HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-22 City Council (9)City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:
FROM:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND 0
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:
SUBJECT:
JANUARY 22, 2001 CMR: 112: 01
REVISION OF ORDINANCE 4362, THE TREE PRESERVATION
AND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council include redwood trees in an update to existing Ordinance
4362, the Tree Preservation and Management Regulations, Palo Alto Municipal Code
(PAMC) Chapter 8.10 (See Attachment A).
BACKGROUND
In 1996, the City Council enacted Ordinance No. 4362 (see Attachment B), effective on
January 1, 1997 in order to protect specified native oak trees from removal, except in
certain circumstances. This was codified in PAMC Chapter 8.10. On September 11,
2000, City Council directed staff to study Ordinance No. 4362 and make
recommendations about whether or not to include protectionof other species, including
coast.redwoods. Council direction was given for the following reasons:
Preservation of native coast redwood trees is important to the City of Palo Alto
for many reasons, including but not limited to conservation of the aesthetic and
scenic beauty of the City, and furtherance of the public health and safety by
aiding in the reduction of pollution, provision of shade, and absorption of
rainwater, among other things.
Redwood trees have a special role in Palo Alto’s history due to the original "El
Palo Alto" redwood serving as a regional landmark. The City Seal includes a
redwood tree as its central focus. Moreover, redwood trees are planted widely
in Palo Alto so that virtually every neighborhood has been and can be impacted
by the removal of large redwoods.
CMR: 112:01 P, age 1 of 6
On October 10, 2000, City Council considered and ultimately did not pass an Urgency
Redwood Ordinance and instead directed staff to return to Council by the end of January
2001 with recommendations about including redwoods on the list of protected trees in the
City. The Council also directed staff to conduct community outreach so that residents
and business owners would be aware of potential changes to the existing ordinance.
DISCUSSION
The City Attorney has drafted an ordinance (see Attachment A) that is consistent with
.Council’s October 10, 2000 direction. Section 8.10.020, Definitions, of Chapter 8.10 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code would be amended to add redwoods to the definition bf
"Protected Tree". Specifically, "protected tree" would have the additional definition,
"Any Redwood tree (species Sequoia sempervirens) that is eighteen inches in diameter
(fifty-seven inches in circumference) or more when measured four and one-half feet (fifty-
four inches) above natural grade."
Community Outreach and Input
During the past three months, staff has reviewed the existing tree ordinance, reviewed
tree ordinances from other cities, consulted with the Public Works Managing Arborist
and conducted an extensive community outreach program (see Attachment D). The
public outreach program consisted of a web page update; e-mail account; community
forum; two mailings to over 180 professionals,, neighborhood associations, realtors,
residents and interested individuals; flyers; and media advertising. Numerous responses
were received from all venues. Staff has also kept record of tree complaints, construction
impacts and related department comments.
There was general support from the public for expanding the tree ordinance. Comments
from the 103 people that responded to the public outreach program are summarized
below:
Ninety percent (93 responses) were in favor of expanding the ordinance (in
addition to the current two species of oaks). Less than eight percent (eight
responses) were against expanding the ordinance, objecting primarily to
restricted use of their property. One percent (two responses) were
miscellaneous or were not directly relevant to tree preservation.
While expanding the ordinance to include redwoods was strongly supported by
the public outreach program, adding other species to the ordinance was
supported by a much smaller number of respondents. Of those infavor of
expanding the ordinance, fifty-eight percent (54 responses) favored adding
redwoods only and thirty-one percent (29 responses) favored adding other
species to the existing ordinance (most of these responses were general in
content and. did not specify whether or not an expansion should include
redwoods or other types or sizes of trees). Of the comments received from
CMR:112:01 Page 2 of 6
residents and business owners in favor of expanding the ordinance to other
species, most of the input was more general in the approach to protect "large
trees" overall. ~
Additional Staff Comments
In addition to the comments made by the general public, Staff has identified the need to-
add to or clarify sections of the existing ordinance.
The first of these sections would be to include an exception for crowded
situations. In some instances, protected trees grow in crowded or clustered
conditions, which can be detrimental to the health or structure of other
protected trees. In such a case, the City review process would include the
discretion to allow removal of a protected tree, if such conditions warrant that
removal. There was general support for this concept when it was discussed at
the community forum. During the past three years that the ordinance has been
in effect, staff has encountered several instances where this discretion would
have been beneficial for an adjoining protected tree or for the density of trees
thatthe lot would support. This addition would become a part of Section
8.10.050, Prohibited Acts.
Staff also recommends changing Section 8.10.020 Definitions, of Chapter 8.10
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code clarifying three areas that may otherwise be
confusing and adding one definition. The reference to "building footprint" in
Section 8.10.020(b) does not specify whether it means the existing or a
proposed building footprint and may result in confusing site planning where a
protected tree is involved. Staff recommends adding the word "existing" to
clarify the intent. Also,. in order to conform to national industry standard
terminology, the term "dangerous" (Section 8.10.020(c) would be replaced
with "hazardous". The definition of "dripline area" (Section 8.10.020(g))
should be gauged from the perimeter of the tree trunk instead of the center of
the tree for more accurate and consistent measurement in the field. A
definition "basal flare" could be added to identify the part of the tree that most
commonly interferes with a building foundation.
Staff further’ recommends changing Section 8.10.050 Prohibited Acts, of
Chapter 8.10 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code corresponding to three areas.
The first change would be to include the provision allowing removal of a
protected tree that is crowding or detrimental to an adjacent protected tree.
The second change would be to add language that indicates a tree cannot be
removed unless "the trunk of the protected tree is within the building
footprint,..". Staff wishes to clarify this by indicating when the "trunk is
touching the existing building or the basal flare is touching or under the
CMR: 112:01 Page 3 of 6
footprint of the existing building...". The third change would add the word
"existing" before ’building footprint’.
An alternative ordinance has been prepared by the city attorney which includes the
Supplemental Staff Recommendations (See Attachment C).
Potential to add other species to the list of protected trees
Staffs review of ordinances from 25 other cities (see Attachment E)
interviews with various administrators led to the following conclusions:
and personal
¯Nine communities regulate a small number of selective species that have particular
regional importance.
