How Glendale Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide
If you live in Glendale or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Glendale has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.
Parkway Planting
Glendale requires a director of public works permit before anyone plants trees or installs landscaping over 12 inches tall in the parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk. Section 12.48.070 bans fruit trees, artificial turf, and any tree planting except as allowed under Section 12.40.050.
Key details: Permit trigger: Materials over 12 inches high. Non-living height cap: 18 inches maximum. Live plant minimum (residential): Over 30% of parkway area. Hardscape coverage cap: Under 70% of residential parkway. Enforcing office: Director of Public Works.
Installing landscaping over 12 inches tall without a public works permit, or installing any prohibited material under Section 12.48.070 (fruit trees, artificial turf, over-height hardscape), is unlawful. The director of public works may issue a stop-work order under Section 12.48.120 with seven days' written notice, or suspend, terminate or revoke a permit; the permittee may appeal to the city council under the Uniform Appeal Procedure, Chapter 2.88.
This is one of the stricter rules in Glendale's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Protected Tree Species
Glendale protects California live oak, scrub oak, San Gabriel oak, valley oak, mesa oak, California bay and California sycamore trees with a trunk six inches or more in diameter. A director's permit is required to cut, remove, encroach on, or relocate one, and violations can bring a $1,000 civil penalty per tree plus restitution.
Key details: Protected trunk size: 6 inches diameter at 54 inches. Protected species: Oak, bay and sycamore natives. Misdemeanor fine cap: Up to $1,000 plus 6 months jail. Civil penalty: Up to $1,000 per violation. Appeal deadline: 15 calendar days.
Damaging, removing or encroaching on a protected indigenous tree without a permit is a misdemeanor or infraction under Section 12.44.130, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail plus restitution, with each tree a separate offense; a civil penalty up to $1,000 per violation may also apply, and a prior permit denial triples the underlying fine under Section 12.44.120(C).
This is one of the stricter rules in Glendale's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Glendale is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Glendale, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Glendale's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.