Arcadia, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Planting rules
- Street Tree Master Plan, adopted by City Council resolution
- Development trigger
- Public Works can require street trees as an approval condition
- Planting permit
- Required from Public Works, void after thirty (30) days
- Upkeep duty
- Adjacent property owner maintains parkway trees in good condition
- Reporting duty
- Report trees in less than good condition to the Street Superintendent
- Topping
- Unlawful on any street tree under § 9813
- Removal appeal
- Written notice to the City Manager, decision within thirty (30) days
Summary
In the City of Arcadia, California, street trees in the parkway are planted to the Street Tree Master Plan adopted by City Council resolution. Public Works can require a set number of street trees as a condition of approval on new development, and the adjacent property owner must maintain every parkway tree in good condition under Municipal Code §§ 9810 to 9812.
The Arcadia Public Works Department shall have the right to review all plans for new development in the City and may require as a condition of approval of a project that a particular number of street trees of the species described in Section 9811 be planted in accordance with this Chapter. ... Street trees shall consist of those species set forth in the Street Tree Master Plan, as it is adopted and may be amended from time to time by resolution of the City Council. ... The following regulations shall apply to the planting and maintenance of all street trees. (a)Whenever trees are planted within the public right-of-way, such planting shall adhere to those tree planting regulations set forth in the Street Tree Master Plan as it is adopted and may be amended from time-to-time by resolution of the City Council.(b)The owner of property adjacent to a parkway or public right-of-way shall have the responsibility to maintain in good condition all street trees in the parkway or public right-of-way.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 8 of Article IX, the Comprehensive Tree Management Program, regulates the planting, maintenance, removal and replacement of City-owned trees on public property. Section 9810 lets the Arcadia Public Works Department review all plans for new development and require, as a condition of project approval, a particular number of street trees of the species described in § 9811. Section 9811 sends the species question to the Street Tree Master Plan, as adopted and amended by City Council resolution. Section 9812(a) does the same for technique: any planting in the public right-of-way must adhere to the tree planting regulations in that Master Plan. The chapter itself prints no spacing, trunk size or species list, so those specifics live in the Master Plan.
Planting also needs paper. Under § 9806 no person can plant, remove, cut any portion of or damage a City-owned tree or shrub on public property without first obtaining a permit from the Arcadia Public Works Department. The permit is void thirty (30) days after it is issued unless a longer duration is specifically provided. Anyone in the business of planting, trimming or removing City-owned trees must hold a City business license (§ 9808), while Public Works itself needs no permit (§ 9809).
Once a tree is in, § 9812(b) puts the upkeep on the owner of the adjacent property. That means consistent deep watering to train roots down and away from water and sewer laterals and irrigation systems, reporting to the Street Superintendent any tree in less than good condition, prompt cleanup of dropped fruits, flowers or pods, and any necessary maintenance of roots on the owner's private property. Low hanging, broken or dead branches, or any sign of disease, decay or insect infestation, put a tree in less than good condition. The City is not responsible for damage to private property or improvements installed within the public right-of-way. Topping a street tree is unlawful under § 9813, and Development Code § 9403 states that nothing in the code gives authority to trim or remove trees within the parkway area.
Violations & Fines
Under § 9815, anyone who violates Chapter 8 faces the penalties in Section 1200 of the Arcadia Municipal Code plus restitution: a fine, replacement of the tree removed, cut or damaged, and planting of a new tree. Replacement is charged at the value or actual replacement cost of the street tree, whichever is higher, plus planting cost. The Director of Public Works sets the type, number, size and location of replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides which trees can be planted in an Arcadia parkway?
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the parkway in the City of Arcadia, California?
Who has to water and maintain the parkway tree in front of my Arcadia home?
Can I appeal a parkway tree removal decision in Arcadia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arcadia
California rules heatmap·Compare Arcadia to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle parkway planting.