Parkway Planting: Carson vs Long Beach
How do parkway planting rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Carson.
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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Parkway strips between sidewalks and curbs in Long Beach are city right-of-way managed by Public Works. Residents must obtain a permit to plant or remove trees in the parkway, and species must come from the approved street tree palette to ensure long-term success and infrastructure compatibility.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes — Public Works Division, before any parkway planting | Plant remove replace |
| Species list | Authorized List of Carson Trees (Parkway Tree Master Plan, Exhibit A) | Approved street tree palette |
| 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 | - |
| Owner | - | City right-of-way |
| Goal | - | Drought tolerance equity |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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).
Long Beach FAQ
Can I plant any tree in my parkway?
No. Parkway trees must come from the city approved palette for compatibility with sidewalks, utilities, and the urban canopy plan.
Will the city water new parkway trees?
Watering responsibility varies. New street trees are typically watered by city crews or contracted watering for an establishment period, then by adjacent residents.
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