Tree removal in Arcadia: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Arcadia Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Arcadia's code says

Arcadia code What Arcadia's code adds
Exemptions	No arborist report if the Director finds the tree dead or hazardous; a tree permit is still required. Applies: Applies to dead or hazardous protected trees. § 9110.01.070 · code text If the Director or designee determines that the tree is dead or hazardous, a tree report is not required and removal may be authorized. Not regulated: non-oak, non-sycamore trees outside required yard setbacks, and listed species anywhere, such as fruit trees, palms and eucalyptus. § 9110.01.040 · code text Unprotected trees are not subject to the regulations stated in this chapter.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree permit is required. Applies: Applies to all protected trees. § 9110.01.070 · code text A tree permit is required for all protected trees, as defined by this Chapter. Yes; a Certified Arborist report, mailed notice to owners within 300 feet, and a Director decision within 30 days. Applies: Applies to removing a healthy protected tree; the 30 days start from a complete application. § 9110.01.070 · code text Upon the receipt of a complete application to remove a healthy protected tree, the Director or designee shall have thirty (30) days to take action on the application
Protected trees	Engelmann or Coast Live Oak over 4 inches in trunk diameter, or 2+ trunks of 3+ inches each. Applies: Trunk diameter measured 4½ feet above the root crown. § 9110.01.030 · code text Engelmann Oak (Quercus Engelmannii) or Coast Live Oak (Quercus Agrifolia) with a trunk diameter larger than four (4) inches measured at a point four and one-half (4½) feet above the root crown Any other living oak over 12 inches in trunk diameter, or 2+ trunks of 10+ inches each. Applies: Trunk diameter measured 4½ feet above the root crown. § 9110.01.030 · code text Any other living California native or non-California native Oak tree with a trunk diameter larger than twelve (12) inches measured at a point four and one-half (4½) feet above the root crown California (western) Sycamore over 6 inches in trunk diameter, or 2+ trunks of 4+ inches each. Applies: Trunk diameter measured 4½ feet above the root crown. § 9110.01.030 · code text California, or western, Sycamore (Platanus Racemose) with a trunk diameter larger than six (6) inches measured at a point four and one-half (4½) feet above the root crown Trees not on the Unprotected Trees list, over 12 inches in trunk diameter or 2+ trunks of 10+ inches each. Applies: Only mature trees in a required front, side, street-side or rear yard setback. Diameter measured 4½ feet above the root crown. § 9110.01.030 · code text Any tree, with the exception of the trees listed as Unprotected Trees, that have a trunk diameter larger than twelve (12) inches measured at a point four and one-half (4½) feet above the root crown, or two (2) or more trunks measuring ten (10) inches each or greater in diameter, measured at a point of four and one-half (4½) feet above the root crown and the tree is located within a required front, side, street-side, or rear yard setback.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Arcadia?

Arcadia's code: Yes, a tree permit is required. (Applies to all protected trees.) (§ 9110.01.070); Engelmann or Coast Live Oak over 4 inches in trunk diameter, or 2+ trunks of 3+ inches each. (Trunk diameter measured 4½ feet above the root crown.) (§ 9110.01.030).

Tree removal in Arcadia

What Arcadia's code says

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