Tree removal in Beverly Hills: the local rules

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

What Beverly Hills's code says

Beverly Hills code What Beverly Hills's code adds
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Native or heritage trees in the front or street-side yard, and urban groves, on single-family property. § 10-3-2901 · code text No person shall damage or remove, or cause to be damaged or removed, any protected tree on his or her property without a tree removal permit first being obtained in accordance with the requirements of this article. Yes, but the permit may be obtained after removal. Applies: A protected tree that poses an imminent threat to public health, safety or property. § 10-3-2901 · code text Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, if a protected tree proposed for removal is in such a condition that it poses an imminent threat to the public health or safety or to property, then the required tree removal permit may be obtained from the department of building and safety after the tree has been removed. Yes, a tree removal permit from the planning commission is required. Applies: Removal as part of a development, addition or remodel needing a discretionary permit or other planning commission approval. § 10-3-2901 · code text A tree removal permit shall be obtained from the planning commission whenever a protected tree is proposed to be removed as part of a development, building addition, or remodel of an existing building which is subject to a discretionary permit or other approval issued by such commission.
Protected trees	On single-family lots: native or heritage trees in the front yard or street side yard. Also trees in the area in front of or beside the house if that distance is greater than its setback; urban groves anywhere. § 10-3-2901 · code text This article is applicable to: 1. Any native or heritage tree that is located within the front yard or in the area of the site between a line within a site area parallel to the front lot line and located at a distance from the front lot line equal to the shortest distance between front lot line and the existing or proposed primary residence on a single-family residential property, if that shortest distance is greater than the front setback.
Replacement trees	One healthy native tree, any species, same size. A tree removed from a front or side setback is replaced there. Applies: Native tree removed on the ground that it is replaced. § 10-3-2901 · code text The protected tree proposed for removal is a native tree and such tree is replaced by one healthy native tree of any species and of the same size. The replacement tree may not be removed without a tree removal permit. Applies: After the replacement tree is planted. § 10-3-2901 · code text Once the replacement tree is planted, the replacement tree shall not be removed without a tree removal permit first being obtained in accordance with the requirements of this article.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Beverly Hills?

Beverly Hills's code: Yes, a tree removal permit is required. (Native or heritage trees in the front or street-side yard, and urban groves, on single-family property.) (§ 10-3-2901); On single-family lots: native or heritage trees in the front yard or street side yard. (Also trees in the area in front of or beside the house if that distance is greater than its setback; urban groves anywhere.) (§ 10-3-2901).

Tree removal in Beverly Hills

What Beverly Hills's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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