Tree Preservation

Tree preservation, policy, and resources

One of the City of San Gabriel's priorities is the preservation and ongoing maintenance of our mature trees. To help oversee this priority, the City Council adopted the Tree Protection and Preservation Regulations for single-family, multi-family, commercial and industrial zones. This code identifies which trees are subject to the ordinance and when a permit for removal or trimming is required. While regulations play an important role in preserving mature trees for the future, many trees are lost due to improper maintenance.

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Which Trees Does the Ordinance Cover?

The City of San Gabriel's tree protection ordinance was adopted to provide regulations for the protection of mature trees within the City. Mature trees in a single-family zone that are subject to the ordinance include:

A mature tree is any class 1 tree in the front yard which exceeds 19" circumference, or if located in a side yard and rear yard, one which exceeds 30" circumference measured 4' above natural grade.
Landmark or historically significant trees or stand of trees meet one of the following criteria:
- Have taken on an aura or historical value by virtue of age or location.
- A tree which has a trunk with a 40" circumference if located on the front yard or 60" circumference if located in the rear and side yard.

Class 1 Trees

(1) Alder (Alnus);

(2) Ash (Fraxinus;

(3) Beech (Fagus);

(4) Birch (Betula);

(5) Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora);

(6) Carrot Wood (Cupaniopsis anacardiopsis);

(7) Cedars (Cedrus atlantica, and deodara);

(8) Chinese Flame tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata);

(9) Coral tree (Erythina);

(10) Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica);

(11) Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilor);

(12) Fig tree (Fiscus rubiginosa);

(13) Floss Silk tree (Chorisia);

(14) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba);

(15) Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia);

(16) Liquidamber (see “Sweetgum”);

(17) Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora);

(18) Oaks, all (Quercus);

(19) Olive (Olea europaea);

(20) Pepper, “California” (Schinus molle);

(21) Pine, “Canary Island” (Pinus canariensis);

(22) Pine, “Italian Stone” (Pinus pinea);

(23) Redwood, “Coast” (Sequoia empervirens);

(24) Sequoia (Sequoia giganteum);

(25) Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo);

(26) Sweetgum (Liquidamber stryaciflua);

(27) Sycamore (Platanus racemosa); and

(28) Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

When Do I Need A Permit?

A Tree Removal/Trimming Permit is needed when any of the mature trees (Class 1) in a single-family zone meet the above conditions are:

To be completely removed by any means.
When more than one-third (33%) of the live foliage of any mature Class I tree located anywhere on private property is trimmed.
No person shall reduce the height of any protected mature tree by more than one-fourth (25%) over two years without first obtaining a permit from the city.
For exemptions, please see City Code 95.23.
For regulations that govern the commercial and industrial zones, please see City Code Section 95.35.

Submit your Application, How To Apply and Obtain A Permit?

A Tree Removal/Trimming Permit application is filed with the Community Development Director. The following information shall be submitted:

Complete the Tree Removal/Trimming Application and submit the form via the online application. Click the link below to access the online application and to submit your application.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

The form must include photos of the tree and the reasons for removal.
Based on the request and situation, a report by a certified arborist may be required.

Review Process and Determination

The Community Development Director shall grant a permit only if the Director makes one or more of the following findings:

The tree constitutes a nuisance or hazard by virtue of its condition, location, species, proximity to existing structures, walkways or utilities.
The pruning or trimming of the tree is deemed necessary by a professional arborist to maintain or enhance the health or appearance of the tree.
The tree has not been reduced in height more than one-fourth (25%) over a two-year period.
The pruning, trimming or removal of the tree is necessary to prevent a substantial inconvenience or financial hardship to the property owner.

Supporting Documents & Links