Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee presented a motion today calling for a review and update of the decades-old tree planting spacing regulations in Los Angeles. Lee stated that the current regulations may unnecessarily hinder the planting of new trees in appropriate locations.
According to the city news agency, the motion instructs the Bureau of Street Services, the City’s Urban Forestry Department, and other relevant departments to submit a report within 90 days outlining proposed revisions. The report is expected to assess how existing standards impact potential tree planting locations, as well as identify policy, design, and infrastructure adjustments to expand the city’s tree canopy coverage.
Lee’s office indicated that many of Los Angeles’ tree spacing requirements are internal department policies rather than explicit city ordinances. Lee believes that updating these practices can increase thousands of tree planting locations while still maintaining sidewalks, public utilities, streetlights, traffic sightlines, and public safety.
In a statement, Lee said, “Los Angeles has prioritized expanding the city’s tree canopy coverage, but some of the city’s own regulations may limit the actual locations where trees can be planted. We need to ensure these rules align with current needs so that we can add trees where shade is most needed without compromising road safety or infrastructure.”
Lee also referenced a study by the USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute and the academic network “Public Exchange,” which indicated that Los Angeles’ internal street tree spacing standards are among the most stringent in the country.
The research suggests that updating relevant policies could increase the number of viable tree planting locations, particularly improving the environment in communities facing the most severe heat stress.
This issue will be discussed at future meetings of the City Council’s Energy and Environment Committee.