Skip to content

San Fernando · Building on your lot

Tree removal in San Fernando

San Fernando's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

Ask about tree removal in San Fernando See coverage

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

What San Fernando's code says

San Fernando code What San Fernando's code adds
Exemptions
  • No zoning clearance, administrative permit or discretionary permit is needed.
    Applies: A heritage or protected tree found to threaten public welfare by fire, police or public works, or removal ordered by an agency or insurer.
    § 106-350 · code text
    A heritage or protected tree that is a threat to the public welfare as determined by the Los Angeles Fire Department, San Fernando Police Department, or San Fernando Public Works Director or removal as directed by a county, state, or federal agency, or an insurance provider shall be exempt from obtaining a zoning clearance, administrative permit, or discretionary permit approval for its removal.
  • Immature trees can be moved or removed without a permit.
    § 106-350 · code text
    Immature trees may be relocated or removed without a permit.
Permit to remove
  • Yes; the director approves removal based on a certified arborist report, such as for a dead, diseased or hazardous tree.
    Applies: Heritage, native or protected trees on private property; other reasons include utility or hardscape damage or hardship.
    § 106-350 · code text
    The director is authorized to approve the removal of a heritage tree, native tree, or protected tree based on the findings of a report prepared an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist confirming one or more of the following factors:
Replacement trees
  • Replacement trees at a 1:2 ratio.
    Applies: When keeping a heritage, native or protected tree is not feasible; canopy trees on site; owner covenants to replace any that die within 3 years.
    § 106-350 · code text
    Where it has been determined that preservation of a heritage tree, native tree, or protected tree is infeasible, replacement tree(s) shall be provided at a 1:2 ratio as follows:
  • Replace it with 2 trees of 15-gallon size.
    Applies: Any tree that dies because of construction; replacements need a mature canopy of at least 20 feet and low water use.
    § 106-350 · code text
    Any tree that dies as a result of construction must be replaced with two 15-gallon size trees with a mature tree canopy of at least 20 feet and low water requirement.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Fernando?

San Fernando's code: Yes; the director approves removal based on a certified arborist report, such as for a dead, diseased or hazardous tree. (Heritage, native or protected trees on private property; other reasons include utility or hardscape damage or hardship.) (§ 106-350); Replacement trees at a 1:2 ratio. (When keeping a heritage, native or protected tree is not feasible; canopy trees on site; owner covenants to replace any that die within 3 years.) (§ 106-350).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific San Fernando property

Ask GoCodebook how San Fernando's tree removal rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in San Fernando

All building on your lot rules in San Fernando

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in San Fernando

Running a business from home in San Fernando

Lot splits under SB 9 in San Fernando

RV and boat parking in San Fernando

Pets, chickens and bees in San Fernando

Noise and construction hours in San Fernando

Home alarm permits and false alarms in San Fernando

Signs on homes in San Fernando

Historic homes in San Fernando

San Fernando Municipal Code — full text