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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Tree Trimming

Tree Trimming: Burbank vs Santa Monica

How do tree trimming rules compare between Burbank, CA and Santa Monica, CA?

Burbank and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.

Burbank, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

Public tree maintenance requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department under BMC Chapter 7-4. Root pruning of public trees by non-authorized persons is unlawful. Construction near public trees must protect the Tree Protection Zone.

View full Burbank rules β†’

Santa Monica, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

Trimming public trees in Santa Monica requires a Public Works permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40. No person may remove, cut, trim, prune, or injure any public tree without a permit. Trees must be protected during construction with guards or protectors.

View full Santa Monica rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBurbankSanta Monica
Public TreesWritten permit required for any work35,000+ across 250+ species
Root PruningUnlawful without city authorization-
ConstructionMust protect Tree Protection ZoneTrees must be protected
CodeBMC Chapter 7-4SMMC Ch. 7.40
Contact(818) 238-5304-
Permit-Required for all public tree work

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Burbank FAQ

Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Burbank?

Public tree maintenance requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department under BMC Chapter 7-4. Root pruning of public trees by non-authorized persons is unlawful. Construction near public trees must protect the Tree Protection Zone.

Do I need a permit to trim trees in Burbank?

Public Trees: Written permit required for any work. Root Pruning: Unlawful without city authorization. Construction: Must protect Tree Protection Zone. Code: BMC Chapter 7-4.

Santa Monica FAQ

Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Santa Monica?

Trimming public trees in Santa Monica requires a Public Works permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40. No person may remove, cut, trim, prune, or injure any public tree without a permit. Trees must be protected during construction with guards or protectors.

Do I need a permit to trim trees in Santa Monica?

Permit: Required for all public tree work. Construction: Trees must be protected. Code: SMMC Ch. 7.40. Public Trees: 35,000+ across 250+ species.

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