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

Whittier's policy is to preserve and protect healthy trees, so tree removal is permit-controlled by the City rather than by LA County. Under Whittier Municipal Code Section 12.40.040, no one may remove any tree, shrub, or plant in a street, park, alley, or public place without a permit from the director (Parks, Recreation and Community Services). Section 12.40.030 gives the director authority to authorize removal of objectionable public trees, subject to city manager review. For private-property trees that overhang or project into the public right-of-way, Section 12.40.100 lets the director inspect them and, if one is hazardous to the traveling public or blocks vision, order it trimmed or removed - but no private tree may be cut down or removed unless the director first gives 10-day written notice to the owner, occupant, or agent. The only exception to that notice is a tree verified as dead by the City's certified arborist, which may be removed with no notice. If the owner files an objection within seven days, the tree cannot be removed until the owner has a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Separately, before the City removes a healthy or diseased parkway tree, Section 12.40.100(D) requires a 30-day written notice and a notice posted on the affected tree, as stipulated in the Parkway Tree Manual. Note: As of 2025, Whittier temporarily suspended portions of its Parkway Tree Manual process (Ordinance 3176) to address emerging hazards faster, so residents should confirm current procedure with the City.