Tree Protection in Pasadena, CA

If you live in Pasadena or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pasadena has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Parkway Planting

Pasadena requires parkway, median and traffic-island trees to match the city's master street tree plan. Municipal Code Section 8.52.085(G) makes it unlawful to plant any species other than the officially designated street tree in these public rights-of-way, and violators face a civil penalty for the wrong-species planting.

Key details: Governing law: Municipal Code §§ 8.52.020, 8.52.085(G). Parkway: Strip between property line and curb. Species source: City's master street tree plan. Allowed species: Only the designated official street tree. Violation: Civil penalty plus removal/replacement.

Planting a non-official species in a parkway, median or traffic island violates Section 8.52.085(G) and triggers a civil penalty. The city manager may also pursue the violation through a compliance order or administrative citation under Chapters 1.25 and 1.26, per Section 8.52.160(C), and can require the unauthorized tree's removal and replacement with the correct official street tree species at the owner's expense.

Protected Tree Species

Pasadena's tree ordinance lists thirteen native species, including coast live oak and California sycamore, that are automatically protected once their trunk exceeds 8 inches in diameter. Removing or injuring a listed native tree without a city permit is unlawful under Municipal Code Section 8.52.085(B).

Key details: Protected species: 13 native species listed by name. Size threshold: Trunk exceeding 8 inches DBH. Designation: Automatic; no hearing required. Removal permit: Needs one of six findings. Misdemeanor: Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail.

Injuring a protected native tree, or removing one without a permit, violates Section 8.52.085(B) and can be charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail under Section 8.52.160(A), or pursued as a civil action seeking up to $5,000 per tree, or its full appraised replacement value, plus a one-year freeze on building permits at the property.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Pasadena actively enforces its protected tree species requirements.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Pasadena protects landmark trees citywide under Municipal Code Chapter 8.52. Any person or city agency may nominate a tree to the historic preservation commission for landmark designation under Chapter 17.62, and once designated it is unlawful to prune, injure, or remove the tree anywhere in the city without a permit issued by the city manager.

Key details: Governing law: Municipal Code §§ 8.52.065, 8.52.085(A). Designation: Nominated to historic preservation commission. Permit: Required to prune, injure or remove. Misdemeanor: Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail. Civil penalty: Up to $5,000 per tree.

Pruning, injuring or removing a landmark tree without a permit is a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, or a lesser infraction, under Section 8.52.160(A)-(B). The city can also sue for a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per tree or its full appraised replacement value, whichever is higher, and may suspend all building and use permits at the address for one year after an unpermitted removal.

This is one of the stricter rules in Pasadena's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Pasadena is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Pasadena, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Pasadena's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.