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

Chapter 9.63 covers property damage, including trees on city property. Section 9.63.030 makes it unlawful to cut down, injure, girdle, destroy, or remove any standing or growing tree or shrubbery in a public park or street without a permit, though the public works director may remove a tree that is a public nuisance or safety hazard without one. Section 9.63.060 specifically addresses removal requests from an adjacent owner or occupant: an application must be made in writing to the recreation and parks director stating the reasons removal is wanted.

The director may issue the permit upon finding the tree constitutes a private nuisance, is not of the species designated for that street by the recreation and parks commission, or for other good cause. The permit may require the applicant to replant a replacement tree, in which case a deposit for each tree must be paid before the permit issues; the deposit is forfeited to the city if the replanting conditions are not met, and refunded if they are. An applicant denied a permit, or one who disputes the permit's conditions, may appeal in writing to the recreation and parks commission within fifteen days, and then to the city council within fifteen days of that decision, whose ruling is final.

Separately, § 9.63.040 gives the recreation and parks commission authority to designate which tree species may be planted along each street, and § 9.63.050 requires its own permit before planting a new tree within five feet of a curb or sidewalk.