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

Section 7-5.204 sits in Chapter 5 (Street Trees), Article 2 (Trees, Shrubs, and Plants) of Title 7. It covers a City tree, shrub or plant, which § 7-5.201 defines as any tree, shrub or plant growing on property owned or controlled by the City, including streets, parkways, public places and easements granted to the City or the public. The Director means the Director of Field Services or a designee. Section 7-5.202 adds that, except as otherwise provided, no City tree, shrub or plant is planted, maintained or removed except in conformity with the article.

The City can also start a removal itself. Under § 7-5.205 the Director can require specific maintenance, including removal, of a City tree that interferes with construction, repair or use of a City street or public utility, is dead or dying, creates a hazard to public health or safety, or does not conform to the approved tree list. Before ordering removal of a parkway tree, § 7-5.210 requires written notice to the owner, occupant or agent of the abutting property, who has 10 days from the date on the notice to ask in writing that the tree be kept (§ 7-5.211). The Director can approve with conditions, including cash, a bond or other security for present and future maintenance costs.

An owner or agent of private property in front of a parkway tree who wants it removed files a written request on the Director's form, and the Director approves or denies it (§ 7-5.212). Only that owner or agent can ask, except when the tree presents a health or safety concern, in which case any interested individual can file. Appeals go to the City Council in writing within 10 days of written notice of the Director's determination, and the Council's decision is final (§ 7-5.213).