Tree removal in Laguna Beach: the local rules

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

What Laguna Beach's code says

Laguna Beach code What Laguna Beach's code adds
Exemptions	Replacing or repairing existing construction is exempt. Applies: Applies to the permit to substantially alter a heritage tree. § 12.08.060 · code text Replacement or repair of existing construction shall be exempt from this permit requirement.
Permit to remove	Yes. Removal needs approval by a majority vote of the city council. Applies: Applies to heritage trees. § 12.08.070 · code text Any heritage tree owner desiring to remove a heritage tree shall apply to the city council for approval. Yes. A permit from the director of community development is required to alter, not remove, the tree. Applies: Trimming a heritage tree not maintained by the city that substantially changes its natural form, or new construction within 15 feet of the trunk. § 12.08.060 · code text Any heritage tree owner desiring to trim a heritage tree not maintained by the city in a manner which substantially alters its natural form or engage in new construction within fifteen feet of the trunk of a heritage tree, shall apply to the director of community development for a permit.
Protected trees	Trees on the city's Heritage Tree List. § 12.08.070 · code text Any heritage tree owner desiring to remove a heritage tree shall apply to the city council for approval.
Replacement trees	The city council decides whether replacement plants are required, and their species and size. Applies: Removal of trees on the city's Heritage Tree List. § 12.06.040 · code text The requirement for replacement vegetation, species and size, shall be at the discretion of the city council. The design review board decides whether replacement plants are required, and their species and size. Applies: Removal of trees that are part of a landscape plan approved through design review. § 12.06.040 · code text The requirement for replacement vegetation, species and size, shall be at the discretion of the design review board upon consideration and recommendation by city staff and the fire department. Replacement vegetation may be required, with species and size stated in the decision. Applies: Applies to removing privately maintained trees in the public right-of-way. § 12.06.040 · code text Decisions on Category III applications shall state approval or denial of the permit applicant and note if replacement vegetation is required and shall so state species and size of the replacement tree.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Laguna Beach?

Laguna Beach's code: Yes. Removal needs approval by a majority vote of the city council. (Applies to heritage trees.) (§ 12.08.070); Trees on the city's Heritage Tree List. (§ 12.08.070).

Tree removal in Laguna Beach

What Laguna Beach's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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