LA County Code Title 22.174 (formerly 22.56.2050) protects native oaks with eight inches or larger trunk diameter at breast height. An Oak Tree Permit from Regional Planning is required before pruning more than 25 percent or removing any protected oak.
Title 22.174 of the LA County Code, the Oak Tree Ordinance, applies to all native oak species (Quercus agrifolia, Q. lobata, Q. engelmannii, Q. chrysolepis, and others) measuring at least 8 inches DBH (or 8 inches cumulative for multi-trunk trees) on private and public property in unincorporated areas. An Oak Tree Permit from the Department of Regional Planning is required to remove a protected oak, encroach within the protected zone (5 feet beyond drip line), or prune more than 25 percent of the canopy. Some community standards districts and Title 22.78 heritage-tree overlays add stronger protection for sycamores, walnuts, and bays in Santa Monica Mountains and Antelope Valley.
Unpermitted removal or damage triggers fines up to $5,000 per oak plus mandatory replacement at 2:1 to 10:1 ratio with 5-year monitoring. Construction encroachment without a permit halts grading and building inspections until corrective mitigation is approved.
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See how Downey's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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