Chapter 12.10
Pacific Grove Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Pacific Grove
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY, AND EFFECT
§ 12.10.010. Purpose.¶
(a) The purpose of this title is to facilitate the protection, preservation, and restoration of Pacific Grove's urban forest; and enhance the visual and aesthetic uniqueness of Pacific Grove, in accordance with the city of Pacific Grove General Plan.
(b) Accordingly, this title provides regulations relating to the Removal and Pruning of Trees in public and private areas, to safeguard life, limb, health, property, and public welfare, by managing the urban forest pursuant to these regulations and the Urban Forestry Standards, and by developing programs for the urban forest of the city of Pacific Grove.
(c) This code is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by Section7 of Article XI of the State Constitution to a city to make and enforce such local, police, sanitary, and other regulations as are not in conflict with the general laws of the state.
(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)
§ 12.10.020. Findings.¶
The city council makes the following general findings regarding the relationship between health, safety, and general welfare, and the selection, planting, conservation, protection, and maintenance of Trees in public and private areas as addressed in this chapter. These shall be the same findings as required to be made for a permit application for Protected Tree Removal and replacement.
(a) Trees are a valuable long-term community asset, and tend to increase property values.
(b) Trees protect us from climatic extremes. They recycle air and water, absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, provide shade and windbreak protection, and can potentially moderate temperatures for an entire neighborhood or community.
(c) Trees can improve human health by absorbing air pollution and trapping dust. In addition, they buffer noise from traffic and other sources.
(d) Trees diffuse the effects of rain that weather houses, erode topsoil, and cause flooding. They provide enrichment of the soil for more plant growth.
(e) Trees reduce the volume and slow the velocity of storm drainage and dry weather flows. They also are able to filter out many contaminants that would otherwise end up in the ocean.
(f) Trees provide habitat for wildlife.
(g) Trees contribute to the pleasantness and serenity of neighborhoods.
(h) The presence of Trees can do much to reduce the stress of modern living.
(i) Trees may enhance the architectural character of a neighborhood, accent or soften the effect of structures, promote visual formality and aesthetic interest, and screen undesirable views.
The above general findings are applicable when the health of Trees is preserved and the safety and general welfare of the public are observed. Healthy Trees are achieved when the right Trees
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City of Pacific Grove, CA
TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST
§ 12.10.020
§ 12.10.050
are planted in the right location and are properly maintained. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)
§ 12.10.030. Definitions.¶
For the purposes of this title, the definitions in the Urban Forestry Standards shall be the same as for the following regulations issued to implement this title. Terms defined in the Urban Forestry Standards are indicated with initial capital letters when used in this title. See www.ci.pg.ca.us\ UFS-Definitions.
(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)
§ 12.10.040. Applicability, conflicts, and other requirements.¶
(a) Applicability. This title applies to all Trees within the city of Pacific Grove, except on Federal lands exempt from these standards.
(b) Conflicts. If conflicts occur between this title and PGMC Title 18 (Buildings and Construction) or Title 23 (Zoning), or the Local Coastal Program, the more protective requirements shall prevail. If conflicts occur between this title and other titles of the PGMC, the Urban Forestry Standards, or other city regulations, this title shall prevail.
(c) Liability. Nothing contained in this title, within the adopted Urban Forestry Standards, other management programs, an adopted Street Tree landscaping plan, or other city document shall be deemed to impose any liability for duty of care or for damages upon the city, its officers, or employees, nor shall it relieve the owner of private property from the duty to keep a Protected Tree on his property or under his control, in such condition as to prevent it from constituting a hazard or an impediment to travel or vision upon any Street, park, boulevard, alley, or public place within the city.
(d) Severability. Should any part or provision of this title be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this title as a whole or any part thereof other than the part held to be invalid.
(e) Adoption of Standards. The city hereby adopts the Urban Forestry Standards, which may be amended from time to time.
(f) Adoption of Management Programs. The city may also adopt management programs, lists of appropriate Tree species, Public or Street Tree landscaping plans, and other standards for the planting, maintenance, and Removal of Trees on public lands. All work performed under this title shall be performed in accordance therewith.
(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)
§ 12.10.050. Authority and responsibility.¶
- (a) Generally. The Person in possession of Public Property and the owner of any private property shall have a duty to keep the Protected Trees upon the property and under their control in a safe and healthy condition.
