The list of trees and areas
impacted are live oaks, blue oaks, and other native species;
the habitats of oak woodlands, trees of historic or cultural significance;
groves and stands of mature trees and trees in general that are associated with
proposals for development. After
a long discussion, the City Council had a few questions in regards to private
single family lots and the restrictions in terms of costs that would be placed
upon each citizen, including permits,
having a professional arborist to evaluate the tree and submit a report, having
an engineer to survey the property, not to mention the cost incurred in the removal
of a tree itself. This led the city council to ask what would prevent a
citizen from bypassing the ordinance and accepting the proposed initial 50
dollars fine? In the ordinance it states that a heritage tree is a tree that
has a diameter of 20 inches or more or any tree which is of historical
significance, specifically.
Trees of historical significance must be designated by City action, have an aura of historical appeal, and are indigenous to this area or has adapted exceptionally well to local climactic conditions. The ordinance, among other things, makes unlawful for any person to remove, or cause to be removed, any Heritage or Protected Tree from any private or public property with out obtaining a tree removal permit from the City. Any person that removes such a tree, or directs the tree’s removal, without a tree removal permit shall be guilty of an infraction. Such an infraction shall be punishable by; a fine not exceeding $50 for the first violation, a fine not exceeding $100 dollars for a second violation within one year or a fine not exceeding $250 for each additional violation within a year.
There is an exception to the ordinance for trees deemed to be diseased or hazardous. A few issues came up in regards to the list of protected trees due to the fact that some of the trees larger then 6" were planted by the home owner and are not necessarily native to the area. Also with all of the scrub oak in the area that measures over 6", people have been clearing for years to maintain proper fire protection around their property. The discussion continued and the Council agreed to approve the ordinance with a few changes including Foothill Pines, also known as Digger Pines, would be excluded from the list and the measurements for protected trees would be adjusted from 6 inches to 9 or more.
