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Chapter 12.60 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND PROCESSING

Pacific Grove Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Pacific Grove

§ 12.60.010. Permit required for certain work.

It shall be a violation of this title for anyone to Remove or cause to be Removed or Substantially Pruned a Protected Tree, except as allowed in this title and as addressed by the Urban Forestry Standards. In the absence of Development, Protected Trees shall not be Pruned or Removed unless determined by the city arborist. Applications for Removal of designated Trees associated with Development shall be processed as part of the community Development permit review and approval process for the project, as provided in PGMC Title 23, Zoning.

The city arborist may require relevant information, including on the basis of a Tree Report prepared by a Qualified Professional for the applicant, if deemed necessary. The city arborist may determine that a Tree Report is not necessary if the Tree should be Removed because it is dead, is high-risk, is a detriment to or crowding an adjacent Protected Tree, or constitutes a nuisance under PGMC § 12.40.030.

(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.60.020. Application for permit.

Removal of a Protected Tree requires completion of a Tree Removal application on forms provided by the city, accompanied by a fee as established in the city's master fee schedule. Any person desiring to do any of the work described in this title shall apply for such permit. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.60.030. Tree Report.

The application for Removal of one or more Protected Trees shall include a written Tree Report, as specified in the Urban Forestry Standards. The Report shall be prepared for the applicant by a Qualified Professional and shall be submitted to the city to provide accurate information and a professional opinion regarding the condition, welfare, maintenance, preservation, and value of a Protected Tree.

(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.60.040. Review of application.

The city arborist shall review each application and may inspect the Tree and the surrounding area to determine whether, and under what conditions, the permit is to be granted.

The city arborist may refer a permit application to the beautification and natural resources commission or other appropriate review body, in the case of designated Trees associated with Development, for review and a determination on permit approval or denial.

Before approving any application, the city arborist shall be required to make the findings that the approved actions best further the purposes of this title, as specified in PGMC § 12.10.020 (Findings).

(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.60.050. Public noticing requirements.

A permit to Remove or substantially alter any Protected Tree is not effective until the tenth

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City of Pacific Grove, CA § 12.60.050

PACIFIC GROVE CODE

§ 12.60.090

day following the date of posting the property on which the Tree or Trees subject to the permit are located, unless it is an Emergency or nuisance pursuant to PGMC § 12.40.030. The posted notice shall state that the permit approval may be appealed by any interested person during the 10-calendar-day posting period. City personnel shall post one notice on the subject Tree(s), two identical notices on public property within 200 feet of the property on which the subject Tree or Trees are located, in positions clearly visible to the public, and on the city's website. The subject Tree(s) must also be marked with a bright chartreuse ribbon around the trunk, which shall remain on the Tree until work has begun. All notices shall remain posted until all work is completed. Noticing for designated Trees shall follow the procedures as provided in PGMC Title 23, Zoning.

(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.60.060. Dead Trees and High-Risk Trees.

All permit applications for dead Trees and High-Risk Trees with a potential failure rating of nine or above shall be Removed in a timely manner and processed within 10 days and requirements for a Tree Report, public noticing, etc. shall be adjusted accordingly. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.60.070. New subdivisions – Cost of Trees paid to city.

Before any Street improvements in any new subdivision of real property in the city are accepted by the city council, the subdivider shall pay to the city the total cost for purchasing and planting of all Trees to be planted along all Streets in said subdivision. After receipt of said payment, the city will plant said Trees at the proper time as determined by the city arborist. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.60.080. Issuance of permit.

If approved, a permit shall be issued authorizing a scope of work, so long as it:

  • (a) Will not create, continue, or aggravate any hazardous condition or public nuisance;

  • (b) Will not prevent or interfere with the growth, location, or planting of approved Public Trees.

All work performed under a permit shall be performed according to the Urban Forestry Standards.

The city arborist shall include such conditions on a permit as are necessary to fulfill the standards set out herein.

Response will generally be mailed to the applicant within 10 days and in no case longer than 20 days, except in the case of designated Trees associated with Development where processing timelines are as provided in PGMC Title 23, Zoning.

Each Tree permit shall expire 60 days after its effective date, except in the case of designated Trees associated with Development where permit expirations are as provided in PGMC Title 23, Zoning. The city arborist may grant up to one extension not to exceed 30 days.

(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

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City of Pacific Grove, CA

TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST

§ 12.60.090

§ 12.60.090

§ 12.60.090. Time limits.

