Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Los Angeles, CA?

California · Last checked November 2026

Key facts

Protected

Native oaks, Southern California black walnut, western sycamore, California bay and a few native shrubs.

Permit from

StreetsLA Urban Forestry Division (Board of Public Works).

Replacement

Usually at least four 15-gallon or larger trees of a protected species per tree removed.

Other trees

Most other trees on private property need no permit.

How it works

Many cities require a permit to remove trees on private property once the trunk passes a set size, or for protected native species. The permit is often free or cheap, but replacement trees or per-inch fees can cost far more than the removal.

1. Measure the trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground. Some cities use diameter, others circumference.
2. Check whether the species or size is protected, and whether the tree is near the street.
3. Apply before any cutting. Dead or hazardous trees often still need sign-off.
4. Plan for replacement planting or in-lieu fees.

What it costs

Removal itself commonly runs several hundred to a few thousand dollars. City fees range from free to hundreds of dollars, and per-inch recompense or tree fund payments can add much more.

Other Los Angeles home rules

• What Los Angeles requires before you sell a house
• Sidewalk repair in Los Angeles

More in California and nearby

• Danville Permit needed above a size
• Morgan Hill Permit needed above a size
• San Bruno Permit needed above a size
• San Francisco Permit needed above a size
• San Jose Permit needed above a size
• Seattle Permit needed above a size
• Brian Head Permit needed above a size