Protected Tree Species: Downey vs El Monte
How do protected tree species rules compare between Downey, CA and El Monte, CA?
Downey and El Monte have similar restriction levels.
Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 22.174 (formerly 22.56.2050) protects native oaks with eight inches or larger trunk diameter at breast height. An Oak Tree Permit from Regional Planning is required before pruning more than 25 percent or removing any protected oak.
View full Downey rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte protects 14 named California native tree species — including all native oaks, California sycamore, California walnut, California bay, and California redwood — once their trunk diameter exceeds 8 inches at breast height.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downey | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Code citation | LA County Code Title 22.174 | - |
| Trigger size | 8 inches DBH or larger | - |
| Permit issuer | Department of Regional Planning | - |
| Pruning threshold | More than 25 percent canopy | - |
| Replacement ratio | 2:1 to 10:1 typical | - |
| Threshold | - | 8-inch diameter at 4.5 ft above grade (~25-inch circumference) |
| Number of protected species | - | 14 California natives |
| Includes | - | Coast live oak, Engelmann oak, Valley oak, California sycamore, California walnut, California redwood |
| Exempt | - | Fruit/nut trees, palms, nursery stock, certified hazardous trees |
| Code section | - | EMMC §14.03.020 (Native Tree definition) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downey FAQ
Does the oak ordinance apply to dead trees?
A confirmed dead oak generally does not require a permit, but a certified arborist report and Regional Planning concurrence are required first. Hazardous live oaks may qualify for an emergency permit with reduced fees and expedited review.
What if construction must encroach on a protected oak?
Submit an Oak Tree Permit application with arborist-prepared protection plan, root-zone fencing, and impact analysis. Regional Planning may require redesign, deep watering, or replacement plantings before approving encroachment.
El Monte FAQ
Which California native species are protected in El Monte?
All 14 species named in EMMC §14.03.020: Coast live oak, Engelmann oak, Canyon oak, California sycamore, California walnut, Scrub oak, Valley oak, California bay, Cottonwood (Fremont and Black), California alder, Arroyo willow, California buckeye, and California redwood — once the trunk exceeds 8 inches diameter at 4.5 ft above grade.
Is my palm tree protected in El Monte?
No. All species of palms are expressly exempt under EMMC §14.03.050(7), as are all fruit- and nut-bearing trees.
What about a California pepper tree or a non-native eucalyptus?
They are not on the Native Tree list, but they may qualify as Heritage Trees if they meet the size or height thresholds in §14.03.020 (36-inch single-trunk circumference, 75-inch multi-trunk, or 35 feet tall).
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