Protected Tree Species: Carson vs Long Beach
How do protected tree species rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Long Beach.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson does not maintain a list of 'protected species' (e.g., native oaks, sycamores) in its Municipal Code in the way some Northern California cities do. Carson regulates trees by location (parkway / right-of-way) under Chapter 9 rather than by species. State-level protection applies only to specific listed species under the California Endangered Species Act and CCR Title 14 forestry rules.
View full Carson rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach Municipal Code Title 14 chapter 14.04 protects designated heritage trees and certain species on public and private property. Removing, topping, or seriously damaging a protected tree without a permit can trigger significant fines and replacement requirements.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Native species list? | None in Carson code — no oak/sycamore protection chapter | - |
| Approach | Location-based (parkway) protection, not species-based | - |
| LA County native protections | Do not apply inside incorporated Carson | - |
| State law backstop | California Endangered Species Act (Fish & Game §2050+) | - |
| Authorized species | Parkway Tree Master Plan Exhibit A (positive list) | - |
| Code | - | LBMC Title 14 chapter 14.04 |
| Designation | - | Heritage tree program |
| Permit | - | Required before removal |
| Mitigation | - | Arborist plus replacement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Does Carson protect native coast live oaks like LA County does?
No. Los Angeles County's Oak Tree Ordinance (Title 22 §22.174) applies in unincorporated LA County and does not apply within Carson city limits. Carson's own code protects only parkway trees under Chapter 9. A native oak entirely on private Carson property is not covered by a city-wide species ordinance, but may still be protected through state CESA if the species is listed.
Are there any tree species banned from planting in Carson?
Carson uses a positive list — the Authorized List of Carson Trees (Exhibit A to Chapter 9). Anything not on the list cannot be planted in the parkway. The City Manager designates which authorized species are planted in any given parkway; planting a non-conforming species in the right-of-way without a permit can result in the tree being removed by the City.
Long Beach FAQ
Are all big trees protected?
No. Only trees designated under Title 14 chapter 14.04, certain species, and most street trees are formally protected, though removal still needs review for large private trees in some cases.
Who handles parkway trees?
Long Beach Public Works manages street and parkway trees. Residents must coordinate any pruning or removal through the department, not handle it themselves.
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