Long Beach's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Long Beach, California, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Parkway Planting

Parkway strips between sidewalks and curbs in Long Beach are city right-of-way managed by Public Works. Residents must obtain a permit to plant or remove trees in the parkway, and species must come from the approved street tree palette to ensure long-term success and infrastructure compatibility.

Key details: Owner: City right-of-way. Permit required: Plant remove replace. Species list: Approved street tree palette. Goal: Drought tolerance equity.

Planting an unapproved species or removing a parkway tree without permit can lead to fines, removal of the unauthorized tree at owner expense, and replacement with an approved species selected by the city.

Protected Tree Species

Long Beach Municipal Code Title 14 chapter 14.04 protects designated heritage trees and certain species on public and private property. Removing, topping, or seriously damaging a protected tree without a permit can trigger significant fines and replacement requirements.

Key details: Code: LBMC Title 14 chapter 14.04. Designation: Heritage tree program. Permit: Required before removal. Mitigation: Arborist plus replacement.

Unpermitted removal or severe damage to a protected tree can result in fines often equal to several thousand dollars per tree, plus mandatory replacement at species-specific ratios under Title 14.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Beach actively enforces its protected tree species requirements.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Long Beach protects heritage and street trees under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Removing protected trees without a permit is illegal with heavy fines or jail. In the Coastal Zone, tree removal requires a Coastal Zone permit and 2:1 replacement ratio.

Key details: Code: LBMC Ch. 14.28. Penalty: Heavy fines or jail. Coastal Zone: 2:1 replacement ratio. Protected: Street trees and heritage trees.

Unauthorized removal of heritage tree: $2,000 to $25,000. Damage during construction: $1,000 to $10,000 plus remediation costs.

This is one of the stricter rules in Long Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Removal Permits

Tree removal in Long Beach requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Removal allowed only if tree is dead, dying, diseased, or causing major structural damage. Personal preference is not grounds for removal.

Key details: Permit: Required from Public Works. Grounds: Dead, dying, diseased, or damaging. Not Grounds: Leaf debris or personal preference. Code: LBMC Ch. 14.28.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree depending on size and species. Replacement planting required at 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.

This is one of the stricter rules in Long Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Tree replacement in Long Beach's Coastal Zone requires a 2:1 ratio for removed nesting/breeding trees. The Public Works Director regulates species, spacing (min 25 ft apart), and planting methods. Trees must be 5+ ft from hydrants and meters.

Key details: Coastal Zone: 2:1 replacement ratio. Spacing: Minimum 25 ft between trees. Hydrant Buffer: 5 ft minimum. Species: Designated by Public Works Director.

Failure to replace: $250 to $1,000 per tree plus required planting. Fee-in-lieu non-payment: lien on property.

Compared to other cities, Long Beach takes a harder line on tree replacement requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Long Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Long Beach's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.