The authority for the Urban Forestry Division (UFD) to exercise control over the greenscape in the public right-of-way (ROW), private property trees affecting the ROW, and preserve native is contained in the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC). The LAMC empowers city agencies to act in the general interest of the City's residents.
UFD is a division within the Bureau of Street Services which, in turn, is a Bureau within the Department of Public Works. The code that most directly affects UFD is LAMC Section 62.161-62.175 . This section grants authority to control tree planting, maintenance, and care, prepare Board reports, charge fees, and ensure the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles relative to vegetation in or affecting the ROW. LAMC Section 56.08 dictates the clearances to which vegetation shall be maintained in and around the public ROW.
UFD is also responsible for the preservation of the City's protected tree species. Protected trees are covered by LAMC Section 46.00-46.06 and Sections 12.21 A 12, 17.02, 17.05-06, 17.51-52 . Section 46 grants authority to the Department of Public Works to control protected trees while Sections 12 and 17 protects trees impacted by subdivisions as part of the Department of Planning processes.
UFD is here to assist you in anyway possible. Feel free to contact us at anytime for UFD services and/or questions regarding urban forestry.
LAMC SECTION.46.00. through 46.06.
LAMC SECTION.12.21 A 12, 17.02, 17.05, 17.06, 17.51, 17.52
LAMC SECTION.62.161 through 62.176
