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Tree Protection

Tree Protection in San Diego, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in San Diego or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Diego has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Parkway Planting

San Diego's Park and Recreation Director sets a citywide street tree planting map under §62.0614, zoning streets for specific tree and shrub species and fixing the spacing and exact planting spot for each parkway tree.

Key details: Plan sets: species, spacing, exact locations. Adopted by: San Diego City Council. Administered by: Park and Recreation Director. Citation: SDMC §62.0614.

Planting a street tree outside the adopted Uniform Street Planting Map, or without the Park and Recreation Director's approval required under §62.0603, can result in removal of the nonconforming planting at the property owner's expense.

Protected Tree Species

San Diego Municipal Code § 63.07 makes it unlawful to cut, injure, or destroy any Torrey Pine tree (Pinus Torreyana) growing on city-owned Pueblo Lots 1332, 1337, 1338, or any other public lots or lands within city limits.

Key details: Protected species: Pinus Torreyana (Torrey Pine). Named lots: Pueblo Lots 1332, 1337, 1338. Also covers: any other public City lots/lands. Enacted: 1952 by Ordinance O-5046. Scope: does not cover private property.

The section states no penalty class of its own; Municipal Code violations without a stated penalty default to enforcement as a misdemeanor under SDMC § 12.0201. The rule applies only to City-owned public lots and lands, not private property.

Compared to other cities, San Diego takes a harder line on protected tree species. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

San Diego's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Diego is broadly strict or permissive.

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