DO IT YOURSELF SIDEWALK REPAIR
Prior to obtaining a permit for replacing a broken sidewalk due to tree root damage, you must contact the Bureau of Street Services’ Urban Forestry Division. They will assess the site, and if necessary, issue a permit for the tree's removal. After that, you must contact City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering to obtain a Class A Permit to replace your sidewalk.
The Department of Public Works' policy is directed towards the preservation of all parkway trees and does not provide for the removal unless the tree is dead or cannot be trimmed and/or root pruned to be made safe. There are times when alternative methods and options to removal may be explored. However under certain circumstances, a tree removal permit may be considered.
Circumstances where a permit may be considered include:Sidewalk displaced from the original grade (off-grade.)
- Repeated sewer line clogging or breakage (verification required.)
- Water main or natural gas line disturbance (verification required.)
- Off-grade driveway or driveway apron.
- Structure construction requiring tree removal.
If a removal permit is requested, please contact the Service Request Section at (800) 996-CITY or 3-1-1. It is important to give complete information such as the correct address of the location of the tree(s), correct mailing address with zip code, and a daytime phone number. The request will be forwarded to the appropriate field office and a representative from the Bureau of Street Services will inspect the location. A card will be left if you are not contacted on site.
If a representative does not make contact within two weeks of your request, please contact the Service Request Section and ask to speak to the field office area inspector for details.
In order to process the request, the Bureau may need some of the following documentation:
- Class "A" Permit for replacement of a sidewalk or driveway. (Obtain permits from your local Public Works Bureau of Engineering District Office.)
- Class "B" Permit for new construction stating the conditions that require tree removal.
- Receipts from repeated repair of sewer or water lines.
- Permit for sewer line installation.
- Notice from proper agency that a tree requires removal due to interference with a utility vault or line that cannot be relocated.
- Other pertinent information that may be required.
- If you are not the legal owner, or you are an agent acting for the legal owner, a complete Property Owner's Authorization for Tree Removal form is required (obtained from the Urban Forestry Division Representative.)
- Plot plan depicting tree(s) location
- Site plan depicting tree(s) location.
- Photographs of the tree to be removed and the damage created by the tree.
- Formal request detailing reasons for removal.
A replacement tree will be required whenever possible. The Urban Forestry Division inspector will determine the species and the location.
Following the Urban Forestry Division's inspection and reception of all appropriate documentation a report will be drafted and sent to the Board of Public Works for review. If the Board approves the request the permit will be sent via mail. The replacement species and tree site will be included on the permit. The property owner is responsible for repairing any damage caused by the tree, the tree removal, and replacement.
The removal of three or more trees requires that the trees be posted for 30 days prior to removal in order to allow for public comment.This must be taken into account when setting your project timetable.
Both Oak tree removal and trimming require special treatment. Information for this can be obtained from the Urban Forestry Division office. If you have any further questions, please contact the Service Request Section at (800) 996-CITY or 3-1-1.
