Santa Monica, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Santa Monica, 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
- Permit required for
- Removal, cutting, trimming, pruning, planting, injuring, or interfering with any public tree, shrub, or plant
- Covered locations
- Streets, sidewalks, parkways, alleys, and other public property
- Permit validity
- 30 calendar days from issuance; extensions available on showing of no hazard/impact
- Replanting condition
- Director may require owner to bear cost of replanting as a permit condition
- Infraction fine
- Up to $250
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail, plus court-ordered restitution
Summary
No one may remove, cut, trim, prune, or otherwise disturb any tree on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parkways, and alleys, without first obtaining a City permit, and violations carry fines up to $1,000 or jail time.
§ 7.40.110. Permit requirements.
(a) No person shall remove, cut, trim, prune, plant, injure, or interfere with any tree, shrub, or plant upon any street, sidewalk, parkway, alley or other public property without having first obtained a City permit authorizing such work. The permit may be granted on the condition that the owner or authorized representative bears the cost of the permitted work and on the condition that the owner or authorized representative bear the cost of replanting any tree, shrub, or plant. The permit shall become void unless work is completed within thirty calendar days from the date of issuance of the permit. The time for completion of the work required by the permit may be extended by the Director if the applicant can demonstrate that continued delay:
(1) Presents no health or safety hazard; and
(2) Will not create any unreasonable aesthetic impact to the neighborhood or substantial economic detriment to neighboring property owners.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 7.40 of the Municipal Code protects all trees, shrubs, and plants on public property. A permit is required before any work, including planting, trimming, pruning, or removal, on any public tree. The permit may require the owner to pay for the work and for any required replanting. The permit expires if work is not completed within 30 calendar days of issuance, though extensions are available if no safety hazard or aesthetic impact would result from delay. The Director of Community and Cultural Services supervises all work on public trees.
Violations & Fines
Violations are punishable as an infraction (fine up to $250) or misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in County Jail, or both). Courts may also order restitution to cover the City's costs to replant or restore the damaged area.
Frequently Asked Questions
The street tree in front of my house is overgrown. Can I trim it myself?
What if a tree on city property is damaging my sidewalk or driveway?
What are the penalties for removing a public tree without permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica 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.