Tree Protection in Pacifica, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Pacifica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In the City of Pacifica, certain native trees are automatically designated heritage trees once they reach a set trunk diameter: coast live oak, valley oak, California buckeye, Monterey pine and redwood at twelve inches, and toyon at four inches. The Director can also designate other trees for historic, specimen or habitat value. Owners get mailed notice and ten days to appeal a new designation.
Pacifica Heritage Tree Designation Rules
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 4-12-08(a), (b)
(a)All trees currently known to meet the following criteria within the City of Pacifica are hereby designated as heritage trees:(1)Any trees that are of the species Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak), Quercus lobata (valley oak), Aesculus californica (California buckeye), Pinus radiata (Monterey pine), or Sequoia sempervirens (redwood), which have a trunk diameter of twelve (12") inches or more...
Protected Tree Species
In the City of Pacifica, a "protected tree" is any tree on public or private property with a trunk diameter of twelve inches or more, any Director-designated heritage tree, or any grove of ten or more trees. Eucalyptus and species the California Invasive Plant Council lists as invasive are excluded from protection. The distinction determines which trees need a permit before removal or significant pruning.
Pacifica Protected Tree Species Definition
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 4-12.02(n)
"Protected tree" shall mean and include:(1)All trees on public and private property within the City of Pacifica, which have a trunk with a diameter of twelve (12") inches or greater at DBH.(2)Any heritage tree designated by the Director.(3)Any groves of trees.(4)Eucalyptus and any species determined invasive by the California Invasive Plants Council are not protected by this chapter, except gro...
Parkway Planting
In the City of Pacifica, planting any tree, shrub or other plant material in a street planting strip or planting easement requires a tree planting permit from the Department of Public Works under Pacifica Municipal Code § 4-14.05, unless a City employee or agent does the planting.
Pacifica Parkway Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 4-14.05
(a)A tree planting permit shall be required for the planting of any tree, shrub or other plant material in a planting strip or planting easement unless performed by an agent or employee of the City.(b)Any application for a tree planting permit must contain the number of trees/shrubs/other plant material to be planted, the location, size, species, and spacing of each tree, and such other informa...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pacifica city rules.
Tree Protection in San Mateo County →