Los Angeles County, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated SEA-mapped land only
- Permit trigger
- Removal, encroachment, or heavy pruning
- Above threshold
- SEA Conditional Use Permit plus hearing
- Replacement ratio
- 2:1 same native species, 7-year monitoring
- Enforcing agency
- Regional Planning with County Biologist/Forester
Summary
In unincorporated Los Angeles County land inside a mapped Significant Ecological Area, removing, pruning past 25% of foliage, or encroaching on a tree from the County's SEA Protected Tree List requires a Protected Tree Permit; taking more than two or any Heritage Tree needs a full SEA Conditional Use Permit.
A Protected Tree Permit shall be required for development that complies with Section 22.102.090 (SEA Development Standards)...and which includes any of the following impacts:...3.Removal of up to two SEA Protected Trees that are not designated as Heritage Trees; or...B.A SEA CUP shall be required per Section 22.102.080 (SEA Conditional Use Permit) for the following impacts:1.Removal of more than two SEA Protected Trees; or2.Removal of any SEA Protected Tree designated as a Heritage Tree.
Full Breakdown
LA County Code Chapter 22.102 regulates development inside mapped Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) within the unincorporated county. A Protected Tree Permit, reviewed by Regional Planning, covers pruning over two inches or 25% of foliage, protected-zone encroachment up to 30%, or removing up to two non-Heritage SEA Protected Trees. Removing more than two, or any tree designated a Heritage Tree, requires a full SEA Conditional Use Permit with a public hearing. Removed trees must be replaced with the same native species at a 2:1 ratio, monitored seven years, or funded through the County's Protected Tree Fund. The chapter binds only unincorporated SEA land, not the City of Los Angeles or other cities.
Violations & Fines
Each protected tree cut, damaged, removed, or relocated without a permit is a separate violation under § 22.102.070.H, enforceable as a misdemeanor or civil penalty by Regional Planning and County Counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
What happens if I remove a SEA Protected Tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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