TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Masa Alkire, Community Development Director
Adam Finestone, Planning Manager
Jaehee Yoon, Senior Planner
Johnathon Masi, Associate Planner
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion Regarding Private Property Tree Fines Associated with the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance on Certain Residential Properties (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 30 Min.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction on private property tree fines associated with the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance on residential properties in Area Districts I and II.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with this discussion. If the City Council directs staff to undertake additional work related to potentially amending City regulations and/or fines, future fiscal implications could include increases in both revenues and expenditures. Specifically, revenues could increase if additional or larger fines are assessed; however, that might be offset by additional costs associated with increased City enforcement activity.
BACKGROUND:
On May 19, 2026, the City Council requested a future agenda item to discuss fines related to violations of the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance. The request stemmed from community concerns about the removal of mature trees on private properties to accommodate new residential development, and the lack of substantial financial penalties to deter damage to trees intended to be protected.
DISCUSSION:
The City’s tree preservation policies are implemented through two sections of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code (MBMC) that establish regulations related to tree trimming or pruning, removal and replacement of trees, and the planting of new trees:
MBMC Chapter 7.32 (Tree, Shrub and Plant R...
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