Understanding Permits Needed for Tree Cutting Service in Bell

Bell’s Regulatory Framework

Bell has two sets of tree regulations: local, which are overseen by the city of Bell and cover items such as local permits and code enforcement, and regional, which are overseen by Los Angeles County and protect native tree species throughout the area.

To find out more about the local tree-cutting permits and regulations in Bell, call the city of Bell’s community development department at (323) 588-6211. Although not all tree cutting requires a local permit, knowing what does and doesn’t require one can help homeowners decide if they need to get a permit.

The building and safety division of the city of Bell handles most of the permits related to construction activity. Other tree-cutting activities, which do not relate to construction, are covered under different regulatory categories. Homeowners need to contact the community development department to determine what category their situation falls under.

Los Angeles County Protected Tree Ordinances

Los Angeles County protects certain native tree species, which are critical to maintaining the region’s ecosystem and urban forest health. The Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 46.00-46.06 regulates the protection of Southern California indigenous tree species with a cumulative diameter greater than 4 inches measured at 4.5 feet above grade level, known as diameter at breast height (DBH).

The species listed in the LAMC as protected are:

• California live oak (Quercus agrifolia)
• Southern California black walnut (Juglans californica)
• Western sycamore (Platanus racemosa)
• California bay (Umbellularia californica)
• Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)
• Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)

No protected tree or shrub may be relocated or removed without a permit from the board of public works or its authorized representative. Fines and other legal penalties can be applied to property owners who violate this ordinance.

When Permits Are Required

Knowing when you need to get a permit to cut down a tree helps Bell homeowners avoid getting into trouble with the law and ensures that they follow all of the applicable rules.

Permits are based upon a variety of things, including:

• Size and type of trees
• Location of trees
• Type of work being done
• Property ownership and development plans

You will always need to get a permit to remove or alter a protected tree species, regardless of your property ownership or development plans. Even pruning trees that may cause harm or damage to protected trees may require a permit so that proper methods can be used to prune them.

Street trees, which are trees located in parkways along the sides of streets, typically require a permit for any maintenance, pruning, or removal that is done to them. Since street trees are regulated by the city, the city retains control of them, even if they are adjacent to private property.

Most trees that are part of development projects, building permits, or construction activities require a permit as part of the overall approval process for the project. The planning department will review each case to see if any tree preservation is possible and what kind of mitigation will be needed if a tree is removed.

Emergency Situations and Exceptions

While there are some emergencies that will allow tree cutting to occur without advance permits, homeowners will still have to notify the appropriate authorities and may need to get an after-the-fact permit. Knowing these exceptions can help homeowners know how to react in emergencies.

There are emergencies that would allow for the removal of a tree without having to get an advance permit. For example, trees that pose an imminent hazard to the general public or property can be removed immediately. In these situations, homeowners should document the emergency and notify the authorities as soon as possible after taking emergency action.

In some instances, homeowners may be able to remove dead or dying trees without getting a permit. Whether or not homeowners can remove dead protected tree species depends on the local regulations. Regardless of whether the tree is alive or dead, homeowners will likely still have to notify the authorities and follow proper procedures for removing and replacing trees.

Utility company tree trimming for clearing space for power lines, etc., typically follows different regulatory guidelines that focus primarily on public safety and utility reliability. Homeowners should consult with their utility company and local authorities when utility-related tree work is necessary.

Permit Application Process

The permit application process is different depending on what type of tree work the homeowner wants to do and which regulatory agency has jurisdiction. Knowing how the process works will help homeowners navigate the system and minimize delays.

Consultation with the staff at the community development department will help determine if homeowners need to get a permit and which agency has jurisdiction over their specific tree-cutting project. They can also guide homeowners through the various regulations and refer them to the right people and agencies.

Typically, homeowners will have to submit forms with detailed information about the trees being affected, including their type and size, a map of the location(s) of the trees, and the reason why they want to perform the work. Providing accurate information will help ensure that the permitting process goes smoothly and that there is less chance that the application will be rejected.

Arborist reports may be required for some permit applications, particularly for protected species or in sensitive locations. The report will evaluate tree health, any safety concerns, and possible alternatives to removal.

Documentation Requirements

Having the right documentation is crucial to submitting a successful permit application and complying with regulations. By knowing what documentation is required, homeowners will be better prepared to submit their applications and avoid delays.

Maps of the job site that show the location(s) of the tree(s), the property boundaries, any neighboring structures, and the area where the work will be performed will be very helpful to the reviewer. The maps should be to scale and indicate every tree that will be affected by the project.

