Any tree planted in the Carson public right-of-way (the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, or in city easements) requires a prior permit from Public Works under CMC Article 3 Chapter 9. Species must come from the Authorized List of Carson Trees (Exhibit A to the Parkway Tree Master Plan). Trees planted without a permit may be removed by the City without notice.
Chapter 9 establishes that the City Manager / Public Works Division controls planting, maintenance, and removal of all parkway trees. Businesses and residents must obtain a planting permit before any tree is installed in the City's right-of-way. The City Manager has the power to designate the kind or variety of trees and plants planted within any parkway, and selections are drawn from the Authorized List of Carson Trees attached as Exhibit A to the Parkway Tree Master Plan. Carson is divided into 21 trimming zones with a 3-year trim cycle (7 zones per year) administered by Public Works. Unauthorized trees in the parkway may be removed by the City at the Manager's discretion, without consent of the planter and without reimbursement. New developments must also satisfy zoning landscape standards under CMC Article IX Chapter 1, and any new or rehabilitated landscape ≥500 sq ft must comply with MWELO (CCR Title 23 §490 et seq.).
Planting a tree in the city right-of-way without a permit, or planting a species not on the Authorized List, can result in (a) summary removal of the tree by the City without compensation, and (b) misdemeanor prosecution under Chapter 9 — $1,000 fine OR CTLA-appraised value (whichever is greater), and/or up to 6 months in jail, with each day a separate offense.
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