Whittier, CA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal law incorporated
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 1918
- Local standards source
- Parkway Tree Manual
- Located in
- Chapter 12.40, tree ordinance
- Enforced via
- Same permit system as tree trimming/removal
- Penalty basis
- Manual's fee schedule under Sec. 12.40.130
Summary
Trimming or removing a tree in Whittier isn't just about the tree. Municipal Code Section 12.40.120 folds federal migratory-bird law into the city's tree ordinance, requiring that any interaction with wildlife during tree work follow the conditions in the parkway tree manual, on top of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918's protections for nesting birds.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 was implemented for the protection of migratory birds. Interaction with wildlife must adhere to the requirements and conditions stipulated in the parkway tree manual.
Full Breakdown
050, states that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was implemented for the protection of migratory birds and that interaction with wildlife must adhere to the requirements and conditions stipulated in the parkway tree manual. 050(C), is where any nesting-season timing or handling conditions are actually spelled out. The ordinance text itself does not name protected bird species; it defers entirely to the federal statute's definition of migratory bird and to the manual's operational conditions. 140.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, trimming or removing a tree in a way that violates the wildlife-protection conditions the parkway tree manual sets under Section 12.40.120 is treated like any other tree-permit noncompliance: penalties are calculated under Section 12.40.130, with appeals through Section 12.40.140. Disturbing an active nest covered by the underlying federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act also exposes the person doing the work to separate federal enforcement, independent of the city's own penalty schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whittier have its own bird-nesting ordinance?
Can the city deny a tree-trimming permit to protect nesting birds?
What law actually protects the birds, not just the trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whittier
California rules heatmap·Compare Whittier to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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