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Chapter 12.40 — HIGH-RISK TREES AND NUISANCE TREES

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

§ 12.40.010. High-Risk Trees.

A Tree with: (a) one or more defects (e.g., disease, significant lean, large cracks, a shallow root system); and (b) one or more targets (e.g., a use area or structure that would be struck or otherwise damaged in the event the Tree fell) imposes risks upon the community; or (c) because of age, is nearing mortality. Risk levels shall be determined using the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Hazard Tree Evaluation rating system, as detailed in the Urban Forestry Standards.

Protected Trees in the moderate risk category, with a potential failure rating of six to eight, shall be monitored by the property owner at least annually, as well as upon any significant change in condition. Actions should be considered that will ameliorate the risk and that may extend the life of the Tree. The property owner shall develop a course of action for any Protected Tree in the High-Risk category, with a potential failure rating of nine or higher. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

§ 12.40.020. Actions to be undertaken for dead Trees and Trees assessed as High-Risk.

When a Protected Tree is assessed as high-risk, the actions taken shall be those that Remove the risk while imposing the least impact on the Tree. Such actions may involve Removing a critical limb, drastically reducing the Tree's overall height, or Removing the Tree. If the situation is an Emergency, such that the Tree would be given a potential failure rating of 12, extreme, immediate action is necessary, including, for example, cordoning off the area, to ameliorate the risk, until the appropriate work can be completed. No notice shall be required for Emergency Tree Removal.

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

§ 12.40.030. Nuisance Trees.

A Tree meeting one or more of the following criteria may be determined to be a public nuisance:

  • (a) Containing one or more limbs that obscure and impair the view of passing motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians so as to create a safety hazard;

  • (b) Limiting access to a fire hydrant or other facility necessary for public safety;

  • (c) Being irretrievably infested or infected with insect, borer, pest or disease that results in mortality, and that may infect or attack adjacent Trees, which cannot be preventatively treated;

  • (d) Being infected with pitch canker and having crown damage that exceeds 50 percent of total canopy volume, or has other crown damage exceeding 50 percent;

  • (e) Imposing a detriment to or crowding an adjacent Protected Tree;

  • (f) Being of an invasive species as identified by Landscape Trees for Pacific Grove, the California Invasive Plant Council, or the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee;

  • (g) Such other conditions as agreed to by the city arborist and the property owner. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

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City of Pacific Grove, CA

TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST

§ 12.40.040

§ 12.40.040

§ 12.40.040. Abatement of nuisance.

The property owner is responsible for addressing the nuisance, using appropriate techniques; if the Tree is a Protected Tree, the owner shall follow the processes detailed in Chapter 12.60 PGMC (Permit Application and Processing). When a Tree imposing a nuisance exists, for which the owner is not taking the appropriate action, the city arborist may give written notice thereof to the property owner, in the manner provided in PGMC § 1.12.010 (Giving of notice). Such notice shall describe the condition, state the work necessary to remedy the condition, and shall specify the time within which the work is to be performed. After the giving of such notice a copy shall be conspicuously posted on the property upon which such public nuisance is alleged to exist. If, at the end of the time specified, such work has not been performed, the city may perform such work, and the cost thereof shall constitute a charge against such owner, and, if unpaid within 90 days of notice, shall be proposed to the city council as a lien on such property. (Ord. 12-017 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-013 § 3, 2013)

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City of Pacific Grove, CA

TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST

§ 12.50.010

§ 12.50.020

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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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