Compton, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Approval required from
- Director of Public Works
- Unauthorized planting fine
- $100 infraction
- Tree ownership
- City owns all street trees
- Root-cutting limit
- 3-inch diameter without authorization
- Subdivision condition
- Director can require street tree planting
Summary
Compton controls every tree planted in the parkway strip, the ground between the curb and sidewalk. Municipal Code § 20-4.7 requires written approval from the Director of Public Works before any person or hired nursery plants a street tree, and only species on the Director's approved list, planted at an approved location, satisfy the standard. Subdivision maps can be conditioned on planting street trees where the Director specifies.
a. Upon written approval of the Director, any person may undertake privately or by agreement with a private nursery or tree service, the planting of a street tree provided that the location, species and manner of planting are acceptable to the Director. b. The Director shall prepare a list of those tree species which are acceptable for use as a street tree. The Director shall also establish such criteria relating to the location and manner of planting such tree as will protect public safety and public and private improvements. c. All new plantings of street trees as replacements for street trees existing on the effective date of this section shall conform to the species and planting criteria set forth in paragraph b of this subsection. d. There may be imposed as a condition of approval for all parcel and subdivision maps that the subdivider plant street trees at such locations and in such manner as may be determined by the Director.
Full Breakdown
3, and the Director of Public Works holds exclusive authority to plant, remove, prune, root-prune or otherwise alter them. 7(a) requires the Director's written approval first, and that approval turns on three things the Director controls, location, species and manner of planting. 7(c). 5 lets a resident hire a private nursery or tree service, but only after the Director signs off in writing, and the Director can require liability and property damage insurance plus a permit and processing fee before authorizing private work. 7(d) lets the City condition approval of parcel and subdivision maps on the developer planting street trees at locations and in a manner the Director sets, so builders cannot choose their own species or spacing.
8 bars cutting any street tree root over three inches in diameter without the Director's authorization, and an unauthorized cut makes the excavator liable for the tree's removal, replacement or remedial pruning costs, whichever the Director determines is necessary.
Violations & Fines
Planting a street tree without the Director's written approval falls under § 20-4.2, which brands any unauthorized planting, removal, pruning or injury to a street tree a public nuisance and an infraction punishable by a $100 fine. Each unapproved tree is a separate violation. Utility crews or contractors who cut a street tree root thicker than three inches without authorization are separately liable under § 20-4.8 for the City's cost of tree removal, replacement or remedial pruning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the parkway strip in front of my Compton home?
Who owns the trees planted in Compton's parkway strips?
Does Compton make developers plant street trees?
What happens if I plant an unapproved tree species in the parkway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Compton
California rules heatmap·Compare Compton to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle parkway planting.