Tree removal permit rules: Beverly Hills vs Campbell, California

A side-by-side comparison drawn from each city's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying full ordinance text, see the Beverly Hills ordinance page or the Campbell ordinance page.

Side-by-side comparison

Field Beverly Hills Campbell
Protected tree definition All trees with DBH greater than 48 inches. Additionally 16 native species at lower thresholds. Protected Tree: any tree with 38-inch circumference (~12 inches diameter) or greater at 4.5 feet above grade; all trees on public property and street trees regardless of size; Heritage/Significant Trees designated by Council.
Heritage / landmark trees Heritage Trees defined under Beverly Hills Municipal Code Article 29: any tree with DBH greater than 48 inches automatically qualifies, plus 16 native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives) protected at lower thresholds. Additional landmark designation available by City Council action for exceptional historical or community significance. Significant/Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value.
Who can apply Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report
Replacement ratio 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under BHMC Article 29; higher ratios for landmark and heritage native designations at Council discretion 1:1 minimum; 2:1 or higher for Heritage/Significant Trees
Replacement details 24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved species list emphasizing the 16 protected native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives); in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. 15-gallon or 24-inch box replacement from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.
Typical processing time Not documented 4-6 weeks
Permit fee Not documented Not documented
Permitting department Community Development Department Community Development Department
Municipal code View ordinance → View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Beverly Hills or Campbell?
Both Beverly Hills and Campbell maintain heritage / landmark tree designations. Beverly Hills: Heritage Trees defined under Beverly Hills Municipal Code Article 29: any tree with DBH greater than 48 inches automatically qualifies, plus 16 native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, Californi… Campbell: Significant/Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Beverly Hills or Campbell?
Campbell publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks. Beverly Hills does not publish a typical processing time, so confirm the current turnaround directly with Beverly Hills's permitting department.
Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Beverly Hills or Campbell?
Beverly Hills requires a replacement ratio of 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under BHMC Article 29; higher ratios for landmark and heritage native designations at Council discretion. Campbell requires a replacement ratio of 1:1 minimum; 2:1 or higher for Heritage/Significant Trees. Beverly Hills: 24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved species list emphasizing the 16 protected native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives); in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. Campbell: 15-gallon or 24-inch box replacement from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

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