Don’t let Redondo Beach cut down our trees! Protect our tree canopy
Don’t let Redondo Beach cut down our trees! Protect our tree canopy
The Issue
Did you know that Redondo Beach is using decades‑old landscaping laws that treat trees like fences?
Under these outdated rules, anything that “forms a barrier”—even a natural row of trees—can be interpreted and restricted to 42 inches in front, 36 inches on corner lots, and 6 feet in backyards.
But our city isn’t the same city it was 50 years ago.
Redondo’s housing has become far denser, with homes often 10 feet apart. A six‑foot wall offers no privacy, no cooling, and no noise protection. People rely on trees for all of those things.
Yet the laws were never updated to reflect this new reality.
Even worse: residents today are being threatened with misdemeanor criminal charges and possible jail-time—for planting and maintaining healthy trees.
Let’s be clear:
Redondo Beach has no anti‑tree law.
The only section being used (§ 10‑2.1524) regulates fences and hedges, not trees. The City has approved thousands of tree plantings—yet because the ordinance is outdated and vague, any resident could suddenly find themselves “in violation.”
This should never happen in a Tree City USA.
That’s why I’ve launched this petition—to modernize our laws, protect residents, and ensure that planting trees remains something Redondo Beach celebrates, not prosecutes.
👉 Please sign the petition to:
- Update these outdated ordinances,
- Prevent residents from being criminally charged for trees, and
- Keep Redondo Beach green, private, shaded, and livable.
Pictured below: a group of trees considered “illegal” under the current wording—despite similar plantings being approved on brand‑new $2.8M homes today.
Let’s fix this together.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Petition Information
The days of sitting on your front porch and waving to your neighbors in their yards have long since passed. Keeping front yards open as a large space the whole neighborhood can contribute to is an antiquated notion. Today, homes in Redondo Beach are growing larger and closer together. Hedges can not only give you privacy from your neighbors but can also carve out an outdoor living space that is much more valuable in today’s market than a front lawn.
Trees and hedges add beauty to a neighborhood. They block wind, sound, and air pollution. Trees and hedges provide shade in a time when the temperature continues to increase. As homeowners continue removing their lawns to conserve water, they should be planting more drought tolerant plants that often grow above the limitations of 42”. Established trees and hedges use significantly less water than lawns. We should be doing everything in our power to naturally cool our homes and use less water. Limiting trees and hedges to 42” in our front yards is not in the city’s best interest.
This petition is for updating our city ordinances to be in line with green initiatives, green organizations, Redondo Beach density, and our society’s environmental and societal changes. Stop the City of Redondo Beach from criminalizing residents who are helping the environment and wanting more privacy in this very dense neighborhood by changing and revising our ordinances to allow for taller green spaces, hedges, trees, bushes, and shrubs. Redondo Beach residents require more outdoor space on their properties and the ability to have private spaces while helping our environment and the beautification of our neighborhoods with landscaping and greenery increasing property values.
More information
One of the specific ordinances is Redondo Beach § 10-2.1524 which specifies "Fences, hedges, walls, and obstructions in all zones".
It states the following. The following standards shall apply in "All residential zones":
- Front setbacks (aka Front yard). No fence, hedge, or wall over 42 inches in height shall be permitted within any required front setback.
- Rear and side setbacks (aka rear and side yards). ...no fence, hedge, or wall greater than six feet in height shall be permitted within any required rear setback or side setback.
Hedges defined: a “hedge” is defined as any plant/tree/shrub/woody plant growing together which creates a boundary, screen, or barrier. Hedges are commonly used in gardens and landscapes for aesthetic, functional, and environmental purposes..
What are the benefits of trees, shrubs, and bushes?
Trees, shrubs, and bushes offer a wide range of benefits, both environmental and social. Here are some of the key advantages they provide:
- Air Quality Improvement: Trees, shrubs, and bushes absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air while releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, thereby improving air quality and reducing the concentration of harmful gases.
