South Pasadena : Tree-Trimming Law Studied

Residents may soon have to get city permits before trimming trees in their front yards.

In a unanimous vote last week, the City Council tentatively approved a measure to preserve certain types of trees, especially native species, mature trees and those with historical value.

Under the ordinance, residents would be required to obtain permits to trim more than 20% from any front-yard trees that meet minimum diameter requirements or are on sites designated historically significant. The diameter requirements vary according to the type of tree. City officials said they planned to inventory historically significant trees.

Even stricter rules apply to native trees, such as oaks, which cannot be trimmed more than 10% without a city permit.

However, the ordinance allows residents to freely trim or remove any trees in their back yards. A final vote is scheduled Feb. 20.