A Koreatown homeowner has been fined $5,835 by the City of Los Angeles for trimming two trees he planted himself 15 years ago after the city repeatedly declined his maintenance requests, citing budget constraints.
Howard Lim (76), who owns a house near Serrano Avenue and 5th Street, received a notice dated September 22 from the Bureau of Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division. The notice stated that Lim had pruned two trees located between his home and the sidewalk without obtaining a city permit and must either replace the trees or pay the fine.
Lim said he planted the saplings 15 years ago after a homeless person pitched a tent near the sidewalk and police, along with city staff, advised him to plant trees there. “Recently, a stabbing occurred under an overgrown tree in front of a neighbor’s house,” he said. “I was worried about safety for both my home and pedestrians, so I trimmed the trees I planted myself.” The trees now stand about three meters tall and are growing new branches.
According to the Urban Forestry Division, Lim violated Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 62.169, which requires residents to obtain city approval before planting, pruning, or removing street trees in residential areas.
Lim said, “Every year I asked the city to trim the street trees near my house, but they always told me there was no budget. I decided to manage them myself, and now I’m being fined for it. It’s hard to understand.”
Several overgrown street trees near his property have grown tall enough to touch rooftops, and trees on the opposite side of the street also remain untrimmed. Neighboring residents Simon Jeon and Sooknyeo Jeon said, “For years we’ve reported to the city that the overgrown branches are dangerous, but nothing was done. It’s hard to accept being fined now when residents had no choice but to trim them on their own.”
Lim filed a formal appeal earlier this month. After an on-site inspection, city officials are expected to make a final decision soon. On October 15, Lim and several neighbors visited the office of Councilmember Heather Hutt (District 10) to request assistance and also submitted a complaint to the Mayor’s Office through his daughter.
The Mayor’s Office told The Korea Daily that the Public Works Department and Board of Public Works are currently verifying the facts. Steve Kang, president of the Board of Public Works, said, “Because street trees are city property, any trimming or removal requires official approval. The relevant departments, council office, and mayor’s team are discussing appropriate measures.”
Diane Cho, an aide at Council District 10, said, “We’ve relayed the matter to the Public Works Department and are reviewing possible solutions. Complaints from Koreatown residents are always welcome.”
“I never imagined I’d receive a fine for trees I planted to take care of the neighborhood,” Lim said. “I just hope for a common-sense resolution soon.”
Residents can report tree or street maintenance issues by calling 311 or visiting streets.lacity.gov.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