Whenever a number of days is specified in this title, or in any permit, condition of approval, notice issued or given as provided in this title, the number of days shall be construed as calendar days. Where the last of the specified number of days falls on a weekend, holiday, or other day city hall is closed, the time limit will extend to the following working day. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

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City of Pacific Grove, CA § 12.70.005

TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST

§ 12.70.020

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▸Contents — Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
  1. Article 2 — Boundaries
  2. Article 3 — Inalienable Rights of City
  3. Article 4 — Powers
  4. Article 5 — General Laws Applicable
  5. Article 5.5 — Residential Character of the City
  6. Article 6 — Officers and Employees
  7. Article 7 — Residential Qualifications
  8. Article 8 — Elections
  9. Article 9 — Canvass of Returns
  10. Article 10 — Oath of Office
  11. Article 11 — The Mayor
  12. Article 12.5 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  13. Article 12 — The Council
  14. Article 12.5 — Limitation of Terms
  15. Article 13 — Meetings of the Council
  16. Article 14 — Quorum
  17. Article 15 — Ordinances
  18. Article 19 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  19. Article 16 — The Initiative and Referendum
  20. Article 17 — The Recall
  21. Article 18 — Oaths and Subpoenas
  22. Article 19 — City Manager
  23. Article 20 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  24. Article 20 — City Manager Pro Tempore
  25. Article 23 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  26. Article 21 — Interference with or by City Manager
  27. Article 22 — City Clerk
  28. Article 23 — City Treasurer
  29. Article 26 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  30. Article 24 — City Attorney
  31. Article 25 — Compensation
  32. Article 26 — Appointive Commissions and Boards
  33. Article 26 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  34. Article 31 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  35. Article 27 — Approving Illegal Claims
  36. Article 28 — The Fiscal Year
  37. Article 29 — Budget
  38. Article 30 — Taxation
  39. Article 31 — Annual Tax Levy
  40. Article 34 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  41. Article 32 — Limit and Apportionment of the Tax Levy
  42. Article 33 — Special Tax Levy
  43. Article 34 — Tax Liens
  44. Article 39 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  45. Article 35 — Deposit of City Moneys
  46. Article 36 — Payment of City Moneys
  47. Article 37 — Annual Audit
  48. Article 38 — Inventory of City Property
  49. Article 39 — Franchises
  50. Article 41 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  51. Article 40 — Contracts on Public Works; Materials and Supplies
  52. Article 41 — Official Records
  53. Article 45 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  54. Article 42 — Newspaper Advertising
  55. Article 43 — Political Activities
  56. Article 44 — Conflict of Interest and Disclosure of Interest
  57. Article 45 — Enforcement.
  58. Article 46 — Validity.
  59. Title 1
  60. Title 2
  61. Chapter 2.50 — ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
  62. Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL[1 ]
  63. Chapter 2.05 — MAYOR
  64. Chapter 2.06 — CITY MANAGER
  65. Chapter 2.07 — CITY ATTORNEY
  66. Chapter 2.12 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
  67. Chapter 2.14 — INVENTORY
  68. Article I — General Provisions
  69. Article II
  70. Article III
  71. Article IV — Public Works Contracts
  72. Chapter 2.20 — ELECTION REGULATIONS
  73. Chapter 2.30 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE REGULATIONS
  74. Chapter 2.40 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST
  75. Chapter 2.50
  76. Chapter 2.60
  77. Chapter 2.70 — DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS
  78. Title 3
  79. Chapter 3.02
  80. Chapter 3.04 — PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS – OTHER BOARDS, COM…
  81. Chapter 3.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
  82. Chapter 3.24
  83. Chapter 3.28 — CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
  84. Chapter 3.30 — HEARING OFFICER PANEL (Repealed by Ord. 25-018)
  85. Chapter 3.40 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
  86. Chapter 3.42 — GOLF LINKS ADVISORY COMMISSION
  87. Chapter 3.46
  88. Title 4
  89. Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION
  90. Chapter 4.16 — SURETY BONDS
  91. Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE
  92. Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
  93. Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION[1 ]
  94. Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE (Repealed by Ord. 08…
  95. Chapter 4.12 — PEACE OFFICER TRAINING STANDARDS
  96. Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
