Protected Tree Species: Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do protected tree species rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC §17.05 (Native Tree Protection Ordinance) protects native oaks, sycamores, walnuts, and California junipers measuring four inches DBH or larger. Removal requires a Bureau of Street Services permit and a four-to-one replacement ratio, even on private property.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LBMC Title 14 chapter 14.04 | - |
| Designation | Heritage tree program | - |
| Permit | Required before removal | - |
| Mitigation | Arborist plus replacement | - |
| Authority | - | LAMC §17.05 |
| Species | - | Oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper |
| Threshold | - | Four-inch DBH or heritage |
| Replacement | - | Four-to-one ratio |
| Permit issuer | - | Bureau of Street Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does this apply on my private lot?
Yes. LAMC §17.05 applies citywide regardless of property ownership. Any oak, sycamore, walnut, or juniper meeting the size threshold requires a permit before removal or major pruning.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
You still need a permit, but Urban Forestry expedites hazardous-tree review. Submit photos and an arborist report; emergency removals after a storm must be reported within seven days.
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