Landscaping Rules in Pacifica, CA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Pacifica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Pacifica, significant pruning of a protected tree, more than fifteen percent of its leaf and stem area or roots two inches or larger, requires a written tree pruning permit from the Public Works Director. The Director must find the pruning necessary and conforming to ANSI A300 standards before issuing conditions. Pruning without a permit while an application is pending is barred outright.
Pacifica Protected Tree Pruning Permit
Significant RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 4-12.05(a), (c)
Tree pruning permit. ... Any person who desires to perform significant pruning on any part of a protected tree or City tree as defined in Chapter 14 of Title 4 this Code shall apply in writing to the Director and specify the number, species, diameter, and exact location of the tree(s) involved, a statement of the reason for the pruning and any other pertinent information as may be required by t...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Pacifica, removing a protected tree, defined as any tree twelve inches or more in trunk diameter, a designated heritage tree, or part of a grove, requires a written tree removal permit from the Public Works Director. The Director reviews the application within fourteen days and can condition approval on replacing the tree. Removing a protected tree without a permit is a misdemeanor.
Pacifica Protected Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 4-12.04(a), (e)
Tree removal permit. ... Any person who desires to remove a protected tree or City tree as defined in Chapter 14 of Title 4 this Code shall apply in writing to the Director and specify the number, species, diameter, and exact location of the tree or trees involved, a statement of the reason for the removal, and any other pertinent information as may be required by the City. ... An arborist's re...
Weed Ordinances
Pacifica does not set a numeric weed height limit; instead Municipal Code § 5-25.03(B)(7) declares dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds and other vegetation a public nuisance whenever they endanger public health and safety, harm nearby property, or add to fire risk. Code Enforcement can order abatement under Chapter 25.
Pacifica Dead & Hazardous Vegetation Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 5-25.03(B)(7)
(7)Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds, and other vegetation that cause or contribute to any one of the following conditions:(a)A danger to public health, safety and welfare; or(b)Detrimental to nearby property; or(c)Causing or adding to a fire hazard.
Rainwater Harvesting
In the City of Pacifica, potable rainwater harvesting systems fall under the California Plumbing Code, which the city adopts by reference at Municipal Code Section 8-3.01, including Appendix K, "Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems." Pacifica has not written its own catchment ordinance: design, installation and testing standards for these systems track the 2025 California Plumbing Code exactly, with no city-specific amendments layered on top.
Rainwater Catchment Systems in Pacifica, CA
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 8-3.01
Sec. 8-3.01. - Adoption of the California Plumbing Code. For the purpose of regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and maintenance of all buildings and structures and grading in the City of Pacifica, Chapters 1 through 17 including Appendix A ("Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pacifica city rules.
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