The city shall be responsible for the maintenance of all Public and Street Trees. Pruning, other maintenance, and the replacement of Street Trees shall generally be the responsibility of the city and shall be at city's expense. Property owners may maintain, at their initiative, Street Trees on their property. Such maintenance shall be in full conformance with the
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City of Pacific Grove, CA § 12.10.050
PACIFIC GROVE CODE
§ 12.10.050
Urban Forestry Standards.
Pruning, condition assessment, and other maintenance by a Qualified Professional, and replacement of Trees on private property shall generally be the responsibility of the property owner(s) and shall be at property owner's expense. Any Person who determines that a Tree located on property possessed, owned, or controlled by them is a danger to the safety of themselves, others, or structural improvements on site or off site shall have an obligation to secure the area around the Tree, support the Tree, or Remove the Tree, as appropriate, to safeguard both Persons and improvements from harm. In determining the level of risk and urgency to address a potential danger, the requirements under Chapter 12.40 PGMC shall also apply.
It is the responsibility of all Persons owning any land within the city to keep all private Trees that extend over any public Street or walkway Pruned so as to Remove any foliage encroaching into space above a Street to a height of 14 feet, and above sidewalk areas to a height of eight feet. The city holds the same responsibility for Street Trees and other Public Trees.
Any person claiming both financial and physical inability to perform the duties set out in this section may petition the city manager for relief. If the city manager concurs that such inability exists, the city manager shall direct city crews to perform the required work.
(b) City Staff. The city manager, through the departments of public works and community development, shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of standards necessary for implementation of this title, known as the Urban Forestry Standards. The city arborist and public works director, among other duties, shall issue Tree maintenance and Removal permits, oversee implementation of the Urban Forestry Standards and other management activities, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this title.
(c) Beautification and Natural Resources Commission. The beautification and natural resources commission shall develop and maintain lists of Trees recommended for or discouraged for use as described in Landscape Trees for Pacific Grove. The commission shall make recommendations to the city council after consultation with city staff, arborists, and nursery operators familiar with the subjects of such plantings.
The beautification and natural resources commission shall prepare a Street Tree landscaping plan setting forth the types and kinds of Trees, especially recommending native species that are Suitable and desirable for planting along public Streets within the city.
Thereafter, the commission shall from time to time recommend to the city council updates covering the same subjects, each of which shall be complete in itself. Such lists shall be made available at city hall and shall be posted on the city's website.
(d) Utilities. Public and private utilities that have easements within the city-owned right-ofway shall be responsible for Tree management and appropriate Pruning consistent with this title and the Urban Forestry Standards in order to protect critical infrastructure, by obtaining a city-wide permit, in consultation with the city arborist.
(e) California Department of Transportation Right-of-Way. Within the State Highway 68 corridor, the California Department of Transportation shall have authority to manage Trees within the state-owned right-of-way, and is encouraged to implement Tree management
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City of Pacific Grove, CA
TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST
§ 12.10.050
§ 12.10.060
programs consistent with this title and the Urban Forestry Standards.
(Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)
§ 12.10.060. Enforcement.¶
Enforcement of this title shall be in accordance with PGMC Title 1. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)
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City of Pacific Grove, CA
TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST
§ 12.10.060
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Pacific Grove Municipal Code
- Article 2 — Boundaries
- Article 3 — Inalienable Rights of City
- Article 4 — Powers
- Article 5 — General Laws Applicable
- Article 5.5 — Residential Character of the City
- Article 6 — Officers and Employees
- Article 7 — Residential Qualifications
- Article 8 — Elections
- Article 9 — Canvass of Returns
- Article 10 — Oath of Office
- Article 11 — The Mayor
- Article 12.5 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 12 — The Council
- Article 12.5 — Limitation of Terms
- Article 13 — Meetings of the Council
- Article 14 — Quorum
- Article 15 — Ordinances
- Article 19 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 16 — The Initiative and Referendum
- Article 17 — The Recall
- Article 18 — Oaths and Subpoenas
- Article 19 — City Manager
- Article 20 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 20 — City Manager Pro Tempore
- Article 23 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 21 — Interference with or by City Manager
- Article 22 — City Clerk
- Article 23 — City Treasurer
- Article 26 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 24 — City Attorney
- Article 25 — Compensation
- Article 26 — Appointive Commissions and Boards
- Article 26 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 31 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 27 — Approving Illegal Claims
- Article 28 — The Fiscal Year
- Article 29 — Budget
- Article 30 — Taxation
- Article 31 — Annual Tax Levy
- Article 34 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 32 — Limit and Apportionment of the Tax Levy
- Article 33 — Special Tax Levy
- Article 34 — Tax Liens
- Article 39 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 35 — Deposit of City Moneys
- Article 36 — Payment of City Moneys
- Article 37 — Annual Audit
- Article 38 — Inventory of City Property
- Article 39 — Franchises
- Article 41 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 40 — Contracts on Public Works; Materials and Supplies
- Article 41 — Official Records
- Article 45 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 42 — Newspaper Advertising
- Article 43 — Political Activities
- Article 44 — Conflict of Interest and Disclosure of Interest
- Article 45 — Enforcement.
