Tree Trimming: Burbank vs Los Angeles
How do tree trimming rules compare between Burbank, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank requires a written city permit to trim, prune, or otherwise maintain any tree in the public right-of-way or parkway, and unauthorized pruning of a public tree is unlawful (BMC 7-4-104; 7-4-113).
View full Burbank rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Street trees are maintained by StreetsLA Urban Forestry Division and residents may not trim or remove them without authorization. Private tree trimming does not require a permit unless the tree is a protected species under LAMC 46.00. Protected species include CA Live Oak, Southern CA Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, and CA Bay. Improper trimming of a protected tree can constitute removal under the ordinance.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 7-4-104 (Maintenance of Street Trees) | LAMC 46.00 |
| Permit | Written tree maintenance permit required | - |
| Intersection Clearance | Branches >= 14 ft above curb within 40 ft of intersection | - |
| Penalty | Misdemeanor (BMC 1-1-105) + tree value reimbursement | - |
| Street Trees | - | City-maintained, no unauthorized trimming |
| Protected Species | - | Oak, Walnut, Sycamore, Bay |
| Private Trees | - | No permit unless protected species |
| Agency | - | StreetsLA Urban Forestry Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Can I trim the city tree in front of my house?
Not without a permit. BMC 7-4-104(C) makes it unlawful to perform maintenance on any tree in a public area or right-of-way without a written tree maintenance permit from the Parks and Recreation Department.
Who waters the parkway street tree?
The City maintains street trees, but BMC 7-4-104(B) makes the abutting property owner or occupant responsible for watering and fertilizing the street tree and caring for other vegetation in the adjacent parkway.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in los Angeles?
Street trees are maintained by StreetsLA Urban Forestry Division and residents may not trim or remove them without authorization. Private tree trimming does not require a permit unless the tree is a protected species under LAMC 46.00. Protected species include CA Live Oak, Southern CA Black...
Do I need a permit to trim trees in los Angeles?
Street Trees: City-maintained, no unauthorized trimming. Protected Species: Oak, Walnut, Sycamore, Bay. Private Trees: No permit unless protected species. Code Section: LAMC 46.00.
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