National City, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 13.18.090, Chapter 13.18
- Planting standard
- Approved tree palettes and species master list
- Exceptions
- Parks board recommendation plus city engineer approval
- Root-zone clearance
- At least eighteen inches from trunk (§ 13.18.150(C))
- Off-list tree or shrub
- City engineer's written approval required
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 1.36.160; restitution for damage
Summary
In National City, every tree planted in a city right-of-way, park or other public space must conform to the approved tree palettes and the approved tree species master list in the urban forest management plan. Exceptions need a parks board recommendation and city engineer approval, and planting a city tree in a parkway needs written permission from the city engineer first.
All trees to be planted in city rights-of-way, parks, or other public spaces shall conform to approved tree palettes identified in adopted city and community master plans, general plans, specific plans, and any maintenance plans, and as reflected in the approved tree species master list contained in the urban forest management plan. Exceptions may be granted subject to recommendation by the parks, recreation, and senior citizens' advisory board and the review and approval of the city engineer, or designee. The initial approved tree species master list shall be reviewed and approved by the city council. Minor revisions may be made by the city engineer, or designee, following review by the parks, recreation, and senior citizens' advisory board.
Full Breakdown
Section 13.18.090 of the National City Municipal Code sets the planting standard for public ground: species, cultivars and varieties must match the approved tree palettes in adopted city and community master plans, general plans, specific plans and maintenance plans, as reflected in the approved tree species master list. The city council approved the initial list, and the city engineer makes minor revisions after review by the parks, recreation, and senior citizens' advisory board.
Section 13.18.040(A) says the list considers ultimate tree canopy and root growth, compatibility with nearby buildings, sidewalks and streets, shade canopy and fire resistance. It also names invasive or otherwise undesirable trees that public or private parties cannot plant as part of a development plan, and the list is available to the public. A street tree is a single-trunk woody plant reaching ten feet or more at maturity that can be pruned to a branch-free trunk at least nine feet high (§ 13.18.040(Y)).
In the parkway, § 13.18.160 bars planting any tree, shrub, plant or ground cover except as the chapter provides. Grass, turf and other ground cover are allowed if not permitted to attach to or ascend a tree trunk, and the adjacent property owner does the planting, mowing, watering and fertilizing. Section 13.18.170(A)(2) requires the city engineer's written approval before planting any tree or shrub not on the master list or council-adopted maintenance plan.
When a building permit requires sidewalks, parkway landscaping must also be installed (§ 13.18.120). An unlandscaped parkway is leveled to the grade of the adjoining sidewalk or curb and kept free of weeds and litter by the adjoining owner (§ 13.18.130). No large-growth species goes under overhead lines or over underground utilities if its growth would interfere with them (§ 13.18.200), and nothing that impedes air or water to the roots can be placed unless a radius of at least eighteen inches around the trunk stays open (§ 13.18.150(C)).
Violations & Fines
A parkway tree or shrub planted without an approved permit or not on the master list at planting can be treated as a nuisance, for example if the species is declared invasive, and public works can trim, prune, cut or remove it (§ 13.18.180(B)). Violations are punishable as prescribed in § 1.36.160, a misdemeanor punishable under § 1.20.010, and the city can also seek restitution for damage to city trees (§ 13.18.190). If required work is not done in time, the city can do it and lien the property (§ 13.18.050(C)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trees can be planted in a National City parkway?
Can I plant grass or ground cover in the parkway?
How do I get an exception to the species list?
Does a new sidewalk trigger parkway landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in National City
California rules heatmap·Compare National City to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle parkway planting.