Parkway Planting: Los Angeles vs South Gate
How do parkway planting rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and South Gate, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than South Gate.
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 →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
Planting in the parkway strip (the area between the curb and sidewalk, owned by the City) is regulated by SGMC Chapter 5.33: 'No person … shall plant, remove, relocate, damage, excessively prune or cut or encroach into the protected zone or any public tree within the city of South Gate without first obtaining a permit from the director of public works and paying the required fee.' Residents wanting to plant a parkway tree must apply to Public Works, select a species from the Street Tree Master Plan's approved palette, and follow WCISA planting standards. The City maintains ~15,900 parkway trees as part of its 17,500-tree urban forest.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | LAMC §62.169 | - |
| Permit | Free, Bureau of Street Services | - |
| Species list | Designated Street Trees | - |
| Owner duty | Water three years | - |
| Pruning | City handles structural | - |
| Code Section | - | SGMC 5.33 — permit required to plant in parkway |
| Permit Issuer | - | Director of Public Works |
| Species Source | - | Street Tree Master Plan approved palette |
| Planting Standard | - | Western Chapter ISA |
| Ownership | - | Parkway is public right-of-way (city-owned) |
| Maintenance Contact | - | South Gate Public Works (323) 563-9500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South Gate FAQ
Can I plant my own tree in the parkway in front of my house?
Not without a permit. SGMC Chapter 5.33 explicitly prohibits planting in the public right-of-way without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Public Works and paying the required fee. The species, size, and location must conform to the Street Tree Master Plan.
Who maintains the parkway tree once it is planted?
South Gate Public Works maintains parkway trees per the citywide tree-service schedule, including pruning cycles and replacement of failed trees. Residents are encouraged to water newly planted parkway trees during the 2–3 year establishment period, but pruning or removal still requires a Public Works permit.
Can I plant flowers or shrubs in the parkway?
Parkway landscaping other than approved street trees may also require permission. Check with Public Works first — and note that any planting must preserve the Public Works clear sight zone, ADA pedestrian path of travel on the sidewalk, and not interfere with the protected zone of an existing public tree (a 5.33 violation).
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