Tree removal permit rules in Torrance, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Torrance requires a permit for any maintenance, trimming, cutting, or removal of street trees under TMC Section 75.1.5. Work must be performed by city-approved contractors at the property owner's expense. Permits valid for 30 days. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies to landscaping projects over 500 sq ft. Hedges limited to 4 feet under TMC 92.13.1.
Torrance Municipal Code Section 75.1.5 prohibits any maintenance, trimming, cutting, or removal performed on a street tree until a permit has been obtained. Anyone planning to remove a tree in any park, street, alley, or public place must first obtain a permit from the Public Works Director, with a validity period of 30 days. All permitted tree services must be performed by a professional tree services contractor selected from a list of city-approved contractors, and any work must be done in accordance with city standards. The property owner must pay all costs. Applications are obtained by calling 310-781-6900. Bushes and shrubbery cannot exceed 4 feet per TMC Section 92.13.1. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to any landscaping project greater than 500 square feet that requires a permit, plan check, or design review. Private trees on residential property are generally not regulated unless they affect public right-of-way visibility or safety.
Unauthorized tree removal: citation and fines. Replacement tree required at owner's expense. Stop-work order for unpermitted landscaping over 500 sq ft.
Torrance, CA
Amplified sound must not exceed 15 dBA above ambient at property lines. On Sundays/holidays, amplified sound limited to 10 AM-6 PM. Must stay 200 ft from chu...
Torrance, CA
Torrance prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making loud noises that disturb the peace of residential neighborhoods under TMC §41.1.2. Animal Control ha...
Torrance, CA
Machinery and mechanical equipment must not produce noise exceeding specified levels above ambient at residential property lines under TMC Chapter 6.
Torrance, CA
Powered gardening equipment including leaf blowers may operate Mon-Fri and 9 AM-5 PM Saturdays. Prohibited Sundays/holidays. Homeowners exempt 10 AM-4 PM on ...
Torrance, CA
Torrance adopts LA County Code Title 10 for animal control. No breed-specific bans exist, but dangerous/vicious dog declarations follow county procedures.
Torrance, CA
Dogs must be licensed annually and kept under control at all times per LA County Code Title 10, adopted by Torrance. Rabies vaccination required.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Torrance's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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