Van Nuys Tree Removal & Planting Rules - City Bylaw

In Van Nuys, California, tree removals and new plantings on public rights-of-way and private property are regulated by City departments and local ordinances. Property owners and contractors must understand when a permit is required, which department issues approvals, and how enforcement and appeals work. This guide summarizes the practical steps to apply for permits, common compliance problems, and the authorities responsible for street trees and private-tree matters in Van Nuys.

Overview of who enforces tree rules

The City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services (Urban Forestry Division) manages street trees and permits for removal or planting in the public parkway; private-property tree issues may involve City Planning or Building departments and local zoning rules. ^[1]

When a permit is required

• Removal or major pruning of a street tree in the public right-of-way generally requires a permit from Urban Forestry.
• Planting a new street tree or replacing an approved removed tree typically requires an approved planting permit or planting plan.
• Private-property tree removals may be regulated by zoning, protected-tree ordinances, or by conditions tied to building permits; check Planning or Building for your lot.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the Bureau of Street Services for street trees and by City Planning or Building Departments for private-property tree rules; administrative citations, stop-work orders, and corrective conditions can be issued. Exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page; see the department contacts to confirm current penalties and procedures.^[1]

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to replace or remediate, stop-work orders, and corrective permits (specific remedies not specified on the cited page).
• Appeals/review: administrative appeal routes exist through the enforcing department; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

• Street-tree removal and planting permit applications and contact information are published by the Bureau of Street Services Urban Forestry Division (see Resources below).
• If no published form is available for a private-tree matter, apply through City Planning or submit a building permit application describing tree work.

Common violations

• Removing a street tree without a permit.
• Failure to replace or properly plant an approved replacement tree.
• Improper pruning or damage during construction.

How-To

1. Identify whether the tree is a street tree (in the parkway/right-of-way) or on private property.
2. Contact the Bureau of Street Services Urban Forestry Division for street-tree permits or City Planning/Building for private-property tree guidance.
3. Complete the applicable permit application and include photos, a site plan, and reason for removal (e.g., disease, hazard).
4. Pay any required fees as directed on the application or by the enforcing department.
5. Schedule any required inspection and await written approval before starting work.
6. If cited, follow appeal instructions in the notice and submit an appeal within the time limit shown on the enforcement notice.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the parkway?

Yes. Removal or major work to a street tree in the parkway generally requires a permit from the Urban Forestry Division; contact the Bureau of Street Services for the application process.

Who pays for replacement trees?

Replacement requirements vary by permit and site; consult the approving department for conditions tied to replacement and associated fees.

What if a contractor removed a tree without permission?

Report the removal to Urban Forestry and Planning; the City can issue citations and require remediation or replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Street trees are primarily managed by the Bureau of Street Services Urban Forestry Division.
• Always obtain written approval before removing or planting street trees to avoid citations.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bureau of Street Services - Urban Forestry Division
• City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning
• Los Angeles Municipal Code - Municode

1. [1] Bureau of Street Services - Urban Forestry Division (city of Los Angeles)