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…