Whittier, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Whittier's tree-protection permitting lives in Municipal Code Chapter 12.40 (Trees and Shrubs), enacted by Ordinance 3045 (2016) and amended by Ordinance 3112 (2020). Section 12.40.040 prohibits any person from cutting, trimming, pruning, planting, removing, injuring, or interfering with any tree, shrub, or plant in any street, park, alley, or public place without a permit from the director (the head of Parks, Recreation and Community Services or a certified-arborist/manager designee per Section 12.40.020). The director may grant the permit at his or her discretion, and no permit is valid longer than 30 days after issuance. Section 12.40.050 ties the permit process to the City's Parkway Tree Manual: utility companies and abutting property owners who want a parkway tree cut, trimmed, pruned, or removed file a written request, and the director may require them to meet the manual's guidelines and conditions before any permit issues. The Parkway Tree Manual's tree policies are reviewed and revised at least every fifth year by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission, with a public hearing advertised ten days in advance for changes. Section 12.40.080 requires tree protection during construction, Section 12.40.070 prohibits injuring trees with deleterious substances, and Section 12.40.130 calculates penalties for non-compliance with permit specifications under the manual; appeals run through the manual (Section 12.40.140). The City emphasizes a preserve-and-protect policy and historically replaces removed trees on a two-for-one basis. Note: In 2025 the City temporarily suspended portions of the Parkway Tree Manual (Ordinance 3176) to respond to hazards faster, so applicants should confirm current procedure with the City.