  97. Article I — Definition Of Terms
  98. Article II — Personnel System
  99. Article III — Promotion And Recruitment Process
  100. Article VI — Classification Plan
  101. Article VII — Layoff Policy And Procedure
  102. Chapter 4.30
  103. Title 6
  104. Chapter 6.02
  105. Chapter 6.04 — TAX COLLECTION
  106. Chapter 6.06 — UNIFORM CLAIMS PRESENTATION
  107. Chapter 6.07 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
  108. Chapter 6.08 — UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAX[3 ]
  109. Chapter 6.09 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  110. Chapter 6.10
  111. Chapter 6.11
  112. Chapter 6.12 — REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE
  113. Chapter 6.14
  114. Chapter 6.16 — SPECIAL GAS TAX IMPROVEMENT FUND[5 ]
  115. Chapter 6.18 — INTERFUND LOANS
  116. Chapter 6.20 — WARRANTS
  117. Chapter 6.24 — WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND
  118. Chapter 6.28 — FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT FUND
  119. Chapter 6.32 — BOOK FUND
  120. Chapter 6.40
  121. Chapter 6.50
  122. Chapter 6.54 — PACIFIC GROVE HOSPITALITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  123. Title 7
  124. Chapter 7.04 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX[1 ]
  125. Chapter 7.06
  126. Chapter 7.08 — POOL HALLS
  127. Chapter 7.10 — DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SALES
  128. Chapter 7.12 — DANCE HALLS
  129. Chapter 7.14 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  130. Chapter 7.16 — TAXICABS
  131. Chapter 7.20 — ADVERTISING HANDBILLS[2 ]
  132. Chapter 7.30 — DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX
  133. Chapter 7.40 — SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE[3 ]
  134. Title 9
  135. Chapter 9.04 — HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  136. Article I
  137. Article II
  138. Article III
  139. Chapter 9.40 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
  140. Title 10
  141. Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
  142. Chapter 10.04 — DOGS[1 ]
  143. Chapter 10.08 — KEEPING ANIMALS AND FOWL[2 ]
  144. Chapter 10.10 — FEEDING ANIMALS[3 ]
  145. Chapter 10.14 — TRAPPING OF DOMESTICATED CATS
  146. Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
  147. Title 11
  148. Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
  149. Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
  150. Chapter 11.72 — AIRCRAFT LANDING; RECREATIONAL UAS PROHIBITED
  151. Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
  152. Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
  153. Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
  154. Chapter 11.04 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES[1 ]
  155. Chapter 11.08 — CURFEW FOR JUVENILES
  156. Chapter 11.09 — LOITERING
  157. Chapter 11.10 — GARAGE SALES
  158. Chapter 11.12 — SOLICITORS AND PEDDLERS
  159. Chapter 11.20 — CARD ROOMS[2 ]
  160. Chapter 11.24 — SMOKING REGULATIONS
  161. Chapter 11.26 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSE
  162. Chapter 11.32 — OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  163. Chapter 11.36 — DAMAGING PUBLIC BUILDINGS
  164. Chapter 11.38 — TRESPASS TO POSTED PUBLIC WORKS
  165. Chapter 11.40 — EXPECTORATING IN PUBLIC PLACES
  166. Chapter 11.42 — TRANSIT BUSES
  167. Chapter 11.45 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT
  168. Chapter 11.48 — MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
  169. Chapter 11.56 — FIRE SIGNAL CODE
  170. Chapter 11.60 — CONCEALED WEAPONS[4 ]
  171. Chapter 11.62 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  172. Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
  173. Chapter 11.72
  174. Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
  175. Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
  176. Chapter 11.92 — DISTURBANCE ABATEMENT
  177. Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
  178. Chapter 11.96 — UNLAWFUL NOISES
  179. Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT[5 ]
  180. Chapter 11.98 — REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
  181. Chapter 11.99 — FOOD PACKAGING (Repealed by Ord. 19-016)
  182. Chapter 11.100 — CANNABIS
  183. Chapter 11.101 — ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION
  184. Title 12
  185. Chapter 12.04 — INFECTED TREES, PLANTS AND SHRUBS
  186. Chapter 12.08 — WEED AND RUBBISH ABATEMENT[1 ]
  187. Chapter 12.10
  188. Chapter 12.16 — TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION
  189. Chapter 12.20 — PROTECTED TREES
  190. Chapter 12.30 — TREES AND DEVELOPMENT
  191. Chapter 12.40 — HIGH-RISK TREES AND NUISANCE TREES
  192. Chapter 12.50 — TREE SERVICE CONTRACTORS
  193. Chapter 12.60 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND PROCESSING
  194. Chapter 12.70 — APPEALS
  195. Title 14
  196. Chapter 14.08 — PARKS[2 ]
  197. Chapter 14.16 — EL CARMELO CEMETERY
  198. Title 15
  199. Chapter 15.01
  200. Chapter 15.08 — HOUSE NUMBERS
