Arcadia, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 9110.01.070 sorts protected tree work into three permit tracks. For a dead or hazardous protected tree, no tree report is needed if the Director or designee determines the tree is dead or hazardous, and removal can be authorized. In all other cases a Certified Arborist report evaluating the tree's health with a recommendation is required, and the Director has seven days from a complete application to act, unless another discretionary permit is pending.

For a healthy protected tree, the arborist report must explain why removal is necessary, why removal is more desirable than alternative project designs, and what mitigation measures are proposed. The Director has thirty days to act. A Notice of Pending Decision, issued under Development Code Section 9108.13, is mailed to every real property owner within 300 feet of the property boundaries, and neighbors have up to 14 days to comment before the Director decides. Encroachment into the protected zone follows a third track: an arborist report covering location and condition, development impacts, recommended actions and mitigation, with a thirty day decision clock.

Every application uses a City form, includes the tree evaluation and report, and pays the fees in the City's Fee Resolution. A property inside a Homeowners Association area with an Architectural Review Board must clear the tree request with that board before filing with the City. An approval becomes null and void if it is not used within twelve months, unless an extension is approved under Development Code Sections 9108.11.080 and 9108.11.090. Appeals follow Section 9108.07 and must be filed with the Department or City Clerk within 10 days of the decision, with the filing fee from the City's Fee Schedule.

Section 9110.01.080 requires every approved removal to be replaced with a minimum of two new 24-inch box trees, though the Director can modify, waive, increase or reduce that requirement. The Certified Arborist then files a follow-up report at the owner's expense. Section 9110.01.060 exempts emergency removals of storm, fire or disaster damaged trees that officials find to be an imminent threat, line-of-sight removals, public utility work and work on City property. Street trees are separate: Section 9806 requires a permit from the Public Works Department.