San Diego County, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 8973
- Min. tree size at planting
- 10 ft tall or 2-in. caliper
- Open soil area per tree
- 25 sq. ft. minimum
- Mulch depth
- 3 inches minimum
- Geographic scope
- Alpine Village Core only
Summary
In Alpine Village Core, County Zoning Ordinance section 8973 requires street trees in the parkway's Furnishing Zone to be planted at least 10 feet tall with a 25-square-foot open soil area and 3 inches of mulch.
When planted, Street Trees shall be a minimum height of ten (10) feet and / or two (2) inches in caliper. A minimum 25 sq. ft. open soil area shall be left around each Street Tree, centered at the tree trunk with a Tree Grate (Table AL-6.5.i). Mulch shall be applied to the open soil area to a minimum depth of three (3) inches. Street Trees shall be planted in a regularly-spaced Allee pattern as illustrated on Table AL-6.5.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
San Diego County's Alpine Village Core Form-Based Code (Zoning Ordinance Part Eight, section 8973) governs the Public Frontage strip between curb and sidewalk. Street Trees must come from the approved species list on Table AL-6.4, be planted in a regularly-spaced Allee pattern, and measure at least 10 feet tall or 2 inches in caliper at installation. Each tree needs a minimum 25-square-foot open soil area with a tree grate and 3 inches of mulch, reviewed by County Planning and Development Services. The standard applies only inside the Alpine Village Core zoning districts, not countywide.
Violations & Fines
New development in the Alpine Village Core cannot clear Site Plan Review, and therefore cannot get a building permit, unless its street tree plan meets these species, spacing, height and soil-area standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to all of unincorporated San Diego County?
Can Street Tree spacing be changed for site conditions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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