In 1982, Los Angeles County adopted the Oak Tree Permit (OTP) Ordinance, establishing one of California’s first comprehensive protected tree regulations and a model for municipalities across the state. Now, the Los Angeles County Planning Department is updating the OTP Ordinance to streamline permitting, improve mitigation standards, and encourage early project planning with the goals of minimizing impacts to protected oaks and expediting the permitting process. A draft updated ordinance is expected to be released for public review in 2026. As one of California's most influential protected tree frameworks, this update has implications well beyond Los Angeles County.