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Manhattan Beach · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach'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 Manhattan Beach Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Manhattan Beach's code says

Manhattan Beach code What Manhattan Beach's code adds
Permit to remove
  • Yes, a permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to removing or moving protected trees on residential lots in Area Districts I and II.
    § 10.52.120 · code text
    Except as provided in subsection I (Exemptions), no person shall directly or indirectly remove or cause to be removed, or relocate any protected tree as herein defined, from residentially zoned properties within Area Districts I and II, without first obtaining a permit to do so in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section.
Protected trees
  • Trees in the required front or corner street-side yard with trunks totaling at least 12 inches across at 4.5 feet.
    Applies: Trunk at least partly in that yard; residential lots in Area Districts I and II; excludes deciduous fruit trees and Washingtonia palms; includes replacement trees.
    § 10.52.120 · code text
    "Protected tree" shall include: any species of tree, (excluding deciduous fruit-bearing trees and Washingtonia species palms) the trunk of which is located at least partially within the required front yard or streetside yard (on corner lots) of a site, with a trunk diameter of twelve inches (12″) or greater or multiple trunks totaling twelve inches (12″) in diameter or greater at a height of four and one-half feet (4.5′) from existing grade; and any replacement tree required pursuant to this section.
Replacement trees
  • A protected tree removed under a Tree Permit must be replaced or relocated.
    Applies: Applies to residential lots in Area Districts I and II.
    § 10.52.120 · code text
    All protected trees, as defined above, shall be preserved and protected, and may be only be removed or relocated with prior approval of a Tree Permit provided they are replaced or relocated in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Manhattan Beach's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Applies to removing or moving protected trees on residential lots in Area Districts I and II.) (§ 10.52.120); Trees in the required front or corner street-side yard with trunks totaling at least 12 inches across at 4.5 feet. (Trunk at least partly in that yard; residential lots in Area Districts I and II; excludes deciduous fruit trees and Washingtonia palms; includes replacement trees.) (§ 10.52.120).

General information, not legal advice.

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Manhattan Beach Municipal Code — full text