The City of Los Angeles protects native trees and shrubs under LAMC Section 46.00 (Protected Tree and Shrub Regulations) and Article 6 of the LAMC. Protected species include native oaks, Southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, and California Bay trees measuring 4 inches or more in cumulative diameter at 4.5 feet above ground. Removal requires a permit from the Board of Public Works with replacement planting at a 4:1 ratio.
Los Angeles's Protected Tree and Shrub Ordinance (LAMC Section 46.00 and Article 6) provides comprehensive protection for specified native tree species. Protected trees include: (a) Oak trees including Valley Oak and California Live Oak (excluding Scrub Oak), (b) Southern California Black Walnut, (c) Western Sycamore, and (d) California Bay trees. Trees measuring 4 inches or more in cumulative diameter at 4.5 feet above the base qualify for protection. No person may relocate or remove a protected tree without obtaining a permit from the Board of Public Works. Applications must be accompanied by a report from a certified Tree Expert. The Board of Public Works has increased the minimum replacement ratio to 4:1 for protected tree removal. When on-site replacement is not feasible, applicants may pay into the city's tree mitigation fund. Heritage trees, those of exceptional size, age, or historical significance, receive enhanced protection and removal is strongly discouraged. Street trees within the public right-of-way are managed by the Bureau of Street Services Urban Forestry Division and require separate authorization for removal or significant pruning. The ordinance applies to both development projects and individual property owners.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees can result in penalties including fines, criminal prosecution, required replacement planting at enhanced ratios, and project delays for development. Each tree removed without a permit may constitute a separate violation.
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