Tree Removal Permits: Altadena vs Carson
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Altadena and Carson have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Removing or significantly damaging a native oak with an 8-inch trunk diameter (25-inch circumference) at 4.5 ft above grade requires an Oak Tree Permit from LA County Planning under Section 22.174.040.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson Municipal Code Article 3, Chapter 9 (City Tree Preservation and Protection) places all parkway and city right-of-way trees under the exclusive authority of the City Manager / Public Works Division. Removing, planting, pruning, or trimming any parkway tree without prior city approval is prohibited and may be charged as a misdemeanor.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LA County Code 22.174.040 | - |
| Protected Size | ≥8 in DBH | - |
| Permit Authority | LA County Planning | - |
| Required | Arborist report | - |
| Penalty | Up to $1,000/tree + 2:1 replacement | - |
| Code citation | - | CMC Article 3, Chapter 9 (City Tree Preservation and Protection) |
| Permit authority | - | City Manager / Public Works Division |
| Permit required for | - | Planting, removing, pruning, or trimming any tree in City right-of-way |
| Max fine | - | $1,000 OR appraised tree value (whichever greater) |
| Jail exposure | - | Up to 6 months (misdemeanor) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can I cut down an oak on my Altadena property?
Only with an Oak Tree Permit from LA County Planning if the oak is ≥8 in diameter at breast height — Section 22.174.040.
Carson FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my own backyard in Carson?
Carson's Article 3 Chapter 9 regulates parkway and right-of-way trees, not trees entirely on private property. Trees in the parkway strip between the sidewalk and curb, in city easements, or in the public right-of-way require a city permit even if you maintain them. Always confirm property-line and easement location before any work — unauthorized parkway removal is a misdemeanor.
Who do I call to remove a city parkway tree?
The Public Works Division administers Chapter 9. Carson is divided into 21 trimming zones on a roughly 3-year cycle (seven zones per year); if a tree is hazardous, contact Public Works directly rather than hiring a private arborist to cut it, because unauthorized removal can trigger the $1,000-or-appraised-value penalty.
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