- Article 46 — Validity.
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.50 — ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
- Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL[1 ]
- Chapter 2.05 — MAYOR
- Chapter 2.06 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.07 — CITY ATTORNEY
- Chapter 2.12 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.14 — INVENTORY
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II
- Article III
- Article IV — Public Works Contracts
- Chapter 2.20 — ELECTION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.30 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.40 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST
- Chapter 2.50
- Chapter 2.60
- Chapter 2.70 — DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.02
- Chapter 3.04 — PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS – OTHER BOARDS, COM…
- Chapter 3.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 3.24
- Chapter 3.28 — CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
- Chapter 3.30 — HEARING OFFICER PANEL (Repealed by Ord. 25-018)
- Chapter 3.40 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
- Chapter 3.42 — GOLF LINKS ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 3.46
- Title 4
- Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION
- Chapter 4.16 — SURETY BONDS
- Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE
- Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
- Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION[1 ]
- Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE (Repealed by Ord. 08…
- Chapter 4.12 — PEACE OFFICER TRAINING STANDARDS
- Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
- Article I — Definition Of Terms
- Article II — Personnel System
- Article III — Promotion And Recruitment Process
- Article VI — Classification Plan
- Article VII — Layoff Policy And Procedure
- Chapter 4.30
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.02
- Chapter 6.04 — TAX COLLECTION
- Chapter 6.06 — UNIFORM CLAIMS PRESENTATION
- Chapter 6.07 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 6.08 — UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAX[3 ]
- Chapter 6.09 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 6.10
- Chapter 6.11
- Chapter 6.12 — REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 6.14
- Chapter 6.16 — SPECIAL GAS TAX IMPROVEMENT FUND[5 ]
- Chapter 6.18 — INTERFUND LOANS
- Chapter 6.20 — WARRANTS
- Chapter 6.24 — WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND
- Chapter 6.28 — FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT FUND
- Chapter 6.32 — BOOK FUND
- Chapter 6.40
- Chapter 6.50
- Chapter 6.54 — PACIFIC GROVE HOSPITALITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Title 7
- Chapter 7.04 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX[1 ]
- Chapter 7.06
- Chapter 7.08 — POOL HALLS
- Chapter 7.10 — DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SALES
- Chapter 7.12 — DANCE HALLS
- Chapter 7.14 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 7.16 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 7.20 — ADVERTISING HANDBILLS[2 ]
- Chapter 7.30 — DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX
- Chapter 7.40 — SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE[3 ]
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.04 — HEALTH DEPARTMENT
- Article I
- Article II
- Article III
- Chapter 9.40 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
- Chapter 10.04 — DOGS[1 ]
- Chapter 10.08 — KEEPING ANIMALS AND FOWL[2 ]
- Chapter 10.10 — FEEDING ANIMALS[3 ]
- Chapter 10.14 — TRAPPING OF DOMESTICATED CATS
- Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
- Title 11
- Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
- Chapter 11.72 — AIRCRAFT LANDING; RECREATIONAL UAS PROHIBITED
- Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
- Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 11.04 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES[1 ]
- Chapter 11.08 — CURFEW FOR JUVENILES
- Chapter 11.09 — LOITERING
- Chapter 11.10 — GARAGE SALES
- Chapter 11.12 — SOLICITORS AND PEDDLERS
- Chapter 11.20 — CARD ROOMS[2 ]
- Chapter 11.24 — SMOKING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.26 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSE
- Chapter 11.32 — OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 11.36 — DAMAGING PUBLIC BUILDINGS
- Chapter 11.38 — TRESPASS TO POSTED PUBLIC WORKS
- Chapter 11.40 — EXPECTORATING IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 11.42 — TRANSIT BUSES
- Chapter 11.45 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT
- Chapter 11.48 — MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
- Chapter 11.56 — FIRE SIGNAL CODE
- Chapter 11.60 — CONCEALED WEAPONS[4 ]
- Chapter 11.62 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.72
- Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
- Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
- Chapter 11.92 — DISTURBANCE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.96 — UNLAWFUL NOISES
- Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT[5 ]
