Whittier, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Whittier maintains an extensive urban forest of parkway (street) trees, and the City - not LA County - controls work on them. Whittier Municipal Code Chapter 12.40 (Trees and Shrubs), enacted by Ordinance 3045 in 2016 and amended by Ordinance 3112 in 2020, is the City's tree ordinance. Section 12.40.020 defines the 'director' as the director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department or an authorized designee such as a certified arborist or manager. Section 12.40.040 prohibits any person from cutting, trimming, pruning, planting, removing, injuring, or interfering with any tree, shrub, or plant in any street, park, alley, or public place without a permit from the director; the director may grant the permit at his or her discretion, and no such permit is valid for longer than 30 days after issuance. Section 12.40.050 directs that permits be issued as outlined in the City's Parkway Tree Manual, and utility companies or abutting owners who want a parkway tree trimmed or removed must file a written request and meet the manual's guidelines. Section 12.40.060 makes it unlawful to interfere with the director or City crews while they prune, trim, treat, or remove trees, and Section 12.40.090 bars growing ivy, geranium, or other vegetation around a street tree more than six inches above the ground or curbline. The Parkway Tree Manual is reviewed at least every fifth year by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission. Penalties for non-compliant work are calculated under the manual (Section 12.40.130).