Pacifica, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Pacifica Municipal Code § 4-12.05
- Significant pruning threshold
- More than 15% of leaf/stem area
- Root cut threshold
- Roots 2 inches or more in diameter
- Standard applied
- ANSI A300 Standards
- Review period
- 14 calendar days
- Unpermitted pruning penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
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.
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 the City. ... No person may perform regulated work for which a permit application is pending. ... The tree pruning permit shall be granted by the Director based on the following criteria:(1)The condition of the tree, presence of disease, pest infestation, damage, public nuisance, risk, proximity to existing or proposed structures, and/or interference with utility services;(2)Whether the requested action is necessary for the economically viable use of the property; and(3)Pruning will be conducted in accordance with ANSI A-300 Standards.
Full Breakdown
05 of the Pacifica Municipal Code requires a tree pruning permit before anyone performs significant pruning on any part of a protected tree or City tree defined in Chapters 12 and 14 of Title 4. 02(s). The applicant must apply in writing specifying the number, species, diameter and location of the trees and the reason for the work, and no regulated work may proceed while the application is pending. Within fourteen calendar days, the Director inspects the tree and issues a proposed decision, granting the permit only if the tree's condition, disease, pest presence, damage, nuisance risk, or proximity to structures or utilities justifies it, the action is necessary for the property's economically viable use, and the pruning will follow the current ANSI A300 Standards for tree care operations.
The Director can require a horticulturist's, arborist's or landscape architect's written report before deciding, and can attach conditions to the approval. A building permit application that would require significant pruning, including on adjacent property or in the public right-of-way, likewise triggers the pruning permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
Performing significant pruning of a protected tree without a permit, or while a permit application is still pending, is a misdemeanor under Section 4-12.14(a) of the same Chapter 12 that governs pruning, punishable by up to a $1,000.00 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both, and the violation is treated as a public nuisance under Section 4-12.14(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a protected oak's branches in Pacifica?
What standard does the City use to approve tree pruning permits?
Can I start pruning while my permit application is still pending?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
California rules heatmap·Compare Pacifica to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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