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

Monrovia's code: Yes, an oak tree preservation permit is required to cut down, extract, kill or otherwise remove an oak. (Oaks 10 inches or more in diameter at 2 feet above ground; on single-family lots, only front or street-side yards.) (§ 17.20.040); Any native live oak or other oak 10 inches or more in diameter, measured 2 feet above ground. (Oak trees covered by the oak rules.) (§ 17.20.040).

Tree removal in Monrovia: the local rules

Monrovia code What Monrovia's code adds
Exemptions	Removal may be ordered by a police, fire or Parks and Tree Division staff member. Applies: Emergency, when a tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property. § 17.20.040 · code text In case of emergency when a tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property, it may be removed by order of any member of the Police Department, Fire Department, or Community Services Department (Parks and Tree Division);
Penalty	An infraction. Applies: Violation by a single-family homeowner. § 17.20.040 · code text Violations of this section by a single-family homeowner shall be punishable as an infraction. A misdemeanor. Applies: Violations on lots with other than single-family homes. § 17.20.040 · code text Persons with violations on lots developed with other than single-family homes shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
Permit to remove	Yes, an oak tree preservation permit is required to cut down, extract, kill or otherwise remove an oak. Applies: Oaks 10 inches or more in diameter at 2 feet above ground; on single-family lots, only front or street-side yards. § 17.20.040 · code text If an oak tree is to be cut to the ground, completely extracted, or to be killed or removed, by any other means; Yes, an oak tree preservation permit is required. Applies: Pruning that removes more than 1/3 of the crown, foliage or root system. § 17.20.040 · code text If an oak tree is to be pruned so that more than one-third of the crown, existing foliage, or root system of the tree is removed;
Protected trees	Any native live oak or other oak 10 inches or more in diameter, measured 2 feet above ground. Applies: Oak trees covered by the oak rules. § 17.20.040 · code text Any oak tree ten inches in diameter or more measured at two feet above the level ground is subject to this section. Oak trees in the front yard or street-facing side yard. Applies: Single-family zoned properties. § 17.20.040 · code text Single-family zoned properties with oak trees in the front yard or street-facing side yard. All oak trees. Applies: Multiple-family, commercial or industrial zones (RM, RM/PUD, RH, RM/RH, NC, HCD, CD/O, C/RS, O/RD/LM, BE, M, P/QP, PD). § 17.20.040 · code text In the multiple-family, commercial or industrial zones (RM, RM/PUD, RH, RM/RH, NC, HCD, CD/O, C/RS, O/RD/LM, BE, M, P/QP and PD) all oak trees. Oak trees in the front yard or street-facing side yard. Applies: Single-family homes in multiple-family, commercial or industrial zones with no new development proposed. § 17.20.040 · code text Exception: Single-family developed properties where no additional development is proposed shall be subject to division (A)(2)(a) above. All oak trees. Applies: Vacant lots. § 17.20.040 · code text All oak trees on vacant lots. All oak trees shown on an oak tree preservation plan. § 17.20.040 · code text All oak trees indicated on an oak tree preservation plan.
Replacement trees	Replacement with a tree of similar size, type and condition may be required. Applies: Violation of the oak tree rules. § 17.20.040 · code text Violators may also be required to replace the tree(s) with a tree of comparable size, type, and condition as determined by the Development Review Committee.

Tree removal in Monrovia

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