Los Angeles permit
Tree removal permit in Los Angeles
Some LA trees are protected (Oak, Sycamore, Walnut, Bay). HPOZ neighborhoods regulate more. Street trees belong to the city. Check yours.
Permit needed?
Depends on the tree
Protected species + HPOZ + street trees = yes. Non-protected on private property = often no.
Typical cost
$50-2,500
Permit fee + arborist report ($300-1,500) + replacement plan if Protected. Removal cost extra ($500-3,000+ depending on size).
Permit speed
1-12 weeks
Non-protected: same-day. Protected species: 4-12 weeks for arborist report + Urban Forestry review.
Replacement requirement
Often 2:1 or 4:1
Protected Tree removal usually requires planting 2-4 replacement trees on site or paying in-lieu fee.
Is your tree protected?
LA City protects four native species on all private property under LAMC 17.04 + the Native Tree Ordinance (LAMC 46.00):
- Oak — any species in genus Quercus, including Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak, Engelmann Oak.
- Sycamore — California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) only. Imported London Plane is NOT protected.
- California Black Walnut — Juglans californica.
- California Bay Laurel — Umbellularia californica.
Trunk diameter threshold: trees ≥4 inches diameter at 4.5 ft above grade are regulated. Trees with multiple trunks: combined diameter ≥8 inches. If unsure, get an ISA-certified arborist to identify BEFORE planning removal.
5 LA tree removal gotchas
LA's Protected Tree species (LAMC 17.04 + 46.00)
These four native species are protected on ALL private property in LA City: Oak (Quercus), Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), California Black Walnut (Juglans californica), and California Bay (Umbellularia californica). Removal requires a permit even if the tree is dying or in your way. Penalties for unpermitted removal: up to $5,000/tree + replacement requirement + criminal misdemeanor in some cases. If you're not sure of species, hire an ISA-certified arborist to identify before doing anything.
Street trees are city property
The trees in the parkway strip between your sidewalk and curb are owned by the City of LA, not you. Removal needs a permit from StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services Urban Forestry Division), NOT LADBS. Even routine trimming over 25% of the canopy needs a permit. Damage during construction triggers replacement + fines. Find out which trees are street trees before any project that touches the front yard.
HPOZ neighborhoods regulate non-protected trees too
If you're in an HPOZ (Highland Park, Angelino Heights, Spaulding Square, etc.), the HPOZ Board reviews ALL tree removals — not just Protected species. Mature trees that contribute to the historic character are usually denied removal even if they're a non-protected species. Plan for 4-8 weeks of HPOZ review on top of any required arborist report.
Replacement requirements vary
Protected Tree removals typically require 2:1 replacement (two new trees for one removed) of the same species. If site conditions don't allow on-site replacement, you can pay an in-lieu fee to the LA Tree Trust ($1,500-3,500 per tree typical). Replacement trees usually need to be 24-inch box minimum. Your arborist report should propose the replacement plan.
VHFHSZ defensible space conflict
Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space (CA Public Resources Code §4291) — clearing brush + reducing tree canopy near structures. This sometimes conflicts with Protected Tree rules. The fire-safety requirement usually wins, but you still need the permit + replacement plan. Coordinate with LAFD before any tree removal in VHFHSZ.
Need an ISA-certified arborist?
Required for Protected Tree species reports and HPOZ applications. We're building a vetted directory.
Find an LA arborist →Apply with LA Urban Forestry
StreetsLA Urban Forestry handles street trees + Protected Tree permits. The application portal + forms live on the LA Sanitation and Environment site.
StreetsLA Urban Forestry →Check your address first
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- Site plan
- Tree replacement plan