14 communities regulate all species over a certain diameter. Two mentioned that
they risk an increase in violations because property owners do not apply for
removal permits or contractors do not-inform clients of tree removal permit
requirements to avoid bureaucracy.
.Two communities with limited staff resources that regulate all species indicated
that they have trouble keeping up with the application permit process, in addition
to their other duties.
Although 14. surveyed communities regulate all specimen trees, those cities commit
considerable staff resources to administer their programs .with mixed results. For
example, the staff of Mountain View and Los Gatos, which regulate all species, states
that the equivalent of one full-time position is currently assigned to implementing the tree
ordinance, in addition to other duties, but both cities acknowledge the ongoing use of
additional staff. Menlo Park currently approves over 80 removals and processes over 100
applications per year, which requires the equivalent of one full-time staff member.
¯Redwood City, which requires review for removals and pruning of protected trees,
commits one full-time position and one part-time inspector to the permit process.
Given the experience of other cities, and the fact that the current Palo Alto Tree
Ordinance provides for protection of large or significant trees through a Heritage Tree
designation, staff does not recommend adding other species to the list of protected trees.
In addition to the Heritage Tree provision, the discretionary review process protects
significant trees through the use of Architectural Review Board standards for review.
Giving Notice of. Tree Removal Approvals
Community input indicated a benefit to informing the neighboring property owners that
the tree would soon be removed. Such notice is given by seven of the 25 cities surveyed.
The notice is typically posted on site visible to the public for a certain number of days to
ascertain if there is a protest to the tree removal. Options for giving notice included: the
CMR:112:01 Page 4 of 6
applicant mailing the notice to adjacent property owners, City staff posting the tree, the
City mailing notice to property__owners within 300 feet of the subject property, and
holding a public hearing. Staff do~s not recommend this notice requirement in Palo Alto
because the instances where an approval would be granted are limited to those situations
where the protected tree is dead, dying, hazardous or crowding another protected tree.
The tree removal would be a benefit to all concerned parties and should not be delayed.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Although the addition of redwood trees to the Tree Protection Ordinance will require
additional staff time to process removal applications and plan .review for development
projects existing staff .can incorporate this work into the existing work program by
reorganization of work responsibilities and the assistance of an intern that is already
helping the Division with various planning tasks. The existing protected tree removal
application and records management fee set within the current fee schedule will recover
the associated review costs.
If, however, Council adds additional species or all species of trees over a certain size to
the list of protected trees or adds a noticing requirement, the program will be over and
above existing staff capacity and additional resources will be needed to respond to the
increased workload.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The recommended action would be consistent with existing City Policy N-17 and overall
Urban Forest Goal N-3 and associated objectives. ,
TIMELINE
If approved, the ordinance will take effect on March 5, 2000.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Heritage Tree action is exempt from provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15061 (b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that
there is no possibility that the designation will have a significant effect on the
environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A:
Attachment B:
Attachment C:
Attachment D:
Attachment E:
Proposed Amendment to Tree Preservation Ordinance
Existing Tree Preservation Ordinance No. 4362
Supplemental Tree Preservation Ordinance
Community Outreach Program
Peer City Survey
CMR:112:01 Page 5 of 6
PREPARED BY: Dave Dockter, Managing Arborist, Planning Division
DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Director of Planning and Community Environment
Assistant City Manager
C.MR: 112:01 Page 6 of 6
Attachment A
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING CHAPTER 8.10 OFTHE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ADD REDWOOD TREES THAT ARE EIGHTEEN INCHES
OR LARGER AT FIFTY-FOUR INCHES ABOVE GRADE TO
PROTECTED TREES TO BE PRESERVED AND PROTECTED
follows:
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto does ordain as
SECTION I. Findinqs. The Council finds and declares that:
A.Since 1997, the City of Palo Alto has protected and
preserved native oak trees pursuant to the Tree Protection
Ordinance,Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 8.10.
B.The City’s Department of Planning & Community
Environment has actively studied amendment of the Tree Protection
Ordinance to include a broader variety of tree species.
C.Redwood trees have a special role in Palo Alto’s
history due to the original "El Palo Alto" Redwood serving as a
regional landmark. The City Seal includes a Redwood tree as its
central focus.. Redwood trees are among the tallest in the City.
Moreover, Redwood trees are planted widely in Palo Alto so that
virtually every neighborhood has. been and can be impacted by the
removal of large Redwoods.
SECTION 2. Section 8.10.020 of Chapter 8.10 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended to read.as follows:
"8.10.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following
definitions shall apply:
(a)
parcel:
"Building area" means that area of a
(i) Upon which, under applicable zoning
regulations, a structure may be built without a
variance, design enhancement exception,or home
improvement exception; or
010104 syn 0090758
1
(2) Necessary for construction of primary
access to structures located on or to be constructed
on the parcel, where there exists no feasible means of
accesswhich would avoid protected trees. On single-
family residential parcels, the port~on of the parcel
deemed to be the building area under this paragraph
(a) (2) shall not exceed ten feet in width.
(b) "Building footprint" means the two-
dimensional configuration of a building’s perimeter
boundaries.as measured ona horizontal, plane at ground
level.
(c) "Dangerous" means an imminent hazard or
threat to the safety of persons or property.
(d) "Development" means any work upon any
property in the City which requires a subdivision,
planned community zone, variance, use permit, building
permit, demolition permit, or other City approval or
which involves excavation, landscaping or construction
within the dripline area of a protected tree.
(e) ~’Director" means the director of planning
and community environment or his or her designee.
(f) "Discretionary development approval" means
planned community zone, subdivision, use permit,
variance, home improvement exception, design
enhancement exception, or architectural review board
approval.
(g) "Dripline area" means the area within X
distance from the trunk of a tree, measured from the
center, where X equals a distance ten times the
diameter of the trunk as measured four and one-half
feet (fifty-four inches) above natural grade.
(h) "Excessive pruning" means removal of more
than one-fourth of the functioning leaf and stem area
of a tree in any twelve-month period, or removal of
foliage so as to cause the unbalancing of a tree.
