Parkway Planting: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do parkway planting rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles 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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC §62.169 requires a Bureau of Street Services permit before planting, removing, or replacing any tree in the parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk. Species must come from the City's Designated Street Trees list matched to the block.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes — Public Works Division, before any parkway planting | - |
| Species list | Authorized List of Carson Trees (Parkway Tree Master Plan, Exhibit A) | Designated Street Trees |
| 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 | - |
| Authority | - | LAMC §62.169 |
| Permit | - | Free, Bureau of Street Services |
| Owner duty | - | Water three years |
| Pruning | - | City handles structural |
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).
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I pick any tree I like?
No. The City matches species to your block based on width, overhead lines, and existing canopy. Property owners can choose from the approved list at the time of permitting.
Who is liable if the parkway tree damages my driveway?
The City owns the tree and is generally responsible for root damage to public infrastructure. Owners can request root pruning or replacement through the Urban Forestry tree-emergency line.
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