Manhattan Beach takes its tree canopy seriously. If you’re thinking about removing a tree on your property — or if you bought a home where a previous owner removed a tree without a permit — here’s what the city requires and what the process actually involves.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree?
Yes, if the tree is “protected” under Manhattan Beach’s Tree Ordinance. Protected trees on private property require a Tree Permit before removal or relocation. Removing a protected tree without a permit is a violation that can follow the property through title.
If you’re not sure whether a tree on your property is protected, call the Planning Division’s Planner of the Day line at (310) 802-5520 before you do anything.
What the Tree Permit Requires
To apply for a Tree Permit in Manhattan Beach, you need to submit:
- Tree Plan — a site plan identifying the tree(s) and their location
- Neighbor notification — written proof that adjacent neighbors have been notified
- Arborist report — from an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist, documenting the reason for removal and recommending replacement or relocation options
- Application fee — $100.00 plus any other applicable fees
The ISA certification requirement is not optional. The city will not accept a report from an uncertified arborist. If you need to find a certified arborist, the ISA maintains a searchable directory at treesaregood.org.
Replacement Trees Are Required
Manhattan Beach requires replacement trees for any protected tree that is removed. The specific replacement requirements depend on the tree being removed — your arborist’s report should include replacement recommendations, and the city will confirm what’s required during the permit review.
The city may also require a bond, cash deposit, or other financial security to ensure that replacement trees are actually planted and that existing protected trees are properly protected during construction. The need for a bond is determined by the Community Development Director on a case-by-case basis.
Emergency Tree Removal
If a tree poses an immediate hazard — a dead limb about to fall, root damage threatening a structure, storm damage — you don’t have to wait for a permit. Take action to address the emergency, and then:
- Call the Planner of the Day at (310) 802-5520 immediately and provide the address and a description of the situation
- Send an email with photos and the property address to the Planning Division
- File a formal Tree Permit application within five (5) working days of the emergency removal
The retroactive permit process still requires an ISA-certified arborist report and replacement tree determination — the emergency process just allows you to act first and document afterward.
Street Trees and Right-of-Way Trees
Trees in the public right-of-way (street trees in front of your property) are managed by the City, not by the property owner. You cannot remove a street tree on your own. For right-of-way tree concerns — removal, trimming, roots damaging hardscape — contact the Public Works Department or the Planning Division. The process is separate from the private property Tree Permit.
What This Means for Homebuyers
Tree permit history is part of the due diligence picture in Manhattan Beach, particularly for properties that have had renovation work or where mature trees appear to have been recently removed. Unpermitted tree removal is a code violation that technically transfers with the property — it’s worth confirming any visible gaps in the tree canopy against permit records.
This comes up occasionally in the Hill Section, where mature trees with significant canopy are more common and neighbors are more attuned to changes. It’s less of an issue in the Sand Section, where smaller lots have fewer protected trees.
Contact
For tree permit questions, contact the Manhattan Beach Planning Division:
- Phone: (310) 802-5520 (ask for Planner of the Day)
- Email: planning@manhattanbeach.gov
- Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8am–5pm; Friday, 8am–4pm
For street tree concerns, contact the Community Development Department or Public Works at the same number.
Important: Tree ordinance rules and fees can change. Before removing or significantly trimming any tree, verify current requirements directly with Manhattan Beach Planning at (310) 802-5520. This guide is informational — the city has final say on what’s required for your specific situation.
If you’re working through a renovation project and want to understand how tree permit requirements interact with your building permit timeline, I’m happy to help you think through it — or connect you with someone who handles this regularly in Manhattan Beach.
Cecilia Agraz | Stroyke Properties Group
310-803-9338 | cecilia@manhattanhermosahomes.com
DRE #01974999
Also reading: Manhattan Beach Homeowner Resources | ADU Guide for Manhattan Beach
Cecilia Agraz
South Bay neighbor and Realtor® focused on clear guidance and low‑stress moves in Manhattan Beach & Hermosa Beach.