Tree removal in Rosemead: the local rules

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

What Rosemead's code says

Rosemead code What Rosemead's code adds
Exemptions	No permit to remove trees up to 37.5 inches around (12 inches across) at 4.5 feet above the root crown. § 17.104.090 · code text For the removal of trees that do not exceed thirty-seven and one-half (37.5) inches in circumference; (twelve (12) inches in diameter) as measured four and one-half feet above the root crown. Part or all of a hazardous protected tree may be removed in an emergency. Applies: Emergencies such as storms, floods, earthquakes, fires, other natural disasters or potential safety hazards. § 17.104.090 · code text In cases of emergency, including, but not limited to, thunderstorms, windstorms, floods, earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters or potential safety hazards. Pruning limbs or deadwood is allowed. Applies: Only if live limbs are no more than 28 inches around (9 inches across) at the cut, using proper arboricultural practice. § 17.104.090 · code text Pruning of limbs or deadwood provided such live limbs do not exceed twenty-eight (28) inches (nine inches in diameter) at the location of the cut. Up to 3 scrub oaks may be removed. Applies: Only with written permission from the Director. § 17.104.090 · code text When the property owner has received written permission from the Director for the removal of a maximum of three scrub oaks (Quercus dumosa).
Replacement trees	Plant 2 new oak trees for every oak tree removed. Applies: When imposed as a condition of a tree permit. § 17.104.070 · code text The replacement of the oak tree proposed for removal with oak trees of a suitable type, size, number, location and date of planting based upon a ratio of two new trees for every one removed; Replacement trees may be planted on public property. Applies: Only when conditions prevent planting them on the project site. § 17.104.070 · code text In cases where conditions preclude the project site from planting the replacement trees, the Director may consider planting replacement trees on public property such as designated open space areas, public parks, etc.;

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Frequently asked questions

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

Rosemead's code: Plant 2 new oak trees for every oak tree removed. (When imposed as a condition of a tree permit.) (§ 17.104.070); Replacement trees may be planted on public property. (Only when conditions prevent planting them on the project site.) (§ 17.104.070).

Tree removal in Rosemead

What Rosemead's code says

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