The goal of the Oak Tree Protection and Regeneration Program is to sustain and, where possible, enhance the native oak resources of Santa Barbara County. To accomplish this, the program has two main components: Protection from large scale removal on agricultural lands through the County’s Oak Tree Protection Ordinance and voluntary oak regeneration.
The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is available to assist agricultural landowners in following the ordinance, creating management plans and assisting with any necessary mitigation. Our Plant Pathologist and Entomologist can help diagnose problems with oak trees and recommend solutions. Contact our Santa Barbara Office at 681-5600 or our Santa Maria Office at 934-6200 for assistance. Due to funding reductions and loss of the Oak Tree Specialist position, we are currently working on ways to continue the public outreach and oak tree regeneration programs through an outside contractor.
The Oak Tree Protection Ordinance only covers land that is zoned for agriculture that is not in the coastal zone and not part of any project that would require a building permit. Questions about oak removal on non-agricultural land, in the coastal zone or projects requiring building permits should be directed to the Planning and Development Department.