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El Monte · Building on your lot

Tree removal in El Monte

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

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

What El Monte's code says

El Monte code What El Monte's code adds
Penalty
  • Fines and penalties for pruning that breaks ISA and ANSI A300 standards, such as topping, lion's tailing or severe pruning.
    Applies: Applies to protected trees.
    § 14.03.060 · code text
    Pruning which, in the opinion of a Certified Arborist, deviates from these guidelines, such as "topping," "lion's tailing," and severely pruning shall be subject to fines and penalties.
Permit to remove
  • Yes, a permit is required.
    Applies: To remove, relocate or destroy a Protected Tree, or do anything that seriously harms one.
    § 14.03.060 · code text
    No person shall remove, relocate, or destroy Protected Tree or engage in any activity that causes serious harm to a Protected tree unless such actions are incident to the authorized removal or destruction of a Protected Tree pursuant to a permit issued by the Economic Development Department.
  • No permit is needed.
    Applies: Only for routine pruning and maintenance of Protected Trees, which must follow current ISA and ANSI A300 pruning standards.
    § 14.03.060 · code text
    Routine pruning and maintenance of Protected Trees shall not require a permit but shall in all cases be in conformance with the most current guidelines of International Society of Arboriculture and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300-Pruning Standards.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in El Monte?

El Monte's code: Yes, a permit is required. (To remove, relocate or destroy a Protected Tree, or do anything that seriously harms one.) (§ 14.03.060); No permit is needed. (Only for routine pruning and maintenance of Protected Trees, which must follow current ISA and ANSI A300 pruning standards.) (§ 14.03.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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El Monte Municipal Code — full text