010104 syn 0090758
2
(i) "Protected tree" means:
(i) Any tree of the species Quercus agrifolia
(Coast Live Oak) or Quercus lobata (Valley Oak) which
is eleven and one-half inches in diameter (thirty-six
inches in circumference) or more when measured four
and one-half feet (fifty-four inches) above natural
grade; and
(2) Any Redwood tree (species Sequoia
sempervirens) that is eiqhteen inches in diameter
(fifty-seven inches in circumference) or more when
measured four and one-half feet (fifty-four inches)
above natural qrade.
(3) A heritage tree designated by the City
Council in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter.
(j) "Remove" means any of the following:
(I) Complete removal, such as cutting to the
ground or extraction, of a tree.
(2) .Taking any action foreseeably leading to
the death of a tree or permanent damage to its health;
including but not limited to excessive pruning,
cutting, girdling, poisoning,, overwatering,
unauthorized relocation or transportation of a tree,
or trenching, excavating, altering the grade, or
paving within the dripline area of a tree.
(k) "Tree" means any woody plant which has a
trunk four inches or more in diameter at four and one-
half feet above natural grade level.
(I) "Tree report" means a report prepared by
an arborist certified by the International Society of
Arboriculture or another nationally recognized tree
research, care, and preservation organization.
(m) "Tree Technical Manual" means the
regulations issued by the city manager to implement
this chapter."
010104 syn 0090758
SECTION 3. The City Council finds that this project is
exempt from the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act
("CEQA") because it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that this project will have a significant effect on the
environment.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be effective on the
commencement of the thirty-first day after the.day of its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Manager
City Attorney
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
010104 syn 0090758
Attachment B
ORDINANCE NO. 4362
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ADDING CHAPTER 8.10 TO TITLE 8 OF THE PALO ALTO
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING TREE PRESERVATION AND
MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION_ l_.__~he_CJty CounciLfJndsas_foilows:.
(a) The City of Palo Alto is endowed and forested by native oaks and
other heritage trees, which give the City a unique visual character and enhance property
values. The vestiges of the original abundant oak forest so well adapted to much of this
region, are increasingly threatened after more than a century of development,
Preservation and maintenance of the remaining healthy native oaks and other heritage
trees will retain their great historic, aesthetic, and environmental value for the benefit of
all residents. Preservation of these trees is important for the following reasons:
of the City;
(1)To protect and conserve the aesthetic and scenic beauty
(2)
(3)
To encourage and assure quality development;
To protect the environment of the city;
(4) To aid in the reduction of air pollution by protecting the
known capacity of trees to produce oxygen and ingest carbon dioxide;
(5)To help reduce potential damage from wind;
(6)To provide shade;
(7)To protect property values;
(8)To act as a noise barrier; and
(9)To assist in the absorption of rainwater into the ground,
thereby protecting against potential damages from soil erosion and flooding, as well as
reducing the cost of handling storm water by artificial means.
(b) In order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the
residents of the City, while recognizing the interests of the property owners in
developing, maintaining, and enjoying their property, it is necessary to enact regulations
for protection of specified trees on private property within the City.
Palo Alto Municipal Code, Chapter 8.10, Overview of Findings Tree Preservation and Management Regulations
Chapter 8.10 q.."~EE PRESERVATION AND
MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS*
Sections:
8.10.010
8.10.020
8.10.030
Purpose.
Definitions.
Tree Technical Manual.
8.10.040 Disclosure of information regarding eXisting trees.
8.10.050 Prohibited acts.
8.10.060 No limitation of authority under Titles.16 and 18.
8.10.070 Care of protected trees.
8.10.080 Development conditions.
8.10.090 Designation of heritage trees.
8.10.100 Responsibility for enforcement.
8.10.110 Enforcement - Remedies for Violation.
8.10.120 Fees.
8.10.130 S everability.
8.10.140 Appeals.
" Editor’s Note: Prior Ordinance History: Section 2 of Ord. 4362 was previously
codified herein, and was not specifically repealed by adoption of Ord. 4568.I
8.10.010 Purpose. "
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety, welfare, and quality of
life of the residents of the city through the protection of specified trees located on private
property within the city, and the establishment of standards for removal, maintenance,
and planting of trees. In establishing these procedures and standards, it is the city’s intent
to encourage the preservation of trees.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)"Building area" means that area of a parcel:
(1)Upon which, under applicable zoning regulations, a structure may be built
without a variance, design enhancement exception, or home improvement exception; or
(2) Necessary for construction of primary access to structures located on or to
be constructed on the parcel, where there exists no feasible means of access which would
avoid protected trees. On single-family residential parcels, the portion of the parcel
deemed to be the building area under this paragraph (a)(2) shall not exceed ten feet in
width. ",
(b) "Building footprint" means the two-dimensional configuration of a
building’s perimeter boundaries as me~ured on a horizontal plane at ground level.
(c) "Dangerous" means an imminent hazard or threat to the safety of persons
or property.
(d) "Development" means any work upon any property in the city which
requires a subdivision, planned community zone, variance, use permit, building permit,
demolition permit, or other city approval or which involves excavation, landscaping or
construction within the dripline areaof a protected tree.
(e) "Director" means the director of planning and community environment or
his or her desi~ee.
(f) "Discretionary development approval" means planned community zone,
subdivision, use permit, variance, home improvement exception, design enhancement
exception, or architectural review board approval.
(g) "Dripline area" means the area within X distance from the trunk of a tree,
measured from the center, where X equals a distance ten times the diameter of the trunk
as measured four and one-half feet (fifty-four inches) above natural grade.
(h) "Excessive pruning" means removal of more than one-fourth of the
functioning leaf and stem area of a tree in any twelve-month period, or removal of foliage
so as to cause the unbalancing of a tree.
(i)"Protected tree" means:
(1)Any tree of the species Quercus agrifolia (Coast. Live Oak) or Quercus
lobata (Valley Oak) which is eleven and one-half inches in diameter (thirty-six inches in
circumference) or more when measured four and one-half feet (fifty-four inches) above
natural grade; and
(2) A heritage tree designated by the city council in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter.
