Long Beach Tree Planting Permits - City Rules

Parks and Public Spaces California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Overview

Long Beach, California encourages community volunteer tree planting in city parks but requires coordination with municipal departments to protect public trees and rights-of-way. This guide explains typical steps to volunteer, which city offices enforce tree and park rules, what permits or approvals may be needed, and how to apply, appeal, or report problems. Follow local procedures so plantings comply with city regulations and avoid removal or penalties.

Volunteer Steps and Permit Process

Volunteer groups should contact the City of Long Beach Urban Forestry program to request site approval, determine approved species and planting locations, and schedule planting days. Many volunteer efforts require a permit or written authorization from the city before planting on parkland or in public rights-of-way. See the Urban Forestry volunteer page for program details and sign-up procedures.[1]

  • Request site review from Urban Forestry to confirm allowable species and planting layout.
  • Schedule the planting date with the parks office to ensure staff support and tools.
  • Confirm any fees or deposits required by the department (see Applications & Forms).
  • Provide volunteer contact information and proof of insurance if requested.
Contact Urban Forestry early; site reviews can take several weeks.

If planting in a park or in the public right-of-way adjacent to private property, a street-tree or park-tree permit may be required from the city's planning or public works office; check permit rules and submittal steps on the city's tree/land-use pages.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Long Beach enforces tree and park protections through municipal departments responsible for Urban Forestry, Parks, and Development Services. Specific monetary fines, penalties, and escalation steps are addressed in official city rules and permit conditions; where a cited official page does not list amounts, those amounts are noted as not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcer: City of Long Beach Urban Forestry Division and Development Services (planning/permits).
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary remedies: removal orders, restoration or replacement planting, stop-work orders, and referral to code enforcement or court action may be used.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: complaints submitted to Urban Forestry or Development Services will prompt inspection and administrative action.
  • Appeals/review: the cited pages do not list specific appeal time limits; consult the enforcing department for deadlines (not specified on the cited page).
If you alter or remove a public tree without authorization you may face enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

The city posts volunteer program information and permit guidance on its Urban Forestry and planning pages. Specific form names or permit numbers are not consistently listed on the cited pages; where a form or application is required, the Urban Forestry or Development Services page will direct applicants to the correct submission method or downloadable form.[1][2]

How to Coordinate a Volunteer Planting

  1. Contact Urban Forestry to request site review and get planting approvals.
  2. Complete any required volunteer application or permit and submit requested documents.
  3. Schedule the planting date with Parks so crews can prepare the site and provide supplies if included.
  4. Follow the city's species, spacing, and planting standards during the event.
  5. Report final planting details and maintenance plan to the city contact provided.

FAQ

Do volunteers need a permit to plant trees in Long Beach parks?
Yes. Volunteers must coordinate with the City of Long Beach Urban Forestry or Parks department and may need a permit or written authorization before planting in parks or public rights-of-way.
Who enforces the rules for public trees?
Enforcement is handled by the City of Long Beach Urban Forestry Division and Development Services; serious matters may be referred to code enforcement or the city attorney.
Where do I submit a complaint about unauthorized tree removal?
Submit complaints to Urban Forestry or Development Services through the official city contact or complaint portal listed in the Help and Support section below.

How-To

  1. Contact Urban Forestry to request guidance and site approval.
  2. Obtain any required permit or written authorization from the city.
  3. Plan the event logistics with Parks staff and confirm date and tools.
  4. Perform the planting per city standards and submit final reports if requested.

Key Takeaways

  • Always contact Urban Forestry before a volunteer planting to confirm approvals.
  • Permits or written authorization are commonly required for park or right-of-way plantings.
  • Unauthorized removal or planting can lead to enforcement actions; specific fines are not specified on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Long Beach Urban Forestry volunteer program page
  2. [2] Long Beach planning/trees and permits guidance

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