Oct. 1-18. The Oct. 20 meeting was the second of two community meetings on the proposal, held ahead of the City Council hearing.
What's next. The proposed ordinance returns to the Ventura City Council for consideration on Oct. 27. Additional details about the proposed ordinance and how to participate in the process are posted on the city's proposed Tree Protection Ordinance page.
Sources
- City of Ventura Proposed Tree Protection Ordinance page, accessed Oct. 24, 2026 (city webpage)Oct 24, 2026
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