(j)"Remove" means any of the following:
(1)Complete removal, such as cutting to the ground or extraction, of a tree;
(2).Taking any action foreseeably leading to the death of a tree or permanen(
damage to its health; including but not limited to excessive pruning, cutting, girdling,
poisoning, overwatering, unauthorized relocation or tr. ansportation of a tree, or trenching,
excavating, altering the grade, or paving within the dripline area of a tree.
(k) "Tree" means any woody plant which has a trunk four inches or more in
diameter at four and one-half feet above natural grade level.
(1) "Tree report" means a report prepared by an arborist certified by the
International Society of Arboriculture or another nationally recognized tree research, care,
and presen, ation organization.
(m) "Tree Technical Manual" means the regulations issued by the city manager
to implement this chapter.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.030 Tree Technical Manual.
The city manager, through the departments of public works and planning and
community environment, shall issue regulations necessary for implementation of this
chapter, which shall be known as the Tree Technical Manual. The Tree Technical Manual
will be made readily available to the public and shall include, but need not be limited to,
standards and specifications regarding:
(a)Protection of trees during construction;
(b)Replacement of trees allowed to be removed pursuant to this chapter;
(c)Maintenance of protected trees (including but not limited to pruning,
irrigation, and protection from disease);
(d) The format and content of tree reports required to be submitted to the city
pursuant to this chapter;
(e) The criteria for determining whether a tree is dangerous within the
meaning of this chapter.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.040 Disclosure of information regarding existing trees.
(a) Any application for discretionary development approval, or for a building
or demolition permit where no discretionary development approval is required, shall be
accompanied by a statement by the property owner or authorized agent which discloses
whether any protected trees exist on the property which is the subject of the application,
and describing each such tree, its species, size, dripline area, and location. This
requirement shall be met by including the information on plans submitted in connection
with the application.
(b) In addition, the location of all other trees on the site and in the adjacent
public right of way which are within thirty feet of the area proposed for development, and
trees located on adjacentproperty with canopies overhanging the project site, shall be
shown on the plans, identified by species.
(c) The director may require submittal of such other information as is
necessary to further the purposes of this chapter including but not limited to photographs.
(d) Disclosure of information pursuant to this section shall not be required
when the development for which the approval or permit is sought does not involve any
change in building footprint nor any grading or paving.
(e) Knowingly or negligently providing false or misleading information in
response to this disclosure requirement shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.050 Prohibited acts.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for anyone to remove or cause to be removed
a protected tree, except as allowed in this section:
(a) In the absence of development, protected trees shall not be removed unless
determined by the director of planning and community environment, on the basis of a tree
~:eport prepared by a certified arborist for the applicant and other relevant information,
that the tree should be removed because it is dead, dangerous, or constitutes a nuisance
under Section 8.04.050(2) of this code.
(b) In the case of development on a single family residential lot, other than in
connection with a subdivision:
(i) Protected trees shall not be removed unless the trunk of the protected tree
is within the building footprint, or the director of planning and community environment
has determined, on the basis of a tree report prepared by a certified arborist for the
applicant and other relevant information, that the tree should be removed because it is
dead, dangerous, or constitutes a nuisance under Section 8.04.050(2) of this code.
(2) . If no building footprint exists~ protected trees shall not be removed unless
the trunk of the tree is located in the building area, or the director of planning and
community environment has determined, on the basis of a tree report prepared by a
certified arborist for the applicant and other relevant information, that the tree should be
removed because it is dead, dangerous, or constitutes a nuisance under Section
8.04.050(2) of this code.
(3) If removal is allowed because the tree is located in the building footprint
or building area, or because the director of planning and community environment has
determined that the tree is so close to the building area that construction would result in
the death of the tree, the tree removed shall be replaced in accordance with the standards
in the Tree Technical Manual.
(c) In connection with a proposed subdivision of land into two or more
parcels, no protected tree shall be removed unless removal is unavoidable due to
restricted access to the property or deemed necessary to repair a geologic hazard
(landslide, repairs, etc.) The tree removed shall be replaced in accordance with the
standards in the Tree Technical Manual. Tree preservation and protection me~ures for
any lot that is created by a proposed subdivision of land shall comply with the regulations
of this chapter.
(d) In all circumstances other than those described in paragraphs(a); (19) and
(c) of this section, protected trees shall not be removed unless one of the following
applies:
(1) The director of planning and community environment has determined, on
the basis of a tree report prepared by a certified arborist for the applicant and other
relevant information that the tree should be removed because it is dead, dangerous or
constitutes a nuisance under Section 8.04.050(2). In such cases, the dripline area of the
removed tree, or an equivalent area on the site, shall be preserved from development of
any structure unless removal would have been permitted under paragraph (2), and tree
replacement in accordance with the standards in the Tree Technical Manual shall be
required.
(2) Removal is permitted as part of project approval under Chapter 16.48 of
this code, because retention of the tree would result in reduction of the otherwise-
permissible building area by more than twenty-five percent. In such a case, the approval
shall be conditioned upon replacement in accordance with the standards in the Tree
Technical Manual.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.060 No limitation of authority under Titles 16 and 18.
Nothing in this chapter limits or modifies the existing anthodty of the city under
Chapter 16.48 of Title 16 (Architectural Review) and Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance) to
require trees and other plants not covered by this chapter to be identified, retained,
protected, and/or planted as conditions of the approval of development. In the event of
conflict between provisions of this chapter and conditions of any permit or other approval
granted pursuant to Title 16 or Title 18, the more protective requirements shall prevail.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.070 Care of protected trees.
(a) All owners of property containing protected trees shall follow the
maintenance standards in the Tree Technical Manual.
(b) The standards for protection of trees during construction contained in the
Tree Technical Manual shall be followed during any development on property containing
protected trees.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.080 Development conditions.
(a) Discretionary development approvals for property containing protected
trees will include appropriate conditions providing for the protection of such trees during
construction and for maintenance of the trees thereafter.
(b) It shall be a violation of this chapter for any property owner or agent of the
owner to fail to comply with any development approval condition concerning
preservation, protection, and maintenance of any tree, including but not limited to
protected trees.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
(1)
(3)
significance.
(c)
8.10.090 . Designation of heritage trees.
(a) Upon nomination by any person and with the written consent of the
property owner(s), the city council may designate a tree or trees as a heritage tree.
(b) A tree may be designated as a heritage tree upon a finding that it is unique
and of importance to the community due to any of the following factors:
It is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species;
It is one of the largest or oldest trees in Palo Alto;
It possesses distinctive form, size, age, location, and/or historical
After council approval of a heritage tree designation, the city clerk shall
notify the property owner(s) in writing. A listing of trees so designated, including the
specific locations thereof, shall be kept by the departments of public works and planning
and community environment.
(d) Once designated, a heritage tree shall be subject to the provisions of this
chapter unless removed from the list of heritage trees by action of the city council. The
city council may remove a tree from the list upon its own motion or upon written request
by the property owner. Request for such action must originate in the same manner as
nomination for heritage tree designation.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.100 Responsibility for enforcement.
The following designated employee positions may enforce the provisions of this
chapter by the issuance of citations: chief building official, assistant building official,
code enforcement officer, planning arborist.
(Oral. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.110 Enforcement - Remedies for Violation.
In addition to all other remedies set forth in this code or otherwise provided by
law, the following remedies shall be available to the city for violation of this chapter:
(a)Stop Work - Temporary Moratorium.-
(1)If a violation occurs during development, the city may issue a stop work
-~order suspending and prohibiting further activity on the property pursuant to the grading,
demolition, and/or building permit(s) (including construction, inspection, and issuance of
certificates of occupancy) until a mitigation plan has been filed with and approved by the
director, agreed to in writing by the property owner(s), and either implemented or
guaranteed by the posting of adequate security. The mitigation plan shall include
measures for protection of any remaining trees on the property, and shall provide for
replacement of each tree removed on the property or at locations approved by the director
of planning and community ~d by the director of public works, if replacement is to occur
on public property. The replacement ratio shall be in accordance with the standards set
forth in the Tree Technical Manual, and shall be at a greater ratio than that required where
tree removal is permitted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(2) If a violation occurs in the absence of development, or while an
application for a building permit or discretionary development approval for the lot upon
which the tree is located is pending, the director may issue a temporary moratorium on
development of the subject.property, not to exceed eighteen months from the date the
violation occurred. The purpose of the moratorium is to provide the city an opportunity to
study and determine appropriate mitigation measures for the tree removal, and to ensure
measures are incorporated into any future development approvals for the property.
Mitigation measures as determined by the director shall be imposed as a condition of any
subsequent permits for development on the subject property.
(b)Civil Penalties.
(1)As part of a civil action brought by the city, a court may assess against any
person who commits, allows, or maintains a violation of any provision of this chapter a ¯
civil penalty in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars per violation.
(2) Where the violation has resulted in removal of a tree, the civil penalty
shall be in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars per tree unlawfully removed, or
the replacement value of each such tree, whichever amount is higher. Such amount shall
be payable to the city. Replacement value for the purposes of this section shall be
determined utilizing the most recent edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal, published
by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
(c) Injunctive Relief. A civil action may be commenced to abate, enjoin, or
otherwise compel the cessation of such violation.
(d) Costs. In any civil action brought pursuant to this chapter in which the city
prevails, the court shall award to the city all costs of investigation and preparation for
trial, the costs of trial, reasonable expenses including overhead and administrative costs
incurred in prosecuting the action, and reasonable attorney fees.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.120 Fees.
Tree reports required to be submitted to the city for review and evaluation
pursuant to this chapter shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed therefor in the
municipal fee schedule.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.130 Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity
shall not affect any other provision of this chapter which can be given effect without the
invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared
to be severablel
(Ord. 4568§ 1 (part), 1999)
8.10.140 Appeals.
Any person seeking the director’s approval to remove a protected tree pursuant to
this Ordinance who is aggrieved by a decision of the director may appeal such decision in
accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 16.48.090 of Chapter 16.48 of the
Municipal Code.
(Ord. 4568 § 1 (part), 1999)
Attachment C
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING CHAPTER 8.10 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL
CODE TO DEFINE CERTAIN REDWOOD TREES AS PROTECTED
TREES TO BE PRESERVED AND PROTECTED, PERMITTING
THE REMOVAL OF PROTECTED TREES THAT DAMAGE OTHER
PROTECTED TREES, AND MODIFYING CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto does ordain as
follows:
SECTION i. Findings. The Council. finds and declares that:
A.Since ~997, the City of Palo Alto has protected, and
preserved native, oak trees pursuant to the Tree Protection
Ordinance,Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 8.10.
B.The City’s Department of Planning & Community
Environment has actively studied amendment of the Tree Protection
Ordinance to include a broader Variety of tree species.
C.Redwood trees have a special role in Palo Alto’s
history due to the original ~EI Palo Alto" Redwood serving as a
regional landmark. The City Seal includes a Redwood tree as its
central focus. Redwood trees are among the tallest in the City.
Moreover, Redwood trees are planted widely in Palo Alto so that
virtually every neighborhood has been and can be impacted by the
removal of large Redwoods.
D.The City’s present system of measuring distances
from trees should be modified to permit measurement from the edge
of a tree instead of the center.
E.The City’s present definition of building footprint
areas within which a protected tree may be removed should be
clarified by making explicit that it only refers to the footprints
of existing buildings. The City’s ordinance should also be amended
to permit removal of protected trees when the basal flare is within
the building footprint.
F.The City’s ordinance should be amended to permit
removal of a protected tree when it is detrimental to the continued
growth and health of. another protected tree.
010116 syn 0090759
SECTION 2. Section 8.10.020 of Chapter 8.10 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
8.10.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of.this Chapter, the following definitions
shall apply:
(a)’~asal flare" means that portion of a tree where
there is a rapid increase in diameter at the confluence of the
trunk and rootcrown.
