Pismo Beach, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Section 17.30.070 of the 1998 Zoning Code, one of the two zoning codes printed under Title 17 of the Pismo Beach Municipal Code, states its purpose as preserving native oak species in compliance with Policy CO-13 of the conservation and open space element of the general plan and local coastal plan. Subsection B defines what counts as protected: every native oak of the three named species that measures at least six inches in circumference at four and one-half feet above natural grade, except scrub oak. The size test is circumference at that height, not diameter.

The review authority applies these provisions when it reviews an application for site plan and architectural review, minor use permit, conditional use permit, planned development permit, variance, or specific plan. Subsection C carries the prohibition to the tree itself: cutting, removing, encroaching into, or removing brush from the protected zone of an oak, or removing or transplanting one, on any public or private property in the city, requires an authorizing land use permit.

Some oaks fall outside the rule even when a species matches. Dead trees, as verified by the director, are exempt, and so are domestic oak trees that do not exceed eight inches in diameter and are not within a public right-of-way or a front or street side setback. Utilities are held responsible for unnecessary damage to nonexempt oaks. Subsection G puts the burden on owners: anyone in possession or control of an oak on public or private property has a duty to keep it in a safe, healthy condition, and the section imposes no liability or duty of care on the city or its officers or employees.

Pismo Beach uses two adopted zoning codes. The city's Zoning and Land Use page states that properties inside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1983 Zoning Code, and properties outside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1998 Zoning Code.