Parkway Planting: Altadena vs Carson
How do parkway planting rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Carson.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Public Works requires a no-fee permit before planting, removing, or pruning any tree in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb. Approved species follow the LA County Street Tree Master Plan with separation from utilities and driveways.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Any tree planted in the Carson public right-of-way (the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, or in city easements) requires a prior permit from Public Works under CMC Article 3 Chapter 9. Species must come from the Authorized List of Carson Trees (Exhibit A to the Parkway Tree Master Plan). Trees planted without a permit may be removed by the City without notice.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Permitting agency | LA County Public Works | - |
| Permit fee | Typically no charge | - |
| Species list | Street Tree Master Plan | Authorized List of Carson Trees (Parkway Tree Master Plan, Exhibit A) |
| Driveway setback | 10 feet minimum | - |
| Water meter setback | 5 feet minimum | - |
| Permit required | - | Yes — Public Works Division, before any parkway planting |
| Trim cycle | - | 21 zones, 7 zones/year, 3-year cycle (Public Works) |
| Unauthorized plantings | - | May be removed by City without consent or reimbursement |
| Companion landscape rules | - | MWELO (CCR Title 23 §490+) for ≥500 sq ft landscapes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can I plant a fruit tree in my parkway?
Generally no. The Street Tree Master Plan favors low-maintenance shade species. Some communities allow citrus on case-by-case approval, but messy fruit and root issues usually disqualify them in standard parkway strips under DPW review.
Who pays for parkway tree maintenance?
Adjacent property owners share routine watering and minor pruning duties. DPW handles structural pruning, sidewalk damage repair where roots cause uplift, and removal of dead or hazardous trees with prior written approval.
Carson FAQ
I want to plant a new tree in the strip in front of my Carson house. What do I do?
Apply to Carson Public Works for a parkway planting permit BEFORE buying or planting the tree. Public Works will confirm the location is suitable and identify which species from the Authorized List of Carson Trees (Exhibit A to the Parkway Tree Master Plan) the City Manager has designated for your parkway. Skipping the permit risks the City removing the tree at the Manager's discretion.
Can I plant any species I want as long as it's in the parkway?
No. Carson uses a positive list — only species on the Authorized List of Carson Trees may be planted in the right-of-way, and the City Manager picks which authorized species goes where. Planting a non-conforming species, even with a permit, can lead to removal and Chapter 9 misdemeanor enforcement ($1,000 or appraised value).
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