Tree removal permit rules in Burbank, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removing any public (street/parkway) tree in Burbank requires a public tree removal permit, payment of the tree's appraised value, and replacement; the Parks Director also maintains a restricted list of landmark and outstanding trees (BMC 7-4-111; 7-4-108).
Under BMC 7-4-111(A), 'a public tree removal permit is required to remove any public tree,' and a public tree removed for construction must be replaced with a tree of a size, species, and location set by the Parks and Recreation Director consistent with the Master Street Tree Plan; the permittee must pay the full appraised value of the removed tree plus the value of the replacement, determined by an ISA-certified arborist using the 'Trunk Formula.' BMC 7-4-108 directs the Director to develop and maintain a restricted list of public trees - 'landmark trees, trees of outstanding size and beauty, dedicated trees, etc.' - that receive special protection. Trees planted in a parkway or planting easement without the Director's approval may be ordered removed (BMC 7-4-112). The chapter focuses on public/parkway trees; California Penal Code 384a and Civil Code 3346 (cited as state-law references in the code) address unpermitted destruction of and exemplary damages for injury to trees.
Destroying or removing a public tree without a permit triggers reimbursement of the appraised tree value under BMC 7-4-105/7-4-111 and misdemeanor liability; state law (Penal Code 384a, Civil Code 3346) provides additional penalties and exemplary damages.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
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