Pasadena, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- 13 native species listed by name
- Size threshold
- Trunk exceeding 8 inches DBH
- Designation
- Automatic; no hearing required
- Removal permit
- Needs one of six findings
- Misdemeanor
- Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
- Civil penalty
- Up to $5,000 per tree
Summary
Pasadena's tree ordinance lists thirteen native species, including coast live oak and California sycamore, that are automatically protected once their trunk exceeds 8 inches in diameter. Removing or injuring a listed native tree without a city permit is unlawful under Municipal Code Section 8.52.085(B).
"Native tree" means any tree with a trunk more than 8 inches in diameter at a height of 4½ feet above natural grade that is one of the following species: Quercus agrifolia (Coast live oak), Quercus engelmannii (Engelmann oak), Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon oak), Platanus racemosa (California sycamore), Juglans californica (California walnut), Quercus berberidifolia (Scrub oak), Quercus lobata (Valley oak), Umbellularia californica (California bay), Populus fremontii (Cottonwood), Alnus rhombifolia (California alder), Populus trichocarpa (Black cottonwood), Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo willow), and Aesculus californica (California buckeye). ... Native Tree. To injure, or to remove without a permit, any native tree located in the established front yard, required side yard, established corner yard, or required rear yard of all property located in a single-family residential or RM-12 multifamily residential zone, and in all areas of all other zoning district anywhere in the city.
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(P) whenever a trunk measures more than 8 inches in diameter at 4½ feet above natural grade: coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), Engelmann oak, canyon oak, California sycamore, California walnut, scrub oak, valley oak, California bay, cottonwood, California alder, black cottonwood, arroyo willow and California buckeye. 066 makes every tree meeting the species-and-size definition automatically protected as of the ordinance's effective date. 025(A). 085(B) makes it unlawful to injure a protected native tree at all, or to remove one without a permit. 075(A), including that the tree is unlikely to survive, its removal serves a public health or safety benefit that outweighs the tree's protection, or removal without permission would create a substantial hardship. 075(C). 160 for any other protected tree.
Violations & Fines
Injuring a protected native tree, or removing one without a permit, violates Section 8.52.085(B) and can be charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail under Section 8.52.160(A), or pursued as a civil action seeking up to $5,000 per tree, or its full appraised replacement value, plus a one-year freeze on building permits at the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tree species are protected as native trees in Pasadena?
Do I need a permit to remove a native oak tree in my yard?
Are native trees automatically protected, or do they need to be designated first?
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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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle protected tree species.