El Monte requires a tree removal permit from the Economic Development Department (City Arborist) before removing, relocating, severely pruning, or destroying any Protected Tree, including public trees, Heritage Trees, and Native Trees.
Under El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 14.03 (Tree Protection and Preservation), it is unlawful to carve, remove, severely prune, relocate, poison, or cause serious harm to a Protected Tree without a permit (EMMC §14.03.030). Applications are filed with the Economic Development Department care of the City Arborist and must include: a written statement of reasons; species, circumference (measured at 4.5 feet above grade) and height of each tree; a plot plan; photographs; proposed removal/relocation method; an arborist's health determination if the tree is claimed dead/diseased; and a tree replacement plan (EMMC §14.03.070). The City Arborist inspects the site and may grant the permit only if findings such as hazard, threat to public health/safety, irreversible decline, infrastructure damage exceeding the tree's appraised value, or interference with utilities are made (EMMC §14.03.080(A)). Approved permits are valid for 90 days; extensions must be requested 14 days before expiration. Denials may be appealed to the Economic Development Director within 10 calendar days (EMMC §14.03.080(D)-(E), §14.03.140). Routine pruning that complies with ANSI A300 Pruning Standards does not require a permit (EMMC §14.03.060(B)).
Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both (EMMC §14.03.120(A)). In addition, a civil penalty equal to the appraised value of each Protected Tree — capped at $5,000 per tree — may be imposed and collected by the City Attorney (EMMC §14.03.120(B)). After-the-fact permits (work commenced before permit issuance) carry a doubled standard permit fee (EMMC §14.03.080(B)). The city may also issue a stop-work order on any related construction until a mitigation plan is approved by the Economic Development Director (EMMC §14.03.120(C)).
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