Santa Monica, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Parkway defined
- Portion of public street right-of-way between curb and sidewalk
- Permit required
- Yes, before planting, trimming, pruning, removing, or interfering with any parkway tree or plant
- Authority
- Director of Community and Cultural Services supervises all public tree work
- Additional prohibitions
- Cannot attach wires/ropes to public trees, place impermeable material over roots, or allow interfering vines: without Director approval
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000
Summary
Planting, trimming, or altering any tree or plant in the parkway strip (the area between curb and sidewalk) requires a City permit, and the Director of Community and Cultural Services has exclusive authority to supervise all work on public trees.
§ 7.40.010(c). Parkways. That portion of a public street right-of-way lying between the curb and sidewalk.
§ 7.40.090. Responsibility of Director. It shall be the duty of the Director to supervise the planting, trimming, pruning, maintenance, removal, and care for all trees, shrubs, or plants located in any street, sidewalk, parkway, alley or other public property within the City.
§ 7.40.110(a). No person shall remove, cut, trim, prune, plant, injure, or interfere with any tree, shrub, or plant upon any street, sidewalk, parkway, alley or other public property without having first obtained a City permit authorizing such work. The permit may be granted on the condition that the owner or authorized representative bears the cost of the permitted work and on the condition that the owner or authorized representative bear the cost of replanting any tree, shrub, or plant.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica defines 'parkways' as the portion of a public street right-of-way lying between the curb and sidewalk. The City has exclusive supervisory authority over all planting, trimming, pruning, maintenance, removal, and care for trees in parkways. No person may plant or alter anything in the parkway without a permit. In addition, no one may attach wires, ropes, swings, or objects to public trees, place impermeable materials around their roots, or allow vines that interfere with public trees, without Director approval.
Violations & Fines
Planting or altering parkway trees without a permit is punishable as an infraction (up to $250 fine) or misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail). Courts may order restitution for restoration costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree or flowers in the parkway in front of my house?
Is it legal to water or fertilize the parkway tree in front of my home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica 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.