All Residential Zones in Area Districts I and II

Purpose of the City’s Tree Ordinance:  Tree preservation is necessary for the health and welfare of the citizens of the City of Manhattan Beach in order to provide cooling shade and beauty, increase property values, minimize spread of disease to healthy trees, conserve scenic beauty, prevent erosion of topsoil, protect against flood hazards, counteract pollutants in the air, and generally maintain the climatic and ecological balance of the area. These regulations strive to preserve and enhance the existing healthy tree canopies on individual residential properties as well as the overall neighborhood, in order to maintain the neighborhood character, while allowing flexibility for removal of existing trees that may be inappropriate for an area or causing damage.

For information on street trees on public property, in the parkway and public right-of-way visit the Public Works Field Operations page.

To determine what Area District your residential property is located within, click HERE:

Types of Tree Permits

Tree Trimming/Pruning

Tree Permits without Construction

(for removal or relocation of protected trees without a building permit)

(for removal, relocation, or preservation of protected trees associated with a building permit)

Tree Trimming/Pruning

Any person pruning any private property protected tree in the City must have a Tree Trimmers Permit. Residents are responsible for hiring City licensed Tree Trimmers. Residents pruning their own trees are exempt from obtaining a Tree Trimmers Permit but must still comply with the ANSI A300 standards (MBMC 10.52.120.J).

Tree trimming permits may be obtained through the City’s CSS portal (apply for Tree Permit and select the “pruning” option under “Tree Determination Request”): Tree Trimming Permit Fee of $83 applies (other required additional fees apply).

Tree Permits without Construction (for removal or relocation of protected trees without a building permit)

Any person desiring to remove or relocate one (1) or more protected trees shall obtain a Tree Permit from the Community Development Department – Planning Division. Replacement trees are required for any protected tree removed.

Step 1: Evaluate trees on private property (in required front (20’) and corner side setback (5’)) to determine protected status of subject trees per the definition of a protected tree in MBMC 10.52.120.C.

Step 2: If subject tree is protected, prepare necessary materials for submittal of a Tree Permit application. This includes a Tree Plan (per MBMC 10.52.120.C.3), written proof of neighbor notification, an arborist’s report documenting reason(s) for removal (see MBMC 10.52.120.G.1.c), and tree replacement/relocation recommendations (per MBMC 10.52.120.H), and the required fee ($100.00 with other applicable fees). Selected arborist shall be ISA certified. Professional Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions Insurance) will be required.

Step 3: Submit Tree Permit application via City’s CSS portal.

Step 4: Await decision from City staff. Note that a bond, cash deposit or other financial security, may be required to ensure required replacement trees are planted and/or that existing protected trees are properly protected, as determined to be appropriate by the Community Development Director.

Step 5: Consulting arborist shall oversee installation of required replacement trees to ensure proper installation and shall submit self-certification to Planning staff.   

Tree Permits with Construction (for removal, relocation, or preservation of protected trees associated with a building permit) 

If construction/demolition/grading/trenching is proposed on a private property with a protected tree, a Tree Permit will be required along with the Building Permit.  A Tree Permit is also required for planting of required tree pursuant to MBMC 10.52.120.F.5, which requires any new residential construction project in Area Districts I and II which exceeds fifty percent (50%) valuation (total estimated cost of reconstructing the entire structure as defined by Section 10.68.030 of this Code) to plant a minimum of one (1) new thirty-six inch (36″) box tree, unless the Director of Community Development determines that it is inappropriate to require additional tree(s) on the property.

Step 1: Evaluate trees on private property (in required front (20’) and corner side setback (5’)) to determine protected status of subject trees per the definition of a protected tree in MBMC 10.52.120.C. All protected trees shall be preserved and protected in place, 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 the Tree Ordinance.

Step 2: Prior to submitting to plan check for a building permit, applicant shall hire an ISA certified arborist to prepare an arborist’s report inclusive of a Tree Plan (based on a site survey), a tree inventory, a tree protection plan if trees are to be preserved in place (MBMC 10.52.120.D), a replacement recommendation if protected trees are to be removed, written proof of neighbor notification if tree are to be removed, and a relocation plan if trees are to be relocated.

Step 3: Submit Tree Permit application, associated material and fees via City’s CSS portal at with the building permit application, and include tree protection plan in the construction set.

Step 4: Await decision from City staff. Note that a bond, cash deposit or other financial security, may be required to ensure required replacement trees are planted and/or that existing protected trees are properly protected, as determined to be appropriate by the Community Development Director.

Step 5: Prior to commencing construction, landscape architect or consulting arborist shall ensure that tree protection measures for protected trees that are to be preserved have been installed per approved tree protection plan and in an acceptable manner. Self-certification shall be provided to Planning staff^. Any necessary changes to tree protection measures shall be reviewed and approved by Planning staff.

Urgent Tree Removals

Tree removal in case of imminent emergency caused by the hazardous or dangerous condition of a tree, requiring immediate action for the safety of life or property (e.g., a tree about to topple onto a dwelling due to heavy wind velocities), does not have to await approval of a Tree Permit. Property owner shall call Planner of the Day at (310) 802-5520 and provide an email with photos and address of property where the imminent emergency situation exists, then remove the tree upon receipt of verbal approval from Planning staff. Subsequent application for a Tree Permit shall be filed within five (5) working days.

Helpful Links:

• The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is a resource for residents on trees and landscaping.
• Southern California Edison has information on planting and caring for trees near power lines.
• The Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute (UFEI) has a tree selection guide that may be used as a resource for choosing replacement trees.

  Handouts for Tree Care (PDFs):

• Pruning
• Topping
• Fencing
• Watering
• Staking
• Injury Prevention       

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