- Climate Regulation: Through their cooling effect and transpiration process, trees help regulate local temperatures, reducing the urban heat island effect and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- Wildlife Habitat: Trees, shrubs, and bushes provide essential habitats for various wildlife species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. They offer food, shelter, and nesting sites, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Water Management: The root systems of trees, shrubs, and bushes help prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes, reducing the risk of flooding and water runoff. They also absorb rainfall, reducing storm water runoff and filtering pollutants before they reach water bodies.
- Noise Reduction: Vegetation acts as a natural barrier to sound, absorbing and deflecting noise from roads, highways, and urban areas, thereby reducing noise pollution and creating more peaceful environments.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Trees, shrubs, and bushes enhance the visual appeal of landscapes, parks, and urban spaces, providing shade, texture, and color throughout the seasons. They contribute to the beauty of neighborhoods and improve property values.
- Human Health Benefits: Exposure to green spaces has been linked to various health benefits, including stress reduction, improved mental well-being, and enhanced overall quality of life. Trees, shrubs, and bushes provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and physical activity.
- Economic Value: Trees, shrubs, and bushes offer economic benefits by increasing property values, attracting tourists, and reducing energy costs through shading and insulation. They also support industries such as forestry, landscaping, and tourism.
- Carbon Sequestration: Trees, especially mature ones, store carbon in their biomass and help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus acting as natural carbon sinks.
- Community Building: Trees and green spaces serve as focal points for community gatherings, events, and social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging and community pride. They provide opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other.
Overall, trees, shrubs, and bushes play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of both ecosystems and human communities, making them indispensable components of sustainable urban and rural environments
Based on the Redondo Beach municipal code, the following are examples of hedges/trees which must be cut down. Over 30% of Redondo Beach residents will be affected by this ordinance. We need to stop the City and update these ordinances to save our trees, hedges, and other plants.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Front setback taller than 42 inches.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Rear and Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance: Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Driveway hedge is taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Side and rear setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Side/rear setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches, side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little yard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance:. Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance: Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. This is a newer reconstruction house. The landscaping and trees are nice.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
New Builds
Also, the contractors of new construction builds in Redondo Beach are acknowledging the importance of privacy hedges. This picture was taken of a new build with an asking price of $2.4M. Speaking with the realtor, they stated the intended purpose is to grow into a hedge for privacy from the other house 5 feet away.
Tree City USA
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Redondo Beach is officially recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA. Watch it here The City was recognized because of our trees and now the City wants us to cut them down. This is why these ordinances need to be updated and changed to recognize the trees, hedges, shrubs, and greenery we have as good for our environment and how this increases property values.
At the Tuesday, June 4, 2024, city council meeting, Todd Loewenstein stated, "I'm very glad to see Tree City, USA. Council member Nehrenheim and I years ago have started this push for lots of planting of trees to increase the canopy of our streets. And also the cooling effect that it has. And also reminds homeowners you benefit because more trees means higher home values, not great for everybody who wants to buy a house but it's good for those who actually own a house and it's good for our community. So I want to congratulate the city on that so thank you so much. " Listen to his statement here
Encouragement
Individuals, and City of Redondo Beach residents, who engage in tree planting and yard landscaping should be encouraged and not subject to criminal penalties. Planting trees and creating hedges are positive actions that contribute to environmental improvement. Therefore, those who undertake these activities should be recognized and commended, rather than selectively fined or criminalized.
Conclusion
The City of Redondo Beach is officially recognized as a "Tree City USA". They were recognized especially because of our status quo of abundance of trees. With the enforcement of this ordinance § 10-2.1524, this will force Redondo Beach residents to lose over 30% of their existing, established trees. We do not want to lose our trees. We do not want to lose our hedges. We do not want to lose our landscaping due to outdated ordinances relating to extreme, excessive tree trimming. These laws need to be updated, removing the word "hedges" from the height limit, current trees/hedges/shrubs/bushes need to be 'grandfathered' as existing, moratorium on any current and future prosecutions, and the tree related ordinances need to be updated to reflect the current state of our union. We are for the environment. We are for privacy. We are for nature. And especially, we are for increased property values with the value trees, hedges, shrubs,and landscaping brings to our neighborhoods.
327
The Issue
Did you know that Redondo Beach is using decades‑old landscaping laws that treat trees like fences?