Photos of the trees in their current condition, the surrounding environment, and any safety hazards that exist can provide strong visual evidence of the conditions that require tree work and will support the permit application. It is best to take high-quality photographs that show the whole tree and close-up views of any specific problems.

Identifying the correct species of the tree will confirm whether the tree is a protected species and provide guidance regarding the proper care of the tree. Certified arborists can identify species that are unknown to the homeowner.

Professional vs. DIY Considerations

Due to the complexity of tree-cutting permits and regulations, homeowners will generally benefit from consulting with a professional. Knowing when to seek a professional’s assistance versus doing the application yourself will impact both the outcome and cost.

Certified arborists know the local regulations and requirements, the proper care of trees, and the permitting process. Certified arborists will be especially beneficial for homeowners who need to remove protected species, remove large trees, or have complex site conditions.

Many tree service companies offer to handle the permit application process as part of their services to their customers. While this can be convenient and save time and effort, homeowners are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they comply with all regulations.

Liability issues make it highly advisable for homeowners to hire a professional when dealing with protected species or when performing significant tree work. Liability can far outweigh the costs of hiring a professional.

Costs and Fees

By knowing the costs associated with the permits for tree cutting, homeowners will be able to plan and budget accordingly for any tree maintenance projects. Costs vary depending on the type of permit required, the tree itself, and the amount of time it takes to review the application.

Fees for basic permits can be low to moderate, depending on the simplicity or complexity of the permit request. More complicated permits, such as those involving protected species or construction projects, may cost significantly more.

In addition to the basic permit application fee, homeowners may have to pay for professional consultation fees, such as those paid to an arborist for a report. These fees can be additional expenses, but are often necessary for a successful permit application.

If homeowners are granted permission to remove a protected tree species, they may be required to replace it with another tree. Many jurisdictions require either the planting of new trees or payment of an in-lieu fee, which can greatly increase the total cost of the project.

Typical Permit Scenarios

Knowing the common scenarios that require permits can help homeowners in Bell identify when they need to obtain authorization to cut down a tree. These examples illustrate how the permit process applies to real-world situations.

Renovating homes, adding onto homes, remodeling, or changing the landscaping around their home are examples of home renovation projects that may require permits as part of the broader development approval process. Homeowners planning these types of projects should consider the potential impacts on their trees early in the planning stages.

Safety concerns involving hazardous trees may also require permits, even for emergencies. Homeowners should document safety hazards and communicate with authorities to ensure that emergency actions are properly taken.

Disputes with neighbors over trees are another common scenario, especially when trees are located across property lines or create disputes between adjacent property owners. Understanding the permit requirements for resolving neighbor disputes can help property owners use the proper avenues to resolve the issue.

Enforcement and Penalties

Both Los Angeles County and local jurisdictions actively enforce tree protection ordinances and impose penalties that can far exceed the cost of obtaining a permit. By understanding the mechanisms of enforcement and potential penalties, homeowners will be encouraged to comply with regulations and avoid costly and potentially damaging violations.

Penalties for violating tree protection ordinances can be substantial. In fact, according to the Los Angeles Municipal Code, homeowners may be fined up to $30,000 per tree for unauthorized removal of a protected species. Therefore, obtaining a permit is a serious financial consideration.

Enforcement of the tree protection ordinances includes the efforts of code enforcement officers, complaints from citizens, and regular inspections to identify unpermitted tree cutting. There is no assumption that violations will be ignored, especially in densely populated areas such as Bell.

In addition to fines, homeowners who violate tree protection ordinances may face other legal consequences, including restoration orders, the requirement to replant trees, and ongoing monitoring and reporting to extend the effects of the violation beyond the original fine. In extreme cases, violations may have negative implications for the title to a property and/or the ability to develop a property in the future.

Working With Tree Service Companies

Using reputable and experienced tree service companies that are knowledgeable about the regulations regarding permits will help ensure that projects are completed successfully and in compliance with all regulations. Additionally, understanding how to work with these companies will result in positive outcomes.

Reputable and licensed tree service companies provide several benefits for homeowners who engage in tree work, including liability protection for homeowners. Reputable and licensed companies will have the necessary insurance coverage to protect homeowners against liability claims.

Some tree service companies will assist homeowners with the permitting process, which can alleviate a lot of the burden and expense associated with getting a permit. Nevertheless, homeowners should still know exactly what services are included with the permitting and be aware of what responsibilities they retain regarding the permitting process.

