The purpose of the LA County Oak Tree Program is to preserve and maintain healthy oak trees in LA County’s community forest by minimizing impacts from development. The Los Angeles County Oak Tree Program consists of multiple guidance documents and regulations that work together to achieve this goal. Components of the Oak Tree Program include:
- Los Angeles County General Plan (General Plan)
- Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan
- Oak Tree Permit Ordinance
General Plan
The goals and policies to protect native woodlands in the General Plan aim to ensure privately held lands in unincorporated Los Angeles County will retain the right of reasonable use, while ensuring no net loss of oak woodlands.
Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan
The Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan provides guidance on the management of oak woodlands in the unincorporated areas of the County. This Plan includes an oak woodland conservation strategy, as well as recommended policies and implementation actions to minimize development impacts to oak woodlands.
- Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan (May 2011)
- Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide (March 2014)
Oak Tree Permit Ordinance
The Oak Tree Permit Ordinance (Chapter 22.174 of the County of Los Angeles Zoning Code) establishes the permitting and review processes for developments that will impact oak trees in the unincorporated areas of LA County. This ordinance aims to balance preservation of the oak trees with private property rights.
Oak Tree Permit Ordinance UPDATE
Beginning in 2024, an update to the Oak Tree Permit Ordinance is underway. The update will further encourage redesign to preserve and minimize impacts to oak trees.