  201. Chapter 15.16 — SIDEWALKS
  202. Chapter 15.20 — DRIVEWAYS
  203. Chapter 15.24
  204. Chapter 15.26
  205. Chapter 15.29 — UNDERGROUNDING UTILITIES
  206. Chapter 15.30
  207. Chapter 15.40
  208. Title 16
  209. Chapter 16.04 — DEFINITIONS
  210. Chapter 16.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
  211. Chapter 16.16 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
  212. Chapter 16.20 — TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS
  213. Chapter 16.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
  214. Chapter 16.25 — CREATION OF CUL-DE-SAC STREETS
  215. Chapter 16.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
  216. Chapter 16.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
  217. Chapter 16.41 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT AREAS
  218. Chapter 16.44 — TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES[1 ]
  219. Chapter 16.64
  220. Chapter 16.70 — TRIP REDUCTION
  221. Title 18
  222. Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
  223. Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
  224. Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
  225. Chapter 18.04 — BUILDING CODES
  226. Chapter 18.08 — GREASE TRAPS
  227. Chapter 18.32 — FIRE PREVENTION[2 ]
  228. Chapter 18.36
  229. Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
  230. Chapter 15.08 — MCC, Water Wells, hereby is adopted in its ent…
  231. Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
  232. Chapter 18.42 — GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS (Repealed by Ord. 1…
  233. Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
  234. Chapter 18.46 — VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  235. Title 20
  236. Chapter 20.05 — DOWNTOWN SIGNS
  237. Title 21
  238. Chapter 21.04 — INTERFERENCE WITH RECEPTION
  239. Chapter 21.08 — STRUCTURAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
  240. Chapter 21.12
  241. Title 23
  242. Chapter 23.43 — INITIATIVE RESTRICTION OF USE OF GEORGE WASHIN…
  243. Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
  244. Chapter 23.84 — LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
  245. Chapter 23.04 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING REGULATIONS
  246. Chapter 23.16
  247. Chapter 23.20
  248. Chapter 23.29
  249. Chapter 23.31 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
  250. Chapter 23.32
  251. Chapter 23.43
  252. Chapter 23.45
  253. Chapter 23.58
  254. Chapter 23.60 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – PUD
  255. Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
  256. Chapter 23.68 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS[2 ]
  257. Chapter 23.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIE…
  258. Chapter 23.72 — PERMIT APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
  259. Chapter 23.73
  260. Chapter 23.74 — APPEALS AND CALL-UPS
  261. Chapter 23.76 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION[3 ]
  262. Chapter 23.77 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS[4 ]
  263. Chapter 23.78 — SALE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
  264. Chapter 23.79 — DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS[5 ]
  265. Chapter 23.80 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
  266. Chapter 23.81
  267. Chapter 23.82 — INTERPRETATIONS OF PERMITTED USE LISTS
  268. Chapter 23.84 — PGMC (Legislative Amendments). (Ord. 11-001 § …
  269. Chapter 23.86 — PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES
  270. Chapter 23.88 — ENFORCEMENT
  271. Chapter 23.90 — LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
  272. Chapter 23.92 — CANNABIS BUSINESSES
  273. Title 24
  274. Chapter 24.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  275. Chapter 24.05 — CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
  276. Chapter 24.06
  277. Chapter 24.08 — PARCEL MAP PROCEDURES
  278. Chapter 24.12 — FILING OF TENTATIVE MAP
  279. Chapter 24.20 — IMPOSITION OF FEES
  280. Chapter 24.24
  281. Chapter 24.32 — SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
  282. Chapter 24.40
  283. Chapter 24.48
  284. Chapter 24.52 — SCHOOL SITE DEDICATIONS
  285. Chapter 24.64 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
  286. Title SR
  287. § SR.001. General Provisions.
  288. § SR.002. Administration and Personnel.
  289. § SR.003. Revenue and Finance.
  290. § SR.004. Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations.
  291. § SR.005. Animals.
  292. § SR.006. Health and Safety.
  293. § SR.007. Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.
  294. § SR.008. Vehicles and Traffic.
  295. § SR.009. Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
  296. § SR.010. Public Services.
  297. § SR.011. Buildings and Construction.
  298. § SR.012. Subdivisions.
  299. § SR.014. Environment.
  300. Title CRT
  301. Title FR
  302. Title OL
  303. § OL.020. New Series

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