Los Angeles Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Los Angeles County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

4.0" DBH minimum for protection

Any Southern California native tree species measuring 4 inches or more in cumulative diameter at 4.5 feet above ground. Protected species include native oaks, Southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay, Toyon, Mexican Elderberry.

Protected Species

Valley Oak California Live Oak Coast Live Oak Southern California Black Walnut Western Sycamore California Bay Toyon Mexican Elderberry

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Any tree designated as a Historic-Cultural Monument by the Cultural Heritage Commission.

Permit Requirements

Permit required for removal or relocation of any protected tree or shrub. Application to Urban Forestry Division with Tree Expert report.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with Tree Expert report

Required Report Sections

Tree identification, health assessment, justification for removal, site plan, photos, mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

2:1 for protected trees (varies by size)

Minimum 15-gallon container size. In-lieu fees to Tree Planting Fund when on-site not feasible.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$356.00
Max fine/tree
$100,000.00

Permit fee $356. Fines up to $100,000/tree for unauthorized removal.

Processing Time

6-8 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Municipal Code

LAMC Section 46.00-46.06 (Article 6, Chapter IV)

View full ordinance

Contact

Bureau of Street Services - Urban Forestry Division

(213) 847-3077

urbanforestry@lacity.org

Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County

Beverly Hills Burbank Claremont Glendale

Other California cities

Davis Glendale Los Gatos Oakland Simi Valley Stockton Torrance Walnut Creek
See all California cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Los Angeles before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Los Angeles →

See California permit fees compared: How Los Angeles's $356.00 fee ranks in California →

See California replacement obligations compared: How Los Angeles's replacement ratio ranks in California →

See California heritage criteria compared: How Los Angeles's heritage designation ranks in California →

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