Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Altadena vs South San Gabriel
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Altadena, CA and South San Gabriel, CA?
Altadena and South San Gabriel have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Oak trees (genus Quercus) with a trunk circumference of 25 inches or more (8-inch diameter at 4.5 ft above grade) are protected — removal, damage, or encroachment into the protected zone requires an Oak Tree Permit under LA County Code Chapter 22.174.
View full Altadena rules →South San Gabriel, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 22, Chapter 22.174 protects oak trees in unincorporated areas. Removing, damaging, or encroaching on any oak tree 8 inches or more in diameter requires an Oak Tree Permit from the Department of Regional Planning.
View full South San Gabriel rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | South San Gabriel |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LA County Code Ch. 22.174 | - |
| Protected Size | ≥8 in DBH / 25 in circumference | 8 inches diameter |
| Protected Zone | 5 ft outside dripline | - |
| Replacement | 2:1 typical | - |
| Heritage Oak | ≥36 in diameter | - |
| Code | - | Title 22, Ch. 22.174 |
| Measurement | - | At 4.5 feet above grade |
| Permit From | - | Regional Planning |
| Replacement Ratio | - | 2:1 minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove an oak in Altadena?
Yes if the oak is 8 inches in diameter or larger at 4.5 feet above grade — LA County Code Ch. 22.174 (Oak Tree Permits) applies.
South San Gabriel FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove an oak tree in unincorporated LA County?
Yes. Any oak tree 8 inches or more in diameter (25 inches circumference) measured at 4.5 feet above grade requires an Oak Tree Permit from the Department of Regional Planning before removal or pruning.
What happens if I remove a protected oak tree without a permit?
Unauthorized removal is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 per tree and/or jail time. You may also be ordered to plant replacement trees at a 10:1 ratio.
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