Tree removal in Pacifica: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Pacifica Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Pacifica's code says

Pacifica code What Pacifica's code adds
Exemptions	Removal at once is allowed on order of the Director, the Public Safety Director, or a designee. Applies: Applies when the tree's condition needs immediate action for the safety of life, health or property. § 4-12-09 · code text the tree may be removed immediately upon the order of the Director or the Director of the Department of Public Safety or his or her designee. The Director or City staff decides whether a permit is needed. Applies: Applies to dead or dying trees. § 4-12.04 · code text The Director or the Director's appointed City staff will assess the need for a permit related to dead/dying tree(s).
Penalty	A penalty at a damage rate set by the Director, paid into the city's Tree Fund. Applies: Applies when not following tree protection rules damages or destroys a tree. § 4-12.11 · code text the Director may issue a Stop Work Order until a mitigation plan has been reviewed and approved by the Director and shall be subject to a penalty, at a damage rate determined and periodically revised by the Director.
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Applies to protected trees or City trees, including removal on private land or required by a building permit. § 4-12.04 · code text Any person who desires to remove a protected tree or City tree as defined in Chapter 14 of Title 4 this Code shall apply in writing to the Director No separate removal permit; the required tree protection plan covers removal. Applies: Applies to projects needing a discretionary approval, or work within 50 feet of a protected tree, when such a plan is required. § 4-12.11 · code text Such projects are exempt from obtaining a tree removal permit from the Director pursuant to Section 4-12.06.
Replacement trees	At least 2 replacement trees for every healthy tree removed. Applies: Applies to removal under a tree removal permit. § 4-12.04 · code text replacement planting of a minimum of two (2) replacement trees for every otherwise healthy tree removed May have to pay the mature tree's value minus 2 replacement trees, or its full value instead of replanting. Applies: Applies when on-site replacement is not feasible. § 4-12.04 · code text may be required to pay the replacement value of the mature protected tree minus the cost of the two (2) replacement trees or payment of the full replacement value of a mature tree or trees in lieu thereof if on-site replacement is not feasible. The same species as the removed tree, or one of similar mature size. Applies: Applies to replacement trees. § 4-12.04 · code text Replacement tree shall be the same species as the tree removed or a species of similar mature stature, unless otherwise specified by the Director. At least 1.5 inches caliper and at least 15-gallon size, unless the Director approves otherwise. Applies: Applies to replacement tree size. § 4-12.04 · code text Replacement tree shall be a minimum of one and one-half (1.5") inches measured with calipers and at least a 15-gallon tree, unless otherwise approved by the Director. More replacement trees are required. Applies: Applies when the first replacement trees fail to establish. § 4-12.04 · code text in the event the original replacement tree(s) fail to establish, a subsequent replacement tree(s) shall be required.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Pacifica?

Pacifica's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Applies to protected trees or City trees, including removal on private land or required by a building permit.) (§ 4-12.04); At least 2 replacement trees for every healthy tree removed. (Applies to removal under a tree removal permit.) (§ 4-12.04).

Tree removal in Pacifica

What Pacifica's code says

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