Inglewood, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- IMC Article 32, Ord. 12-06 (5-8-12)
- Protected regardless of size
- Memorial and defining specimen trees
- Ordinary tree threshold
- 8-inch trunk diameter
- Permit issuer
- Parks, Recreation & Library Services Dept.
- Unauthorized removal fine
- Value of tree + replacement
- Appeal path
- Parks & Rec Commission, then City Council
Summary
Inglewood protects memorial trees dedicated by a City-recognized entity and specimen trees that define a neighborhood at any size, without the eight-inch trunk threshold that applies to ordinary trees, under the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
"Memorial Tree" shall mean any tree planted in memory of or in commemoration of an individual or individuals or a specific event by an entity recognized by the City of Inglewood. This in general will not include Christmas trees planted by a family or other similar type plantings. ... § 12-113. Protected Trees. The following trees, when located on properties to which this Article applies as set forth in Section 12-111, shall be protected trees: (A) Trees having a minimum trunk diameter of eight inches measured fifty-four inches above the ground. ... (C) All memorial trees dedicated by an entity recognized by the City, and all specimen trees that define a neighborhood or community.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954608; v8 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Article 32 of the Inglewood Municipal Code (Ord. 12-06, adopted May 8, 2012) creates two protection tracks. Most trees become protected only once their trunk reaches eight inches in diameter measured 54 inches above grade (or the combined diameter of the three largest trunks on a multi-trunk tree). Memorial and specimen trees skip that size test entirely: Section 12-113(C) protects "all memorial trees dedicated by an entity recognized by the City, and all specimen trees that define a neighborhood or community" regardless of trunk size.
Section 12-112 defines a memorial tree as one planted in memory of or commemoration of a person, persons or a specific event by a recognized entity, excluding ordinary family plantings like Christmas trees, and a specimen tree as one representative of its species in form and size that may also represent the character of an area. Cutting branches over one inch, disfiguring, relocating or removing any protected tree requires a Tree Removal and Cutting Permit from the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department under Section 12-116.
Section 12-118 directs the City to weigh whether the tree is a specimen or memorial tree, along with disease, public danger, sidewalk lifting and slope stability, when deciding an application. Permit decisions go to the Parks and Recreation Commission and then the City Council on appeal under Section 5-68.
Violations & Fines
Removing, disfiguring or destroying a protected memorial or specimen tree without a permit draws a fine equal to the tree's appraised value under the ISA Guide for Plant Appraisal, on top of mandatory like-kind replacement, per Section 12-122. Fines are payable to the City's Finance Office within thirty business days; unpaid amounts become a lien on the property under Section 12-125. Violations are also chargeable as a misdemeanor under Section 1-18 and support injunctive relief under Section 12-124, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a memorial tree need to be a certain size to be protected in Inglewood?
Who decides if a tree qualifies as a protected specimen tree?
What happens if someone cuts down a memorial tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Inglewood
California rules heatmap·Compare Inglewood to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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