Tree removal in Inglewood: the local rules

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

What Inglewood's code says

Inglewood code What Inglewood's code adds
Exemptions	Trees on a developed single-family lot that cannot be subdivided further are exempt, unless required or protected by approval. Applies: Applies to developed single-family lots that cannot be further subdivided. § 12-113 · code text Trees located on a developed single-family residential lot that cannot be further subdivided are exempt unless they have been required or protected as a condition of approval. Routine maintenance does not need a permit. Applies: Only approved pruning; no severe pruning, topping, pollarding or disfiguring the natural form. § 12-116 · code text Routine maintenance of protected trees shall not require a permit. Emergency pruning or trimming may go ahead without the usual permit. Applies: Applies when a certified arborist finds a branch is an immediate danger to the public. § 12-116 · code text Except in emergency situations where a branch is causing immediate danger to the public in the opinion of a certified arborist, major pruning or trimming of a protected tree, cutting of live branches over one inch in diameter, pollarding, removing of large branches obscuring a sign, or other large scale limb removal will require a permit prior to any work being performed.
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Applies to removing, destroying, relocating, reshaping or disfiguring a protected tree, or cutting branches over 1 inch across. § 12-116 · code text No person shall remove, destroy, perform cutting of branches over one inch in diameter, or disfigure or cause to be removed or destroyed or disfigured any protected tree without having first obtained a permit to do so.
Protected trees	Trees with a trunk at least 8 inches across, measured 54 inches up; multi-trunk trees add the 3 largest trunks. Applies: Not on a developed single-family lot that cannot be subdivided further, unless required as a condition of approval. § 12-113 · code text Trees having a minimum trunk diameter of eight inches measured fifty-four inches above the ground. When measuring a multi-trunk tree, the diameters of the largest three trunks shall be added together. Street trees and other required trees, of any size. Applies: Applies to street trees or trees required by a condition of approval, Use Permit or other zoning rule. § 12-113 · code text Street trees or other required trees such as those required as a condition of approval, Use Permit, or other zoning requirement, regardless of size. Memorial trees dedicated by a City-recognized group, and specimen trees that define a neighborhood or community. § 12-113 · code text All memorial trees dedicated by an entity recognized by the City, and all specimen trees that define a neighborhood or community.
Replacement trees	Replace with like-size, like-kind trees or trees of equal value; if unavailable, the original tree's value sets replacements. Applies: Applies to removed or disfigured protected trees. § 12-116 · code text All removed or disfigured trees shall also require replacement with like-size, like-kind trees or an equal value tree or trees as determined by the City's Master Plan or the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department. Replacement trees go on site where possible; if no room, another mutually agreed site may be chosen. Applies: Applies when replacement trees are required. § 12-116 · code text The replacement trees shall be located on site wherever possible. Where there is not sufficient room on site for the replacement trees in the judgment of the City's Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department, another site may be designated that is mutually agreeable.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Inglewood's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Applies to removing, destroying, relocating, reshaping or disfiguring a protected tree, or cutting branches over 1 inch across.) (§ 12-116); Trees with a trunk at least 8 inches across, measured 54 inches up; multi-trunk trees add the 3 largest trunks. (Not on a developed single-family lot that cannot be subdivided further, unless required as a condition of approval.) (§ 12-113).

Tree removal in Inglewood

What Inglewood's code says

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