Tree removal in La Cañada Flintridge: the local rules

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

What La Cañada Flintridge's code says

La Cañada Flintridge code What La Cañada Flintridge's code adds
Exemptions	Removing an unprotected tree does not need a tree removal permit. § 11.40.060 · code text Removal of an unprotected tree. Removing a dead tree, as the director determines, does not need a tree removal permit. § 11.40.060 · code text Removal of a dead tree, as determined by the director. Removal required by the city, fire department or a public utility does not need a tree removal permit. § 11.40.060 · code text Removal of a protected tree which is required by the city, the fire department, or a public utility. Emergency removal of a protected tree does not need a tree removal permit, but notice and documents are required. Applies: Notify the director before removal if practicable, or within a reasonable time after, with documents showing the emergency. § 11.40.060 · code text Removal of a protected tree due to an emergency, subject to the following requirements:
Permit to remove	Yes. A tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to removing any protected tree. § 11.40.060 · code text A tree removal permit shall be required for the removal of any protected tree in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Replacement trees	Replacement trees may be required on the property, in number and size per the city's Tree Replacement Chart. Applies: Permit granted for structure interference, hardship, disease or damage, or fire department order; only where removal affects neighborhood character and can be mitigated on site. § 11.40.060 · code text the property owner or applicant may be required to plant replacement trees on the subject property if removal of the protected tree(s) impacts the character of the neighborhood from public view or adjacent properties and where removal can be mitigated on-site. The director may allow a payment into the city's tree replacement fund instead of planting. Applies: Applies when replacement trees cannot fit on the property because of its size, shape, topography or existing development. § 11.40.060 · code text the director may authorize the property owner or applicant to pay money into the city's tree replacement fund in lieu of the required planting of replacement trees. Plant replacement trees on the property, or pay a set amount into the city's tree replacement fund. Applies: Permit granted for other reasonable cause, where removal does not affect neighborhood character or can be reasonably mitigated. § 11.40.060 · code text the property owner or applicant shall be required to plant replacement trees on the subject property, as set forth in subsection (F)(1), or pay a designated amount into the city's tree replacement fund

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in La Cañada Flintridge?

La Cañada Flintridge's code: Yes. A tree removal permit is required. (Applies to removing any protected tree.) (§ 11.40.060); Replacement trees may be required on the property, in number and size per the city's Tree Replacement Chart. (Permit granted for structure interference, hardship, disease or damage, or fire department order; only where removal affects neighborhood character and can be mitigated on site.) (§ 11.40.060).

Tree removal in La Cañada Flintridge

What La Cañada Flintridge's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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