Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Long Beach vs Torrance
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Torrance, CA?
Long Beach and Torrance have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Street trees cannot be removed without city permit from Director of Public Works. City only approves removal for dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees. Private tree removal on private property governed by Chapter 14.28.
View full Long Beach rules →Torrance, CA
Los Angeles County
Torrance requires a permit for any maintenance, trimming, cutting, or removal of street trees under TMC Section 75.1.5. Work must be performed by city-approved contractors at the property owner's expense. Permits valid for 30 days. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies to landscaping projects over 500 sq ft. Hedges limited to 4 feet under TMC 92.13.1.
View full Torrance rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LBMC §14.28 | - |
| Street Trees | Permit required for removal or trimming | Permit required (TMC 75.1.5) |
| Approval | Director of Public Works | - |
| Contractor | Must be city-approved, licensed, bonded | - |
| No Removal For | Leaf debris or personal preference | - |
| Permit Valid | - | 30 days |
| Hedge Height | - | 4 ft max (TMC 92.13.1) |
| MWELO Threshold | - | 500+ sq ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Long Beach?
Street trees cannot be removed without city permit from Director of Public Works. City only approves removal for dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees. Private tree removal on private property governed by Chapter 14.28.
What are the tree removal rules in Long Beach?
Code: LBMC §14.28. Street Trees: Permit required for removal or trimming. Approval: Director of Public Works. Contractor: Must be city-approved, licensed, bonded.
Torrance FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Torrance?
Yes, for any street tree. Obtain a permit from Public Works (310-781-6900). Work must be done by a city-approved contractor at your expense.
Can I trim my own street tree in Torrance?
No. All street tree work requires a permit and must be performed by a city-approved professional tree contractor.
Compare other topics
See how Long Beach and Torrance compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool