2025 Ordinance
Previous Environmental
Climate Action Plan
Our tree canopy is one of the few things that distinguishes us from nearby cities. It's our treasure and we should do everything to protect it and expand it. p. 25
Trees provide shade and reduce temperatures through evapotranspiration. These benefits from strategically planted trees and vegetation can help reduce peak summer temperatures by 2-9°F. Increased tree cover and vegetation will help mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, which include areas in South Pasadena that experience compounded heating due to built environments absorbing more heat than rural communities. p. 71
It was conservatively assumed that the City of South Pasadena has the capacity to increase the City’s tree inventory by 5% in 2030 and 10% in 2045, or by 550 trees in 2030 and 1,100 trees in 2045. p. 205
The South Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 34 (Trees and Shrubs) as well as the General Plan Open Space and Resource Conservation Element incorporate goals and policies related to natural resources protection in the City. Additionally, the South Pasadena Tree Preservation Ordinance was established to preserve the trees and plantings on City property and enhance the ecological benefit to the community by providing for the regulation of planting, management, maintenance, preservation and, where necessary, the removal of public trees. (p. 290)
Green Action Plan
Supposed to be achieved by FY20/21 Q4
Goal IV: Mitigate Impacts of the Urban Heat Island Effect
Play 4: Increase the City’s Tree Canopy and Continue Supporting Tree Education.
Move IV.4.1: Review the City's tree ordinance and identify how it can be improved. The tree ordinance ensures that trees in the City are protected. The ordinance should be reviewed to identify ways that it may be improved.
Move IV.4.2: Determine possibility of planting more trees near public transportation stops. Trees help mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Move IV.4.3: Update educational materials on tree watering and distribute among sectors. Distribute via South Pasadena Beautiful's outreach events and communication channels.
Move IV.4.4: Create an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). An Urban Forest Management Plan will include inventories and assessments of the current status of the urban forest and a strategic plan for implementing and monitoring the City's urban forest vision. It will enable City staff to more effectively maintain and increase the City's tree canopy.
(p. 18)
NREC (January 23, 2024)
I gave public comment regarding lack of language regarding trees in Housing Element.
NREC (May 27, 2025)
Item 4: Tree ordinance review (Discussion)
I begged in bold, red-faced print: Please do not rubber stamp this and let it move on to the next commission.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqGyS7BqLbs
Public Safety Commission ()
Public Works Infrastructure Commission ()
NREC (July 7, 2025)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D4IJTEsvWE
Nrec ()
Council Study Session ()
Council Meeting (Sep 17, 2025)
NREC (Sep 23, 2025)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RNmCsKJIi4