Santa Monica Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Los Angeles County, California
Protected Tree Definition
Public trees only. No jurisdiction over private property trees. DSH measured at 4 feet 6 inches.
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Heritage and Specimen Trees designated by the City Council under Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40 for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; designation applies only to trees on public property within the City's jurisdiction.
Permit Requirements
City permit for removal/trimming of any tree on public property.
Who can apply: Property owner fronting the parkway, or authorized agent with arborist report
Required Report Sections
Species identification, DBH/DSH (measured at 4 feet 6 inches), health and structural assessment, justification for removal or trimming, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved street tree list (palms replaced in-kind at maturing height match where feasible)
Replacement Requirements
In-kind replacement for palms; replanting required
Palm species replaced in-kind at maturing height match where feasible; non-palm protected public trees replaced from the approved street tree list at 15-gallon minimum container size; in-lieu fees to the Urban Forest Renewal Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.
Fees & Fines
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist; replacement plans drawn from the approved street tree list under Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40 (palms matched in-kind at maturing height where feasible)
Municipal Code
Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40
View full ordinanceContact
Public Works - Urban Forest
Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County
Other California cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Santa Monica before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Santa Monica →
See California replacement obligations compared: How Santa Monica's replacement ratio ranks in California →
See California heritage criteria compared: How Santa Monica's heritage designation ranks in California →
Need an arborist report for Santa Monica?
Start your free TRAQ tree risk assessment — designed for Santa Monica's specific permit requirements.