Under these outdated rules, anything that “forms a barrier”—even a natural row of trees—can be interpreted and restricted to 42 inches in front, 36 inches on corner lots, and 6 feet in backyards.
But our city isn’t the same city it was 50 years ago.
Redondo’s housing has become far denser, with homes often 10 feet apart. A six‑foot wall offers no privacy, no cooling, and no noise protection. People rely on trees for all of those things.
Yet the laws were never updated to reflect this new reality.
Even worse: residents today are being threatened with misdemeanor criminal charges and possible jail-time—for planting and maintaining healthy trees.
Let’s be clear:
Redondo Beach has no anti‑tree law.
The only section being used (§ 10‑2.1524) regulates fences and hedges, not trees. The City has approved thousands of tree plantings—yet because the ordinance is outdated and vague, any resident could suddenly find themselves “in violation.”
This should never happen in a Tree City USA.
That’s why I’ve launched this petition—to modernize our laws, protect residents, and ensure that planting trees remains something Redondo Beach celebrates, not prosecutes.
👉 Please sign the petition to:
- Update these outdated ordinances,
- Prevent residents from being criminally charged for trees, and
- Keep Redondo Beach green, private, shaded, and livable.
Pictured below: a group of trees considered “illegal” under the current wording—despite similar plantings being approved on brand‑new $2.8M homes today.
Let’s fix this together.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Petition Information
The days of sitting on your front porch and waving to your neighbors in their yards have long since passed. Keeping front yards open as a large space the whole neighborhood can contribute to is an antiquated notion. Today, homes in Redondo Beach are growing larger and closer together. Hedges can not only give you privacy from your neighbors but can also carve out an outdoor living space that is much more valuable in today’s market than a front lawn.
Trees and hedges add beauty to a neighborhood. They block wind, sound, and air pollution. Trees and hedges provide shade in a time when the temperature continues to increase. As homeowners continue removing their lawns to conserve water, they should be planting more drought tolerant plants that often grow above the limitations of 42”. Established trees and hedges use significantly less water than lawns. We should be doing everything in our power to naturally cool our homes and use less water. Limiting trees and hedges to 42” in our front yards is not in the city’s best interest.
This petition is for updating our city ordinances to be in line with green initiatives, green organizations, Redondo Beach density, and our society’s environmental and societal changes. Stop the City of Redondo Beach from criminalizing residents who are helping the environment and wanting more privacy in this very dense neighborhood by changing and revising our ordinances to allow for taller green spaces, hedges, trees, bushes, and shrubs. Redondo Beach residents require more outdoor space on their properties and the ability to have private spaces while helping our environment and the beautification of our neighborhoods with landscaping and greenery increasing property values.
More information
One of the specific ordinances is Redondo Beach § 10-2.1524 which specifies "Fences, hedges, walls, and obstructions in all zones".
It states the following. The following standards shall apply in "All residential zones":
- Front setbacks (aka Front yard). No fence, hedge, or wall over 42 inches in height shall be permitted within any required front setback.
- Rear and side setbacks (aka rear and side yards). ...no fence, hedge, or wall greater than six feet in height shall be permitted within any required rear setback or side setback.
Hedges defined: a “hedge” is defined as any plant/tree/shrub/woody plant growing together which creates a boundary, screen, or barrier. Hedges are commonly used in gardens and landscapes for aesthetic, functional, and environmental purposes..
What are the benefits of trees, shrubs, and bushes?
Trees, shrubs, and bushes offer a wide range of benefits, both environmental and social. Here are some of the key advantages they provide:
- Air Quality Improvement: Trees, shrubs, and bushes absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air while releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, thereby improving air quality and reducing the concentration of harmful gases.
- Climate Regulation: Through their cooling effect and transpiration process, trees help regulate local temperatures, reducing the urban heat island effect and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- Wildlife Habitat: Trees, shrubs, and bushes provide essential habitats for various wildlife species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. They offer food, shelter, and nesting sites, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Water Management: The root systems of trees, shrubs, and bushes help prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes, reducing the risk of flooding and water runoff. They also absorb rainfall, reducing storm water runoff and filtering pollutants before they reach water bodies.
