Carson, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Carson, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- SB 9 second unit or duplex build
- Threshold
- 6-inch trunk diameter or more
- Ratio
- One 24-inch box tree each
- Scope
- Private lot and right-of-way trees
- Enforcement
- Tied to certificate of occupancy
Summary
Building a second unit or duplex under SB 9 in Carson requires replacing every removed tree with a trunk 6 inches or more in diameter with a new 24-inch box tree, on the lot or in the right-of-way alike.
If the construction of a second primary unit or two (2) unit development will result in the removal of one (1) or more trees with a trunk diameter of six (6) inches or greater either on private property or in the public right-of-way, then, as a condition of obtaining a certificate of occupancy, the owner shall plant one (1) new twenty-four (24) inch box tree for each tree removed. Trees planted in the public right-of-way shall be a species approved by the City's Public Works Director.
J. Additional Development Standards. Second primary units, and each unit of a two (2) unit development, shall comply with all development standards that would be applicable to a primary dwelling unit on the same parcel, except where such standards conflict with the requirements of CMC § 9128.81 through § 9128.88, in which case CMC § 9128.81 through § 9128.88 shall govern.
K. Limitation on Enforcement of Development Standards. With the exceptions of the setback requirements in subsection (D) of this Section and the requirement to comply with all building codes, the City shall not enforce any development standard to the extent that it would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of a second primary unit or two (2) unit development on a parcel, or would physically preclude either the second primary unit or both units of a two (2) unit development from being at least eight hundred (800) square feet in floor area. (Ord. 22-2210 § 10)
Full Breakdown
CMC § 9128.84(I), part of Carson's implementation of SB 9 for second primary units and two-unit developments (Gov. Code §§ 65852.21, 66411.7), requires one-for-one tree replacement: any tree with a trunk six inches or greater in diameter removed for the project, on private property or in the adjacent public right-of-way, must be replaced with a new 24-inch box tree before the City issues a certificate of occupancy. Right-of-way replacement trees need the Public Works Director's approval of species. This SB 9 mitigation is distinct from Carson's general parkway-tree ordinance (CMC Ch. 9, § 3900 et seq.), which governs City-owned street trees and sets no comparable private-tree replacement ratio.
Violations & Fines
No separate infraction penalty is stated; noncompliance instead blocks issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the new unit until the replacement trees are planted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carson make me replace trees removed for a new SB 9 unit?
Does the rule cover street trees too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle tree removal & heritage trees.