Tree Trimming: Long Beach vs Santa Monica
How do tree trimming rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Long Beach and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Trimming or removing public/street trees in Long Beach requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Topping, heading back, stubbing, lion tailing, and pollarding are prohibited.
View full Long Beach rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Trimming public trees in Santa Monica requires a Public Works permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40. No person may remove, cut, trim, prune, or injure any public tree without a permit. Trees must be protected during construction with guards or protectors.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required for all public tree work | Required for all public tree work |
| Prohibited | Topping, pollarding, lion tailing | - |
| Code | LBMC Ch. 14.28 | SMMC Ch. 7.40 |
| Coastal Zone | Additional Coastal Zone permit needed | - |
| Construction | - | Trees must be protected |
| Public Trees | - | 35,000+ across 250+ species |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Long Beach?
Trimming or removing public/street trees in Long Beach requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Topping, heading back, stubbing, lion tailing, and pollarding are prohibited.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in Long Beach?
Permit: Required for all public tree work. Prohibited: Topping, pollarding, lion tailing. Code: LBMC Ch. 14.28. Coastal Zone: Additional Coastal Zone permit needed.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Santa Monica?
Trimming public trees in Santa Monica requires a Public Works permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40. No person may remove, cut, trim, prune, or injure any public tree without a permit. Trees must be protected during construction with guards or protectors.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in Santa Monica?
Permit: Required for all public tree work. Construction: Trees must be protected. Code: SMMC Ch. 7.40. Public Trees: 35,000+ across 250+ species.
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