Abstract:

Cities are working to expand urban tree canopy to address heat and equity gaps, yet permitting barriers can slow progress. In Los Angeles, complex street tree permitting processes limit the ability to plant trees at the scale needed to meet shade goals, particularly in underserved communities. This brief examines how current permitting systems affect tree planting by analyzing survey responses and interviews with City staff and external partners. The findings show that delays, duplicative inspections, inconsistent procedures, and resource constraints leave trees unplanted and funding unused. These challenges hinder progress toward canopy expansion goals. The brief identifies opportunities to streamline permitting and strengthen coordination to accelerate tree planting and better align resources with community needs.