"Building area’~ means that area of a parcel:
(I) Upon which, under applicable zoning regulations, a
structure may be built without a variance, design enhancement
exception, or home improvement exception; or
(2) Necessary for construction of primary access to
structures located on or tobe constructed on the parcel, where
there exists no feasible means of access which would avoid
protected trees. On single-family residential parcels, the portion
of the parcel deemed to be the building area under this paragraph
(a) (2) shall not exceed ten feet in width.
(~_c) "Building footprint" means the two-dimensional
configuration of an existinq building’s perimeter boundaries as
¯ measured on-a horizontal plane at ground level.
(e~_) "Dan@erous Hazardous" means an imminent hazard or
threat to the safety of persons or property.
(4~) "Development" means any work upon any property in
the City which requires a subdivision, planned community zone,
variance, use permit, building permit, demolition permit, or other
City approval or which involves excavation, landscaping or
construction within the dripline area .of a protected tree.
(e~) "Director" means the director of planning and
community environment or his or her designee.
(~_) "Discretionary development approval" means planned
community zone, subdivision, use permit, variance, home improvement
exception, design enhancement exception, or architectural review
board approval.
(q~) "Dripline area" means the area within X distance
from the perimeter of the trunk of the tree at four and one-half
OlOlI6 syn 0090759
feet (fifty-four inches) above natural grad~, ~,~~ ~,LL~--^~ ~
center, where X equals a distance ten times the diameter of the
trunk as measured four and one-half feet (fifty-four inches) above
natural grade.
(~_i) "Excessive pruning" means removal-of more than one-
fourth of the functioning leaf and stem area of a tree. in ahy
twelve-month period, or removal of foliage so as to cause the
unbal~.ncing of a tree.
"Protected tree" means:
(I)Any tree of the species Quercus agrifolia (Coast
Live Oak) or Quercus lobata (Valley Oak) whichis eleven and one-
half inches in diameter (thirty-six inches in circumference) or
more when measured four and one-half feet (fifty-four inches) above
natural grade; and
(2) Any Redwood tree (species Sequoia sempervirens) that
is eiqhteen inches in diameter (fifty-seven inches in
circumference) or more when measured four and one-half feet (fifty-
four inches) above natural qrade.
(~_3) A heritage tree designated by the City Council in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
"Remove" means any of the following:
(I) Complete removal, such as cutting to the ground or
extraction, of a tree.
(2) Taking any action foreseeably leading to the death
of a tree or permanent damage to its health; including but not
limited to excessive pruning, cutting, girdling, poisoning,
overwatering, unauthorized relocation or transportation of a tree,
or trenching, excavating, altering the grade, or paving within the
dripline area of a tree.
(~_i) "Tree" means any woody plant which has a trunk four
inches or more in diameter at four and one-half feet above natural
grade level.
(~) "Tree report" means a report prepared by an arborist
certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or another
nationally recognized tree research, care, and preservation
organization.
(m~) "Tree Technical Manual" means the regulations issued
by the city manager to implement this chapter.
010116 syn 0090759
SECTION 3. Section 8.10.050 of Chapter 8.10 of the Palo
..61to Municipal code is amended to read as follows:
:D.10.050 Prohibited acts.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for anyone to remove
or cause to be removed a protected tree, except as allowed in this
.section:
(a) In the absence of development, protected trees shall not
be removed unless determined by the director of planning and
community environment, on the basis of a tree report prepared by a
certified arborist for the applicant and other~ relevant
~information, that the tree should be removed because it is dead,
is hazardous, is a detriment to or crowding an adjacent
protected tree, or constitutes a nuisance under Section 8.04.050(2)
of this code.
(b) In the case of development on a single family residential
.lot, other than in connection with a subdivision:
(I) Protected trees shall not be removed unless the trunk o__r
basal flare of the protected tree is touching or within the
building footprint, or the director of planning and community
environment has determined, on the basis of a tree report prepared
by a certified arborist for the applicant and other relevant
information, that the tree should be removed because it is dead,
is hazardous, is a detriment to or crowding an adjacent
protected tree, or constitutes a nuisance under Section 8.04.050(2)
of this code.
(2) If no building footprint exists, protected trees shall
not be removed unless the trunk.of the tree is located in the
building area, or the director of planning and community
environment has determined, on the basis of a tree report prepared
by a certified arborist for the applicant and other relevant
information, that the tree should be removed because it is dead,
is hazardous, is a detriment to or crowdin~ an adjacent
protected tree, or constitutes a nuisance under Section 8.04.050(2)
of this code.
(3)¯ If removal is allowed because the tree trunk is located
in the building footprint, or the trunk or basal flare is in the
building area, or because the director of planning and community
environment has determined that the tree is so close to the
building area that construction would result in the death of the
010116 syn 0090759
tree, the tree removed shall be replaced in accordance with the
standards in the Tree Technical Manual.
(c) In connection with a proposed subdivision of land into
two or more parcels, no protected tree shall be removed unless
removal is unavoidable due to restricted access to the property or
deemed necessary to repair a geologic hazard (landslide, repairs,
etc.) The tree removed shall be.replaced in accordance with the
standards in the Tre~ Technical Manual. Tree preservation and
protection measures tor any lot that is created by a proposed
subdivision of land shall comply with the regulations of this
chapter.
(d) In all circumstances other than those described in
paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section, protected trees shall
not be removed unless one of the following applies:
(I) The director of planning and community environment has
determined, on the basis of a tree report prepared by a certified
arborist for the applicant and other relevant information that the
tree should be removed because it is dead, dangerous or constitutes
a nuisance under Section 8.04.050(2). In such cases, the dripline
area of the removed tree, or an equivalent area on the site, shall
be preserved from development of any structure unless removal would
have been permitted under paragraph (2), and tree replacement in
accordance with the standards in the Tree Technical Manual shall be
required.
(2) Removal is permitted as part of project approval under
Chapter 16.48 of this code, because retention of the tree would
result in reduction of the otherwise-permissible building area by
more than twenty-five percent. In such a case, the approval shall
be conditioned upon replacement in accordance with the standards in
the Tree Technical Manual.