- Chapter 11.98 — REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
- Chapter 11.99 — FOOD PACKAGING (Repealed by Ord. 19-016)
- Chapter 11.100 — CANNABIS
- Chapter 11.101 — ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.04 — INFECTED TREES, PLANTS AND SHRUBS
- Chapter 12.08 — WEED AND RUBBISH ABATEMENT[1 ]
- Chapter 12.10
- Chapter 12.16 — TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION
- Chapter 12.20 — PROTECTED TREES
- Chapter 12.30 — TREES AND DEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 12.40 — HIGH-RISK TREES AND NUISANCE TREES
- Chapter 12.50 — TREE SERVICE CONTRACTORS
- Chapter 12.60 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND PROCESSING
- Chapter 12.70 — APPEALS
- Title 14
- Chapter 14.08 — PARKS[2 ]
- Chapter 14.16 — EL CARMELO CEMETERY
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.01
- Chapter 15.08 — HOUSE NUMBERS
- Chapter 15.16 — SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 15.20 — DRIVEWAYS
- Chapter 15.24
- Chapter 15.26
- Chapter 15.29 — UNDERGROUNDING UTILITIES
- Chapter 15.30
- Chapter 15.40
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 16.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
- Chapter 16.16 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 16.20 — TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS
- Chapter 16.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 16.25 — CREATION OF CUL-DE-SAC STREETS
- Chapter 16.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 16.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 16.41 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT AREAS
- Chapter 16.44 — TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES[1 ]
- Chapter 16.64
- Chapter 16.70 — TRIP REDUCTION
- Title 18
- Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
- Chapter 18.04 — BUILDING CODES
- Chapter 18.08 — GREASE TRAPS
- Chapter 18.32 — FIRE PREVENTION[2 ]
- Chapter 18.36
- Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 15.08 — MCC, Water Wells, hereby is adopted in its ent…
- Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 18.42 — GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS (Repealed by Ord. 1…
- Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
- Chapter 18.46 — VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Title 20
- Chapter 20.05 — DOWNTOWN SIGNS
- Title 21
- Chapter 21.04 — INTERFERENCE WITH RECEPTION
- Chapter 21.08 — STRUCTURAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 21.12
- Title 23
- Chapter 23.43 — INITIATIVE RESTRICTION OF USE OF GEORGE WASHIN…
- Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 23.84 — LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 23.04 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 23.16
- Chapter 23.20
- Chapter 23.29
- Chapter 23.31 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 23.32
- Chapter 23.43
- Chapter 23.45
- Chapter 23.58
- Chapter 23.60 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – PUD
- Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 23.68 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS[2 ]
- Chapter 23.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIE…
- Chapter 23.72 — PERMIT APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
- Chapter 23.73
- Chapter 23.74 — APPEALS AND CALL-UPS
- Chapter 23.76 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION[3 ]
- Chapter 23.77 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS[4 ]
- Chapter 23.78 — SALE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
- Chapter 23.79 — DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS[5 ]
- Chapter 23.80 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 23.81
- Chapter 23.82 — INTERPRETATIONS OF PERMITTED USE LISTS
- Chapter 23.84 — PGMC (Legislative Amendments). (Ord. 11-001 § …
- Chapter 23.86 — PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES
- Chapter 23.88 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 23.90 — LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
- Chapter 23.92 — CANNABIS BUSINESSES
- Title 24
- Chapter 24.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 24.05 — CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
- Chapter 24.06
- Chapter 24.08 — PARCEL MAP PROCEDURES
- Chapter 24.12 — FILING OF TENTATIVE MAP
- Chapter 24.20 — IMPOSITION OF FEES
- Chapter 24.24
- Chapter 24.32 — SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
- Chapter 24.40
- Chapter 24.48
- Chapter 24.52 — SCHOOL SITE DEDICATIONS
- Chapter 24.64 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
- Title SR
- § SR.001. General Provisions.
- § SR.002. Administration and Personnel.
- § SR.003. Revenue and Finance.
- § SR.004. Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations.
- § SR.005. Animals.
- § SR.006. Health and Safety.
- § SR.007. Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.
- § SR.008. Vehicles and Traffic.
- § SR.009. Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
- § SR.010. Public Services.
- § SR.011. Buildings and Construction.
- § SR.012. Subdivisions.
- § SR.014. Environment.
- Title CRT
- Title FR
- Title OL
- § OL.020. New Series