Redondo Beach, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Redondo Beach, 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
- Governing sections
- §§ 5-11.03 through 5-11.08
- Scope
- Public trees only, not private lots
- Unauthorized removal fine
- Tree value or $15,000, whichever greater
- Replacement
- Five 24-inch box trees
- Non-development removal notice
- 15 days posted before removal
- Appeal deadline
- 10 calendar days to Public Works Director
Summary
Only the City and City-authorized contractors may trim, remove or relocate a public tree in Redondo Beach without prior Public Works Director authorization. Removing a public tree without approval draws a fine equal to the tree's value or $15,000, whichever is greater, plus the cost of five replacement trees. The chapter covers trees in the right-of-way, parks and on City property, not private residential trees.
(a) Only the City and City-authorized contractors may trim, carve, remove, severely prune or relocate a public tree absent prior authorization by the Public Works Director or designee. ... Any person who removes a public tree shall be subject to a fine equivalent to the valuation of the subject tree as determined by the Urban Forestry Manager or Fifteen Thousand and no/100ths ($15,000.00) Dollars, whichever is greater, and the cost of purchasing five replacement a twenty-four (24") inch box trees. The collection of the penalties may be enforced pursuant to the City's lien power and by civil action brought by the City Attorney.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4889554; v14 updated 2026-05-12).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code Chapter 11 of Title 5 regulates only 'public trees,' defined as trees in the public right-of-way, a park, parkway, median, easement, or on other City-owned property; it does not reach trees on private residential lots. 03 bars anyone but the City or its authorized contractors from trimming, carving, removing, severely pruning or relocating a public tree without prior authorization from the Public Works Director, and separately bans lion-tailing, topping, attaching hardware, poisoning, or applying hazardous materials near a public tree. 04 to the Public Works Department; requests based on view obstruction, tree age or maintenance burden are not considered, and an approved tree is replaced with a 24-inch box tree after 15 days' posted notice.
05 and are approved only where the tree is a significant impediment with no reasonable alternative; the requestor pays a tree enhancement fee equal to the tree's valuation plus replacement cost. 06 requires fencing off the tree protection zone and barring excavation, grading or chemical storage within it during construction. Appeals of an urban forestry manager decision go to the Public Works Director within 10 days and then to the Public Works Commission.
Violations & Fines
Removing a public tree without authorization triggers a fine equal to the tree's valuation, as set by the Urban Forestry Manager, or $15,000, whichever is greater, plus the cost of five replacement 24-inch box trees, collectible through the City's lien power or a civil action by the City Attorney. A violation during permitted construction can also trigger a stop-work order until a mitigation plan is approved by the Community Development Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a tree on the parkway strip in front of my house?
Does Redondo Beach regulate removing trees on my own private property?
What does it cost if I remove a public tree without permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redondo Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Redondo Beach 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.