SECTION 4. The City Council finds that this project is
exempt from the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act
("CEQW’) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that this project will have a significant effect on the
environment.
//
//
//
//
//
010116 syn 0090759
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall be effective on the,
commencement of the thirty-first day after the day of its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
010116 syn 0090759
Attachment D
Tree Preservation Ordinance Update.
Public Information Flyer
November 6, 2000
The City of Palo Alto is in the process of updating its Tree Preservation Ordinance (Title 8.10 of the
Municipal Code) over the next two months. The impetus for the Update is to consider the inclusion o’f redwoods
as protected trees as well as to make the ordinance more adaptable to unique or hardship situations. The Update
process will include identification of issues of concern to the public and other users of the Ordinance; staff
research and review and City Council policy direction prior to final adoption. Opportunities for public
participation in the form of a community forum and public hearings, as well as regular postings on he City’s
web page, will be integral to the processl Public comments are welcome throughout the process.
Some key elements of changes to the Protection Ordinance may be:
¯ Add Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) 18" diameter (57" circumference) or
more when measured 54 inches above natural grade to definitions of protected tree
¯In addition to circumstances allowing removal in Ordinance 4263, redwoods may be
removed if they are a detriment to or are crowding an adjacent protected tree.
¯Removal of all protected trees may be allowed under unusual circumstances.
Some key elements of the existing Tree Preservation Ordinance:
¯ Trees currently protected are Valley Oaks and Coast Live Oaks, as well.as "heritage"
trees designated by the City Council with the consent of property owner
¯The ordinance requires certain information about existing trees to be submitted with
applications for building and other permits
¯Removal of the listed types of trees ("protected trees") would be prohibited unless the
following circumstances exist:
The tree is dead, dangerous, or a public nuisance
The tree is located within the building footprint or permitted building area if no
structure exists (without variances) for single family home construction or expansion
For projects other than single family residences, retention of the tree would reduce the otherwise allowed
building area by more than 25%
Replacement of removed protected trees is required in most development circumstances
Owners of protected trees are required to follow certain standards for maintenance and protection during
construction activity
Under certain circumstances, a single family homeowner may be allowed to deviate from setback or other
development standards if necessary to protect a tree
Timeline
Access to the tree preservation Ordinance is available online at www.city.palo-alto.ca.us under Featured Sites.
Your comments on this study are appreciated and may be directed to the Department of Planning and
Community Environment, City of Palo Alto, 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto 94306 or by calling (650) 329-2441.
We can also be contacted via email at treeordupdate@city.palo-alto.ca.us. Please contact us by November 30, 2000 if
you have comments or questions.
Please share this information with others who may be interested.
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
COMMUNITY FORUM
December 12, 2000 5.’00 to 7.’30 PM
|
5:00
AGENDA
Welcome and Introductions
Lisa Grote
II.Overview of the Tree Preservation Ordinance
Dave Dockter
5:35
III.Possible changes to the Ordinance
Lisa Grote
Community Discussion
Dave Dockter
6:35
Topics
2.
3.
4.
5.
Expansion to other species- pro’s & con’s
Shortcomings of the existing ordinance
Noticing - pro’s & con’s
Exceptions or hardships
What other communities have done
Summary
Lisa & Dave
Notes:
7:00 VI.Adjourn
Mo~es
community Forum
~ ".Forthe.Tree Prese~’vation
Please ~oln us to discuss the future of
Palo Alto’s Tree Preservation Ordinance at a
-~ com~uojty.forum
The forum will provide residents and interested person the
opportunity to give input and ask questions of City staff
regarding the. existing ordinance, changes, adding
redwoods as protected trees as well as to make the
ordinance more adaptable to unique or hardship
situations.
Tuesday, December :12, 2000
5:00-7:30pm
Fireside Room
¯ Lucle Stern Community center
1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Facilitators: Lisa Grote & Dave Dockter
" For Information: 329-2441
Webslte: www.city.pal~alto.ca.us/featuredsltes
Email: treeordupdate@city.palo-alto.ca,us -
~.! .....~~~’~ . .~¯
~.~_~_
Dept. of Planning and Community Environment Date Revised
12/12/00
Proj. Manager: Dave Dock~er
Proj. Coordinator: M. Kondo Murray
City
Atherton
Berkeley
Burlingame
Campbell
Carmel by the Sea
Cupertino
Hillsborough
private
Size & Species of
Protected Trees
Any Tree-15.3"
Coast Live Oak - 5.7"
Any Tree-15.3"
Any Tree-12"
Location of DBH*
Measurement
48"above grade
48"above grade
54’,above grade
48"above grade
54" above gradePines-6"
Monterey Cypress-6"
Oak-6"
Redwood -6"
. Any Tree (that can grow taller
than 25’)-10"
*st=single trunk, mt=multi-trunk
Oak-10"st,20"mt
Buckeye-10"st,20"mt
Acer mac-12"st,25"mt
Deodar Cedaro12"st,25"mt
Blue Atlas Cedar-12"st,25"mt
54"above grade
Replanting or Special
Requirements
Replace w/3ol 5 gal trees or
2-24" box size or 1-15 gal + 1-36"
box size
N/A
Replace w/3-15 gal trees or
2-24" box size, or 2-36" box
size landscape trees, or
equal payment.
Depends on removed type:
12"-24": 1-24" box
24"+: 1-36" box
"Heritable tree": 1-48" box
NIA
N/A
Responsible Department / Contacts
Phone Number
Building Department / Kathline
(650) 752-0500
*Average 5 per week
Department of Parks & Waterfront
Forestry Division
(51 O) 644-6566
Parks & Trees Dept.,
Karline
(650) 558-7330
Planning Department
(408) 866-2140
Dept. of Forest, Parks, & Beach
(831) 624-3543
Planning Division
(408) 777-3308
*About 1 issued every two weeks.
