San Diego, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- Pinus Torreyana (Torrey Pine)
- Named lots
- Pueblo Lots 1332, 1337, 1338
- Also covers
- any other public City lots/lands
- Enacted
- 1952 by Ordinance O-5046
- Scope
- does not cover private property
Summary
San Diego Municipal Code § 63.07 makes it unlawful to cut, injure, or destroy any Torrey Pine tree (Pinus Torreyana) growing on city-owned Pueblo Lots 1332, 1337, 1338, or any other public lots or lands within city limits.
That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to cut, injure or destroy any trees known as the "Pinus Torreyana" growing upon Pueblo Lots Nos. 1332, 1337 and 1338 or any other public lots or lands, belonging to and within the corporate limits of the City of San Diego.
(Incorp. 1-22-1952 by O-5046 N.S.)
Ch. Art. Div. 6 3 0 2 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, (3-2025) Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings
Full Breakdown
San Diego Municipal Code § 63.07, part of the Park and Recreation provisions in Chapter 6, Article 3, has protected the Torrey Pine since the city's 1952 code incorporation (Ordinance O-5046 N.S.). It bars cutting, injuring, or destroying the species, one of the rarest pines in North America and San Diego's namesake tree, growing on Pueblo Lots 1332, 1337, and 1338, plus any other public lots or lands the City owns. The protection is limited to City-owned property; it does not extend to Torrey Pines growing on private lots, which fall outside this section's reach.
Violations & Fines
The section states no penalty class of its own; Municipal Code violations without a stated penalty default to enforcement as a misdemeanor under SDMC § 12.0201. The rule applies only to City-owned public lots and lands, not private property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule protect Torrey Pines on my private property?
What trees does San Diego's ordinance protect?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle protected tree species.