Pasadena, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Municipal Code §§ 8.52.020, 8.52.085(G)
- Parkway
- Strip between property line and curb
- Species source
- City's master street tree plan
- Allowed species
- Only the designated official street tree
- Violation
- Civil penalty plus removal/replacement
- Plan changes
- Design commission recommends amendments
Summary
Pasadena requires parkway, median and traffic-island trees to match the city's master street tree plan. Municipal Code Section 8.52.085(G) makes it unlawful to plant any species other than the officially designated street tree in these public rights-of-way, and violators face a civil penalty for the wrong-species planting.
"Master street tree plan" means the comprehensive street tree plan approved by the city council, which lists the official street tree to be planted or replaced for all streets or sections of streets within the city. ... "Official street tree" means an approved species of street tree designated in the master street tree plan. ... "Parkway" means an area between the property line and the face of the curb, or an area between the property line and the area where the face of the curb would ordinarily be located. ... G. To plant a tree of a species other than the official street tree in a parkway, median or traffic island, and a violator shall be subject to a civil penalty.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
020(R). 020(Q). 085(G) makes it a prohibited act to plant a tree of any other species in a parkway, median or traffic island, and a violator is subject to a civil penalty. 030. 020(W)-(AA), residents may not choose their own parkway tree species even when they plant and pay for it themselves; coordination with the city's urban forestry staff is needed to confirm which species is designated for the abutting street segment before planting. 160(C).
Violations & Fines
Planting a non-official species in a parkway, median or traffic island violates Section 8.52.085(G) and triggers a civil penalty. The city manager may also pursue the violation through a compliance order or administrative citation under Chapters 1.25 and 1.26, per Section 8.52.160(C), and can require the unauthorized tree's removal and replacement with the correct official street tree species at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species can I plant in the parkway strip in front of my Pasadena home?
What happens if I plant the wrong tree species in the parkway?
Who decides which tree species belongs on each Pasadena street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Pasadena to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle parkway planting.