If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
The abutting owner maintains sidewalks, curbs, and driveway approaches (LAMC 62.104(b)), with no carve-out for damage caused by a city-owned street tree. The owner is also responsible for the entire private sewer lateral, including tree-root damage to it.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | StreetsLA: "Under the provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Code 62.104(b), maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, and driveway approaches is the responsibility of the abutting property owners." For tree-caused sewer problems, LA Sanitation: "Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their entire private sewer lateral line, from the building all the way to the street connection." |
| City / public agency | The Urban Forestry Division "manages and maintains all trees and plants contained in the public right-of-way", the city owns the tree, but not the repair of what its roots damage. |
| Exceptions | Owner may root-prune with a StreetsLA Urban Forestry permit, but pays for the work |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
Under the provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Code 62.104(b), maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, and driveway approaches is the responsibility of the abutting property owners.
The Urban Forestry Division manages and maintains all trees and plants contained in the public right-of-way, and also has authority on private property over certain native tree species that are protected by the City.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their entire private sewer lateral line, from the building all the way to the street connection. ... it cannot be repaired at the expense of the city's utility ratepayers.
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for tree roots in Los Angeles, CA?
The property owner. StreetsLA: "Under the provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Code 62.104(b), maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, and driveway approaches is the responsibility of the abutting property owners." For tree-caused sewer problems, LA Sanitation: "Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their entire private sewer lateral line, from the building all the way to the street connection."
What does the city cover in Los Angeles, CA?
The Urban Forestry Division "manages and maintains all trees and plants contained in the public right-of-way", the city owns the tree, but not the repair of what its roots damage.
Are there exceptions in Los Angeles, CA?
Owner may root-prune with a StreetsLA Urban Forestry permit, but pays for the work
Is there any cost help for tree roots in Los Angeles, CA?
Owner may root-prune with a no-fee StreetsLA Urban Forestry permit, but pays for the work
What is this based on for Los Angeles, CA?
This verdict is sourced to StreetsLA: Policies and Guidelines (owner maintains sidewalks; tree costs owner’s) and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- StreetsLA: Policies and Guidelines (owner maintains sidewalks; tree costs owner’s)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-07
- StreetsLA: Urban Forestry Division (city owns the street trees)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-07
- Tree Roots | LA Sanitation & Environmentofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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