Tree removal in Hidden Hills: the local rules

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

What Hidden Hills's code says

Hidden Hills code What Hidden Hills's code adds
Exemptions	Exempt: emergency removal when an official finds a tree is an imminent threat to public safety or welfare. Applies: Emergencies, as determined by the Planning Director, law enforcement, or the county fire district. § 5-8-6 · code text Cases of emergency where the Planning Director, or any member of a law enforcement agency or the Los Angeles County Fire Protection District, in the performance of his duties, determines that a tree poses an imminent threat to the public safety or general welfare. Exempt: removal or relocation needed for adequate line-of-sight distances. Applies: As required by the City Traffic Engineer. § 5-8-6 · code text Removal or relocation of trees necessary to obtain adequate line-of-sight distances as required by the City Traffic Engineer. Exempt: work to protect existing power or communication lines or other public utility property. § 5-8-6 · code text Actions taken for the protection of existing electrical power or communication lines or other property of a public utility. Exempt: normal pruning or trimming that is not severe and does not endanger the tree's life. § 5-8-6 · code text This Section shall not preclude pruning or trimming other than Severe Pruning and/or Trimming, which does not endanger the life of the tree. Exempt: trees within 15 feet of the paved edge of an existing street or roadway. Applies: Only for trees maintained by the Hidden Hills Community Association on property the city does not own. § 5-8-6 · code text Trees on property not owned by the City and located within a distance of 15 feet of the nearest edge of the paved portion of any existing street or roadway used for vehicular purposes if such trees are maintained by the Hidden Hills Community Association.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree permit is required. Applies: Native Oak and Historic Trees: removing, severe pruning, damaging, or grading or building inside or within 5 feet of the drip line. § 5-8-4 · code text No Native Oak Tree or Historic Tree shall be Severely Pruned and/or Trimmed, removed, cut down or otherwise Damaged, nor shall any grading or construction activities occur inside of or within five feet of the drip line of any such trees, except pursuant to a tree permit issued by the City Council or a minor tree permit pursuant to Section 5-8-7. A minor tree permit covers up to 2 Historic Trees, once every 5 years at most; not Native Oak Trees. Applies: At least 2 Historic or Native Oak Trees must remain in the street-facing yard, or replacement trees are planted. § 5-8-7 · code text A minor tree permit for up to two Historic Trees shall not be issued more than once every five years on the same property. A minor tree permit may not be issued for activities involving a Native Oak Tree.
Protected trees	Native Oak Trees and Historic Trees. § 5-8-4 · code text No Native Oak Tree or Historic Tree shall be Severely Pruned and/or Trimmed, removed, cut down or otherwise Damaged, nor shall any grading or construction activities occur inside of or within five feet of the drip line of any such trees, except pursuant to a tree permit issued by the City Council or a minor tree permit pursuant to Section 5-8-7.
Replacement trees	4 replacement trees for each tree removed. Applies: Applies to tree permits from the Planning Director, unless the Planning Director recommends otherwise. § 5-8-5 · code text Replacement trees provided shall be at a ratio of four trees for each tree removed, unless otherwise recommended by the Planning Director. At least 2 replacement trees for each tree removed. Applies: The Planning Director may not require a lower ratio than this. § 5-8-5 · code text However, in no event may the Planning Director issue a permit requiring a replacement ratio of less than two trees for each tree removed. Replacement trees must be at least 48-inch box size. Applies: Applies to replacement trees under a minor tree permit. § 5-8-7 · code text Replacement trees shall not be less than 48-inch boxes.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Hidden Hills's code: Yes, a tree permit is required. (Native Oak and Historic Trees: removing, severe pruning, damaging, or grading or building inside or within 5 feet of the drip line.) (§ 5-8-4); Native Oak Trees and Historic Trees. (§ 5-8-4).

Tree removal in Hidden Hills

What Hidden Hills's code says

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