How to apply for a tree removal permit in Long Beach, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Long Beach's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 4-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    All street/parkway trees and trees on public property are protected. Heritage Trees designated by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Commission receive enhanced protection regardless of location. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Commission based on exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or aesthetic significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Long Beach: Property owner fronting the parkway, or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH, health and structural assessment, justification for removal, replacement plan, photo documentation. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Department of Public Works. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://library.municode.com/ca/long_beach/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT14STSI_CH14.28TRSH.

    View the full Long Beach ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for parkway trees; enhanced ratios for Heritage trees at Commission discretion. Replacement species from approved Parkway Tree List; 15-gallon minimum container size; in-lieu fees to the city tree planting fund when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Where to file

Department of Public Works

(562) 570-2700

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California replacement obligations compared — how Long Beach's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See California heritage criteria compared — how Long Beach's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Long Beach permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Long Beach's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment