Two Shrubs Added to Protected Tree Ordinance

The City Council recently approved an ordinance that adds Mexican Elderberry and Toyon shrubs to the city’s Protected Tree Ordinance. The ordinance requires that anyone who wants to remove a Mexican Elderberry and/or Toyon shrub which measures four inches or more in cumulative diameter, four and one-half feet above the ground level at the base of the shrub has to receive permission from the Urban Forestry Division. Any property owner who wants to remove 3 or more protected shrubs must get approval from the Board of Public Works.

The ordinance was supported by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Friends of Griffith Park, and the California Native Plant Society, among other conservation groups. There was no known organized opposition. The City Council approved the ordinance on Dec. 15; the mayor signed off on it Dec. 28. Due to the city’s notification requirements, the ordinance will become effective Feb. 4.

Here’s the full ordinance:

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2013/13-1339_ORD_186873_02-04-2021.pdf