Good communication between homeowners and the professionals they hire about permit requirements, regulatory constraints, and project goals will help ensure that all parties are clear about expectations and limitations prior to the start of a project. Good communication will also help to eliminate misunderstandings that could otherwise become problematic for a project.

Timing and Planning Considerations

Successful planning involves incorporating into the project timeline the timeframe for processing permits, the seasonality of permit availability, and the regulatory requirements. By understanding these elements, homeowners will be able to schedule tree work in the most efficient manner possible and minimize the costs associated with the work.

Processing times for permits vary depending on the complexity of the application, the regulatory review process, and the workload of the reviewing agency. Most permits are processed fairly rapidly, while some permits may take weeks or even months to process.

Seasonal restrictions can impact the availability of permits and the timing of when homeowners can have tree work done. Some jurisdictions restrict tree work during certain times of the year to protect birds, etc., and other jurisdictions may prioritize certain types of permits during certain times of the year.

Planning will enable homeowners to coordinate their permits with other aspects of their project, their contractors’ availability, and seasonal considerations that will affect the feasibility and costs associated with tree work.

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Knowing the options available to homeowners to appeal the denial of a permit or to dispute regulatory decisions will help homeowners navigate difficult situations and seek relief when their initial permit application is denied.

Homeowners may appeal the denial of a permit through administrative appeal processes. Administrative appeals typically require homeowners to present additional evidence or to address the reasons cited in the denial of the permit.

Professional consultations become especially useful during the appeals process, as professional opinions and technical data can be used to refute regulatory concerns and support the position of the homeowner.

Other alternatives may be available to homeowners when permits are denied, and prohibit them from completing the desired tree work. In some cases, regulatory agencies will agree to alternative methods that meet the needs of homeowners and comply with regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Trends

Knowing the emerging regulatory trends will help homeowners anticipate changes in regulations that may impact their future tree work projects and long-term property management strategies.

Climate change adaptation is an increasing factor in tree regulations as municipalities realize the value of urban forestry in mitigating climate change impacts. These regulatory trends may result in increased protections for trees and more complex permitting requirements.

Urbanization of land in areas like Bell may result in enhanced tree preservation requirements and stricter permitting processes. Homeowners should monitor regulatory changes that may impact their property.

Regulatory agencies are implementing technology to facilitate the permitting process and improve efficiency. Electronic submittal systems, online tracking, and electronic approvals are becoming commonplace and may reduce the time for processing permits and improve customer service.

Resources and Support

Bell has several available resources to assist in obtaining tree-cutting permits as well as ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By understanding these available resources, the resident will be able to reach an outcome of success and reduce confusion.

Bell’s community development department provides the main source of information to city residents on what is required to obtain a local permit to cut down trees, and also may refer a resident to other available resources if they need assistance for a particular situation. The staff in the community development department are knowledgeable about the complex regulations involved and how to properly complete an application for a tree-cutting permit.

Local professional organizations, such as the International Society of Arboriculture, provide educational materials on the best practices, professional standards, and compliance with regulatory requirements that benefit both property owners and service providers.

Property owners have a wide variety of educational resources that enable them to be aware of their duties and responsibilities regarding the care of trees on their properties, as well as their options for caring for trees while being in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. These resources enable the property owner to make informed decisions and to practice responsible tree care.

Conclusion: Ensuring Compliance in Bell

To be familiarized with the tree-cutting permit requirements in Bell, the property owner must recognize the many layers of regulation that apply to the property owner, depending on the type of tree(s) and the type of activity being performed (i.e., removal of a dead/dying tree versus removal of a living tree).

From local ordinances to county-wide protective measures for native species, the property owner must navigate through the numerous and often conflicting regulatory requirements that protect the urban forest but allow for the maintenance of trees on private property.

Generally, the cost associated with purchasing the proper permits and hiring a professional to assist in navigating the permitting process and the associated costs of non-compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., fines, penalties, etc.) makes the additional expense worth it.

Due to the high density of Bell and its many types of trees, it is beneficial to seek the advice of experts to ensure the desired results are obtained from the tree management efforts of the property owner.

By planning, by seeking the counsel of a professional, and by communicating openly and frequently with the regulatory agencies, the property owner will be able to successfully manage their trees while assisting in the protection of the community’s urban forest and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Precision Tree Services Bell offers professional guidance and assistance in obtaining permits and in performing professional tree cutting services, which assure the full compliance of the applicable regulatory requirements. Our certified arborists are knowledgeable of the regulatory requirements and environmental policies affecting Bell, and we can guide you through the permitting process while providing high-quality tree services that protect your property and the community’s urban forest resources.