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Home Tree Removals Tree Removal Laws & Permits by State Tree Removal Laws & Permit Long Beach CA

Long Beach Tree Removal Permit and Ordinance

Last updated: 28 March 2024

In Long Beach, there is a tree ordinance in place which outlines how all trees within the city should be managed.

As a result of this ordinance, you will have to obtain a permit for some of the trees before removal or trimming.

Here you will find a summary of the tree ordinance codes for Long Beach city. Find out which trees require a permit, public tree regulations, and protected trees among other details.

Note: Through Long Beach city full tree ordinance guide, you find more information on tree handling.

What we cover

Do I need a permit to remove trees in the city of Long Beach?

When the trees in question are protected, yes you need a permit.

Protected trees include public or street trees and heritage trees.

Once you obtain a permit to plant street trees, you have to make sure that you follow the city planting instructions and check the city-approved street list.

Can I maintain public trees in the city of Long Beach?

The city Department of Public Works does not allow citizens to maintain trees on public streets or any other public area unless it is fertilized and watered.

One can only do maintenance if it is under emergency cases and has received approval from the public works director.

This also applies when it comes to planting or removing such trees. You are not allowed to remove trees on public streets unless you have a permit.

Public trees trunk space

To allow good growth and health of public street trees, no person is allowed to place any materials such as cement or stones in a street tree such that it blocks the free flow of air and water to the tree’s trunk. There should be a clearance space of at least 18 inches all around.

Public Works Department Responsibilities in Long Beach

The Department of Public Works in the city of Long Beach is in charge of several activities that relate to trees.

The department must maintain and take care of trees planted along the city streets.

This includes trees that are along lanes, city property, walks, and public right of way.

An exception is trees along alleys. However, they can be removed in case they are determined to be hazards or nuisances.

The Department of Public Works is also in charge of trimming and pruning trees along the city streets. This will be done to a level of not less than 12 feet over the sidewalks and 16 feet over the streets.

Long Beach Abatement of Nuisance

According to the Long Beach tree ordinance, some trees even on private property may end up becoming a nuisance to the public.

Any tree, plant, or shrub even on private property determined by the director of public works to be a nuisance by either being diseased or infested by insects, will be subject to abatement. As a result, the director sends a notice to the owner to have the tree removed within 7 days.

If the nuisance is not abated within the given period of 7 days, the director will authorize the city employees to do the work.

Is it illegal to remove trees without a permit in Long Beach?

If you are removing protected trees in the city of Long Beach without getting a permit from the Department of Public Works it is illegal. Heavy fines or jail terms are among the penalties for the guilty.

Author: Ben McInerney - Ben is a qualified arborist with 15 plus years of industry experience in Arboriculture. He ran a successful tree service before turning to writing and publishing. Ben is dedicated to providing users with the most accurate up-to-date information on everything trees.

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