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.
Los Angeles County, CA
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping is encouraged in unincorporated LA County per MWELO and state water conservation mandates. CA Gov Code 65595 prohibit...
Los Angeles County, CA
LA County's Oak Tree Permit Ordinance (Chapter 22.174) protects oak trees in unincorporated areas. Heritage oak trees are recognized for their commemorative,...
Los Angeles County, CA
Removing any oak tree 8+ inches in diameter (25+ inches circumference) in unincorporated LA County requires an Oak Tree Permit under Chapter 22.174. The ordi...
See how Los Angeles County's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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