Ventura council defers tree protection ordinance for stakeholder workshops

Ventura City Council declined to adopt its proposed Tree Protection Ordinance on July 7, instead directing staff to hold three public workshops with affected stakeholders before bringing revisions back on October 27, 2026.

The ordinance would have repealed the existing Chapter 20.155 of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code, "Tree Protection in Habitats for Protected Wildlife," and replaced it with a new citywide tree protection framework, according to the July 7 council agenda packet. It also added Chapter 24.582, "Tree Permit," to regulate tree pruning and removal across Ventura.

Also included in the package: a Local Coastal Program Amendment for submission to the California Coastal Commission, a revised schedule of civil penalties for violations, and new permit and in-lieu fees, the agenda packet shows.

Eighteen residents spoke during the public hearing, including representatives from the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors, arborists, environmental groups, and neighborhood advocates, the July 7 draft minutes record.

Councilmember Jim Duran, seconded by Deputy Mayor Doug Halter, made the motion to direct staff to convene workshops with stakeholders including homeowners, contractors, arborists, environmental groups, insurance providers, neighborhood representatives, and tree care professionals before returning with amendments.

Vote was 6-0, with Councilmember Ryyn Schumacher absent. Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios and Councilmembers Bill McReynolds, Alex Mangone, and Liz Campos joined Duran and Halter in support, the minutes state.

Parks and Recreation Director Stacey Zarazua presented the item. Council had recessed from 6:48 to 7:00 p.m. before taking up the ordinance.

Second reading and adoption are now deferred pending the outcome of the stakeholder workshops.