Tree Protection in El Monte, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for El Monte, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
El Monte designates a tree a Heritage Tree, and therefore a protected tree, if its single trunk measures 36 inches or more in circumference, its combined multi-trunk circumference reaches 75 inches, it stands 35 feet or taller, it belongs to an interdependent stand, or the City Arborist finds it historically or culturally significant. Removing or damaging a Heritage Tree without a city permit is unlawful.
Heritage Tree Protection in El Monte
Significant RestrictionsEl Monte, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 14.03.020 (Definitions, "Heritage Tree")
"Heritage Tree." The capitalized term "Heritage Tree" means any tree, shrub, or plant that meets one of the following criteria:1.Any woody plant having a single trunk circumference of thirty-six (36) inches or more measured at breast height, a point four and one-half (4½) feet above the natural grade;2.Any multi-trunk tree whose multiple trunks have a combined circumference of seventy-five (75)...
Protected Tree Species
El Monte's tree ordinance singles out fourteen native species, including coast live oak, Engelmann oak, California sycamore and California walnut, for automatic protection once their trunk exceeds eight inches in diameter. Any of these trees, along with public trees and separately designated Heritage Trees, becomes a Protected Tree under Chapter 14.03, and cutting, topping or removing one without a permit is unlawful.
Protected Native Tree Species in El Monte
Significant RestrictionsEl Monte, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 14.03.020 (Definitions, "Native Tree" and "Protected Tree")
"Native Tree." The capitalized term "Native Tree" means any tree with a trunk more than eight (8) inches in diameter measured at a height of four and one-half (4½) feet above natural grade that is one of the following species: Quercus agrifolia (Coast live oak), Quercus engelmannii (Engelmann oak), Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon oak), Platanus racemosa (California sycamore), Juglans californica (C...
Parkway Planting
El Monte's Esperanza Village Specific Plan sets parkway and street tree standards, but only for the residential project fronting Gilman Road, Kerrwood Street and Durfee Avenue. Section 17.135.060(D)(2) calls for landscaped parkways ranging from four to ten feet wide, planted with ground covers, shrubs and street trees that must be at least a 24-inch box specimen.
Esperanza Village Parkway Tree Rules in El Monte
Light RestrictionsEl Monte, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.135.060(D)(2) (Esperanza Village Specific Plan Design Guidelines - Streetscape/Parkway Landscaping)
2.Streetscape.a.Where possible on Gilman Road, Kerrwood Street, and Durfee Avenue, the following minimum parkway width should be placed between the sidewalk and the street:i.Durfee Road—four (4) foot wide continuous parkwayii.Gilman Road—five (5) foot wide continuous parkwayiii.Kerrwood Street—ten (10) foot wide continuous parkway The parkway should be landscaped with a mix of ground covers, sh...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Monte city rules.
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