El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 14.03 protects designated 'Protected Trees' and prohibits topping or lion-tailing. Routine pruning does not require a permit but must follow ANSI A300 and ISA standards. Removal of a Protected Tree requires a tree-removal permit.
Chapter 14.03 defines a Protected Tree (generally street trees, heritage trees, and trees on commercial/multifamily sites meeting size thresholds) and states that routine pruning and maintenance shall not require a permit but in all cases shall conform to the most current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) guidelines and the ANSI A300 Pruning Standards. Topping and lion-tailing of a Protected Tree are unlawful unless incident to a lawful removal performed under a tree-removal permit. Street trees in the public right-of-way are managed by Public Works; private parties must coordinate with Public Works before pruning street trees.
Improper pruning, topping, or unpermitted removal of a Protected Tree is a misdemeanor or infraction under Chapter 14.03, with replacement requirements (typically at a 2:1 ratio or in-lieu fee) plus the city's general penalty under EMMC §1.20.010 (fines up to $1,000 or six months for misdemeanors; $100/$200/$500 escalating infractions).
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