Any Tree-12"54" above grade
N/A -.Kathy Lerou
(650) 375-7407
*DBH = trunk diameter taken at 54" above natural grade, or unless noted otherwise.1 of 4
Dept. of Planning and Community Environment Date Revised
12/12/00
Proj. Manager: Dave Dockter
Proj. Coordinator: M. Kondo Murray
City
improved lot
vacant lot
Los Altos
Los Altos Hills
Los Gatos
private
zoning approval reqd.
vacant/undeveloped
C, O, Ind. properties
Menlo Park
Monte Sereno
Mountain View
Size & Species of
Protected Trees
Any Tree-36"
An~/Tree-12"
Any on non-R-1 property
Any on undeveloped property
Oaks, Redwood, Sycamore,
Ba~,, Laurel-15.3"
Oaks-12"
Any Tree-12"
Multi-trunked, total dia. = 24"
Any Tree-4"
Any Tree-4" ’
An~/Tree-4"
Any Tree-24"
An~/in a "group of trees"
Any Tree-8"
Oaks-6.4"
Redwoods-6.4"
Any 3+ trees proposed to be
removed from any parcel within
a 12-month period.
Location of DBH*
Measurement
54" above grade
54" above grade
48"above grade
48"above grade
36"above grade
48" above grade
48"above grade
48"above grade
48" above grade
Replanting or Special
Requirements
Replace w/equivalent tree(s) or
cash payment of double replace-
ment fee.
City manager may require up to, 5
replants for Oaks.
Replacement of 1+ trees (size &
number determined by Director of
Parks), or payment of replace-
ment cost.
N/A
N/A
Responsible Department / Contacts
Phone Number
Planning Department
(650) 948-2790
Planning Department
(650) 941-7222 ext. 223
Dept. of Parks & Forestry
Superintendent: John laquinto
(408) 399-5774
Parks & Trees Dept. / Walter Fuji
(650)-858-3492
"114 issued per )/r. (not inc. rmv. from devt.)
Assistant City Planner
Any Tree-15.3"
Oaks-3.8"
54"above grade
N/A
Andrea Chelemgos
(408) 354-7635 x16
Department of Community Development
Parks/Trees
(650)903-6326
*DBH = trunk diameter taken at 54" above natural grade, or unless noted otherwise.2 of 4
Dept. of Planning and Community Environment Date Revised
12112/00
Proj. Manager: Dave Dockf.er ’
Proj. Coordinator: M. Kondo Murray
,City
Oakland
Palo Alto
Pleasanton
Portola Valley
Redwood City
San Jose
Size & Species of
Protected Trees
Redwood-3.8"
Cedar-3.8"
Coast Live Oak-4"
Any Tree-9"
(excluding Monterey Pine and
Eucal~/ptus)
Coast Live Oak-11.5"
Valley Oak-11.5"
Any Tree-17.5"
Any Tree of height >= 35’
Any in a "group of trees"
oak:s-11.5"
Blue Oak-7.6"
Redwood-17.2"
Doug Fir-17.2"
Acer mac-7.6"
Madrone-7.6"
Ba~/Laurel-11.5"
Location of DBH*
Measurement
54" above grade
54" above grade
54" above grade
54" above grade
54" above grade
36" above grade
24" above grade
54" above grade
54" above grade
24" above grade
24" above grade
36" above 9rade
Replanting or .Special
Requirements
Replacement tree and/or fee not
to exceed value of tree(s) illegally
removed.
Replacement of the tree is
required.
Prior to permit issue - must post
$5,000 deposit to be held as
~nsurance for 1 year.
Requre payment of appraised
amount or $5,000
Planting of a native tree off the
native plant list. Tree will be
~lanted at or near original plant
location.
Responsible Department / Contacts
Phone Number
Department of Parks & Recreation
Trees Section, Tree Supervisor I
Daniel Gallagher or Emmie Green
(510) 615-5850
Department of Planning & Comm. Env’t
Planning Division
Arborist, Dave Dockter
(650)617-3145
Planning & Community Dev.
Landscape Architect, Mike Fulford
(925)931-5672
Department of Planning & Building
Planning Coordinator
Leslie Lambert
(650)851-1700 x12
Any Tree-12"
Multi-trunked, total dia. = 36"
3" - 36" above ground
48" above ground
N/A
Must pay $5,000 per damaged or
Department of Public Works
City Arborist, Bob Mullins
(650)780-7407
City Planning Department
*DBH = trunk diameter taken at 54" above natural grade, or unless noted otherwise.3 of 4
Dept. of Planning and Community Environment Date Revised
12/12/00
Proj. Manager: Dave Dockter
Proj.Coordinator: M. Kondo Murray
City
San Mateo
Santa Cruz
Santa Clara
Santa Rosa
Saratoga
Sunnyvale
Size & Species of
Protected Trees
Any Tree-18"
Native-10"
Any Tree-16"
Any Tree-16"
Any Tree-14"
None
OaksL18" "
Valley Oak, Blue Oak-6"
Redwood-24"
Bay-24"
Madrona-12"
Buckeye-6"
Douglas Fir-24"
Red or White Aider-18"
Big Leaf Maple-24"
Any Tree-12.7"
Oaks-10.2"
Any Tree-12"
Location of DBH*
Measurement
24" above grade
48" above grade
48"above grade
48"above 9rade
54"above grade
None
54" above grade
24"above grade
48"above grade
Replanting or Special
Requirements
removed tree.
Replace w/15 gal or 24" box size
tree, or payment of equal value
Payment for replacement and
mitigation
None
;City may require replacing or
moving tree as condition of
approval.
If illegal removal, must replace w/
four trees of same genus &
species of min. 15 gal size, or as
deemed appropriate by the
Director.
Planting of 1+ trees of same type/
value, or double cash payment.
Planting of street trees
as condition of approval.
Replacement trees or mitigation
fees may be required by Director
of Community Development
Responsible Department/Contacts
Phone Number
(408)277-4576
*About 10 issued per week
Department of Parks & Recreation
(650) 522-7420
Parks & Recreation Dept.
(831)420-5030
Street Department .
(408) 984-3080
Department of Community Development
Planning Division
(707) 543-3223
Department of Community Development
Planning Division
(408) 868-1222
Planning Division / Paul Spence
(408) 730-7440
*7 issued per week
*DBH = trunk diameter taken at 54" above natural grade, or unless noted otherwise.4 of 4