Los Angeles County, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Heritage tree size threshold
- Single trunk ≥ 36 in. diameter, OR two trunks ≥ 54 in. combined
- Thin/enlarged trunk alternative
- Tree must be ≥ 60 ft tall OR ≥ 50 years old
- Permit required to remove
- Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 22.230)
- Mitigation ratio
- 10:1 replacement trees (Table 22.336-A)
- Applies to all species
- Native and non-native trees
Summary
The Santa Monica Mountains North Area CSD designates any tree with a single trunk 36 or more inches in diameter (or two trunks totaling 54 or more inches) as a heritage tree; removal requires a Conditional Use Permit and 10:1 replacement mitigation.
d.Heritage Trees. Any species of tree, whether native or non-native, is considered a heritage tree when it has a single trunk that measures 36 inches or more in diameter, or two trunks that collectively measure 54 inches or more in diameter; or for trees with naturally occurring thin trunks when full grown, and trees with unnaturally enlarged trunks due to injury or disease (e.g., burls and galls), the tree must be at least 60 feet tall or 50 years old. Age shall be determined from historical accounts, photographs, or associations with historic structures; age shall not be determined by growth ring counts in cores taken from the edge to the center of the tree. i. A Conditional Use Permit shall be required to remove any heritage tree. ii. Any application for development shall be accompanied by a signed statement by the property owner or authorized agent, which discloses whether any trees of heritage size exist on the property. [Table 22.336-A: Removal of heritage or historic tree(s) — Permit: Conditional Use Permit — Mitigation Ratio: 10:1]
Full Breakdown
LA County Code § 22.336.060.B.2.d defines and protects heritage trees in the Santa Monica Mountains North Area CSD. A tree qualifies as a heritage tree when it has a single trunk measuring at least 36 inches in diameter, or two trunks collectively measuring at least 54 inches, regardless of species (native or non-native). For trees with naturally thin or unnaturally enlarged trunks (e.g., burls, galls), the tree must be at least 60 feet tall or 50 years old. Age is determined from historical accounts or photographs, not from growth ring cores. Removing any heritage tree requires a Conditional Use Permit. Under Table 22.336-A, the mitigation ratio for heritage or historic tree removal is 10 replacement trees for every 1 removed. Any development application must include a signed disclosure stating whether heritage trees exist on the property, along with their location, species, trunk size, and drip line area.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, destroying, removing, relocating, inflicting damage, or encroaching into the protected zone of a heritage tree without a Conditional Use Permit. Each individual tree impacted is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a heritage tree in the Santa Monica Mountains North Area?
Can I remove a heritage tree from my property?
Do I have to disclose heritage trees when applying for a building permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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