- Noise Reduction: Vegetation acts as a natural barrier to sound, absorbing and deflecting noise from roads, highways, and urban areas, thereby reducing noise pollution and creating more peaceful environments.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Trees, shrubs, and bushes enhance the visual appeal of landscapes, parks, and urban spaces, providing shade, texture, and color throughout the seasons. They contribute to the beauty of neighborhoods and improve property values.
- Human Health Benefits: Exposure to green spaces has been linked to various health benefits, including stress reduction, improved mental well-being, and enhanced overall quality of life. Trees, shrubs, and bushes provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and physical activity.
- Economic Value: Trees, shrubs, and bushes offer economic benefits by increasing property values, attracting tourists, and reducing energy costs through shading and insulation. They also support industries such as forestry, landscaping, and tourism.
- Carbon Sequestration: Trees, especially mature ones, store carbon in their biomass and help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus acting as natural carbon sinks.
- Community Building: Trees and green spaces serve as focal points for community gatherings, events, and social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging and community pride. They provide opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other.
Overall, trees, shrubs, and bushes play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of both ecosystems and human communities, making them indispensable components of sustainable urban and rural environments
Based on the Redondo Beach municipal code, the following are examples of hedges/trees which must be cut down. Over 30% of Redondo Beach residents will be affected by this ordinance. We need to stop the City and update these ordinances to save our trees, hedges, and other plants.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Front setback taller than 42 inches.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Rear and Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance: Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Driveway hedge is taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Side and rear setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Side/rear setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little backyard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches, side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having a little yard privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance. Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance:. Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. Side setback hedge taller than 6 feet. Having privacy is criminalized.
Examples of hedges which must be cut down due to this ordinance: Front setback hedge taller than 42 inches. This is a newer reconstruction house. The landscaping and trees are nice.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
Pictured below, this hedge (group of trees) is currently illegal in the City of Redondo Beach.
New Builds
Also, the contractors of new construction builds in Redondo Beach are acknowledging the importance of privacy hedges. This picture was taken of a new build with an asking price of $2.4M. Speaking with the realtor, they stated the intended purpose is to grow into a hedge for privacy from the other house 5 feet away.
Tree City USA
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Redondo Beach is officially recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA. Watch it here The City was recognized because of our trees and now the City wants us to cut them down. This is why these ordinances need to be updated and changed to recognize the trees, hedges, shrubs, and greenery we have as good for our environment and how this increases property values.
At the Tuesday, June 4, 2024, city council meeting, Todd Loewenstein stated, "I'm very glad to see Tree City, USA. Council member Nehrenheim and I years ago have started this push for lots of planting of trees to increase the canopy of our streets. And also the cooling effect that it has. And also reminds homeowners you benefit because more trees means higher home values, not great for everybody who wants to buy a house but it's good for those who actually own a house and it's good for our community. So I want to congratulate the city on that so thank you so much. " Listen to his statement here
Encouragement
Individuals, and City of Redondo Beach residents, who engage in tree planting and yard landscaping should be encouraged and not subject to criminal penalties. Planting trees and creating hedges are positive actions that contribute to environmental improvement. Therefore, those who undertake these activities should be recognized and commended, rather than selectively fined or criminalized.
Conclusion
The City of Redondo Beach is officially recognized as a "Tree City USA". They were recognized especially because of our status quo of abundance of trees. With the enforcement of this ordinance § 10-2.1524, this will force Redondo Beach residents to lose over 30% of their existing, established trees. We do not want to lose our trees. We do not want to lose our hedges. We do not want to lose our landscaping due to outdated ordinances relating to extreme, excessive tree trimming. These laws need to be updated, removing the word "hedges" from the height limit, current trees/hedges/shrubs/bushes need to be 'grandfathered' as existing, moratorium on any current and future prosecutions, and the tree related ordinances need to be updated to reflect the current state of our union. We are for the environment. We are for privacy. We are for nature. And especially, we are for increased property values with the value trees, hedges, shrubs,and landscaping brings to our neighborhoods.
327
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Petition created on June 9, 2024