LAMC §17.05 (Native Tree Protection Ordinance) protects native oaks, sycamores, walnuts, and California junipers measuring four inches DBH or larger. Removal requires a Bureau of Street Services permit and a four-to-one replacement ratio, even on private property.
LAMC §17.05 covers Quercus species (oaks except scrub), western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), California black walnut (Juglans californica), and California juniper (Juniperus californica). Any tree four inches in diameter at breast height or any heritage specimen requires a permit before removal, relocation, or significant pruning (more than one-quarter of canopy). Applicants submit an arborist report, site plan, and replacement plan. Replacement ratio is typically 4:1 with 24-inch box minimum, planted on-site or via in-lieu fee. The ordinance applies citywide, including hillside, private residential, and development sites.
Unpermitted removal or excessive pruning of protected natives can result in misdemeanor citations, fines up to $10,000 per tree, replacement at 10:1 ratio, and stop-work orders on connected projects.
Los Angeles, CA
LAMC Article 6 (Sections 46.00-46.06) requires a permit from the Board of Public Works for removal or relocation of any protected tree or shrub. Protected sp...
Los Angeles, CA
LAMC Article 6 (Sections 46.00-46.06) established by Ordinance 177404 requires a permit from the Board of Public Works for removal or relocation of any prote...
Los Angeles, CA
Protected species under LAMC 46.00 include California Live Oak, Southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, and California Bay. The broad definition ...
See how Los Angeles's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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