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

Alhambra's code: Yes. A tree permit is required to remove or materially alter a protected tree. (Private property: oaks and California native trees over 15 feet tall or 12 inches diameter; other trees over 20 feet tall or 24 inches diameter.) (§ 23.12.170); Oaks over 15 feet tall, or with a trunk over 12 inches across or 36 inches around. (Trunk is measured 4.5 feet above the root crown.) (§ 23.12.170).

Tree removal in Alhambra: the local rules

Alhambra code What Alhambra's code adds
Exemptions	Exempt: side and rear yard trees in RL and RM zones, fruit trees, non-native palms, dead wood, routine non-damaging pruning. Also exempt: imminent public safety or welfare emergencies, traffic sight-line work, and authorized protection of public or utility property. § 23.12.170 · code text The following are exempt from the requirement for a tree permit.
Penalty	A citation for each tree removed without a permit. Applies: Applies to tree removal during construction or work that breaks this chapter. § 23.12.170 · code text a Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a citation per tree removed without a permit No building permits for the property for 1 year. Applies: Applies to tree removal that breaks this chapter and is not part of a development project. § 23.12.170 · code text no building permits on the property associated with the violation shall be issued for a period of one year.
Permit to remove	Yes. A tree permit is required to remove or materially alter a protected tree. Applies: Private property: oaks and California native trees over 15 feet tall or 12 inches diameter; other trees over 20 feet tall or 24 inches diameter. § 23.12.170 · code text A tree permit is required to remove or otherwise materially alter a protected tree on private property whether vacant, undeveloped, in the process of development or developed, except as provided below.
Protected trees	Oaks over 15 feet tall, or with a trunk over 12 inches across or 36 inches around. Applies: Trunk is measured 4.5 feet above the root crown. § 23.12.170 · code text Quercus family trees (oaks) taller than 15 feet, or with a trunk diameter larger than 12 inches in diameter, or 36 inches in circumference, measured at a point four and one-half feet above the root crown. California native trees over 15 feet tall, or with a trunk over 12 inches across or 36 inches around. Applies: Trunk is measured 4.5 feet above the root crown. § 23.12.170 · code text California native trees taller than 15 feet, or with a trunk diameter larger than 12 inches in diameter, or 36 inches in circumference, measured at a point four and one-half feet above the root crown. Mature tree: over 20 feet tall, or with a trunk over 24 inches across or 75 inches around. Applies: Trunk is measured 4.5 feet above the root crown. § 23.12.170 · code text Mature tree: a tree taller than 20 feet or with a trunk diameter larger 24 inches in diameter, or 75 inches in circumference, measured at a point four and one-half feet above the root crown.
Replacement trees	Replacement trees are not required. Applies: Applies to removing a hazardous or diseased protected tree. § 23.12.170 · code text Replacement trees are not required for the removal of a hazardous or diseased tree. 2 replacement oak or native trees, 24-inch box, for each 10 inches of trunk diameter or part of 10 inches. Applies: Applies to removing a healthy oak (Quercus family) or California native tree. § 23.12.170 · code text Quercus family (oaks) and California native trees: Two 24-inch box replacement oak or native trees shall be required for each ten-inch increment of the diameter of the existing tree, or portion thereof. 1 similar or native replacement tree, 24-inch box, for each 10 inches of trunk diameter or part of 10 inches. Applies: Applies to removing a healthy mature tree. § 23.12.170 · code text Mature trees: One 24-inch box replacement similar or native trees shall be required for each ten-inch increment of the diameter of the existing tree, or portion thereof. At least 50% of replacement trees must be planted on site; the rest off site or by an in-lieu fee. Applies: Applies to replacement trees for removing a healthy protected tree. § 23.12.170 · code text A minimum of 50% of the replacement trees shall be planted on site. The required number of replacement trees is doubled. Applies: Applies when a tree was removed in violation of this chapter. § 23.12.170 · code text Whenever a tree removal has occurred contrary to the provision of this chapter, the required number of replacement trees shall be double the standard provision.

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