City of South Pasadena: Tree Regulations

The South Pasadena City Council amended the Municipal Code to further regulate removal of trees of 12 inches in diameter or larger on any property within the City.

In addition, regulations have been added to protect mature heritage, native species and oak trees (4 inches in diameter or larger) on any property within the City.

Existing tree trimming regulations remain in effect for mature heritage, native species or oak trees.

A permit must be obtained from the City's Public Works Department before any pruning is performed on protected trees.

In summary:

Tree Trimming or Removal

Oak trees, all varieties

Heritage trees (as established by the South Pasadena Planning & Building Department)

Native species including: Coast Redwood, Giant Redwood, Dawn Redwood, California Walnut, Sycamore, Christmas Berry, Blue Elderberry and Mexican Elderberry

Tree Removal

All significant trees (a tree of any variety that is 12 inches or larger in diameter.)

Do I need a permit to remove the tree in my front yard?

Yes, a permit is required for the removal of any significant tree or mature California species or oak tree on any property in the City of South Pasadena. A significant tree is 12-inches or larger in diameter. A mature tree is 4-inches or larger in diameter. Diameter is measured 4-feet from the base of the trunk. There must be substantial reason for requesting removal. Trees will typically not be permitted for removal because of limb or root problems. The fee for a Private Property Tree Removal / Replacement Permit is $110.00, plus $140.00 for inspection. A 100-foot radius map and mailing labels must be submitted with the application. Residents within a 100-foot radius of the tree removal site shall be given fifteen (15) calendar days public notice and opportunity to comment before a tree may be permitted for removal. As a condition of the permit, replacement trees must be planted within 90 days of issuance date on the permit. Replacement trees may be planted anywhere on private property, in the City's parkway, or in a local park upon approval of location and species selection by the City's Park Supervisor. The minimum size for replacement trees is 24-inch box size. If you have any questions regarding tree permits please contact the Public Works Department at (626) 403-7240. View City Municipal Code Chapter 34 for complete details on tree regulations.

Regulations establish criteria to consider when issuing a permit for tree removal. The tree must be causing an unreasonable hardship that cannot be mitigated any other way than removal. The tree must be diseased, damaged, dead, or a threat to property or other trees. When the City approves tree removal, regulations require that substitute trees be planted based on the type, variety and size of the tree(s) removed.

A notification process is required to inform property owners within a 100-foot radius of the property prior to issuance of a removal permit. A penalty has been adopted to enforce the South Pasadena Municipal Code.

The South Pasadena Public Works Department is responsible for issuing tree pruning and removal permits.

The Public Works Department is located at City Hall, 1414 Mission Street, Room 201. Please call the South Pasadena Public Works Department (626) 403-7240 if you have any questions.