The intent and purpose of this chapter is to acknowledge that certain native trees are important ecological and aesthetic resources that improves the quality of life for the city's residents, visitors and wildlife and to ensure preservation or propagation of such trees.
(Ord. 1241, passed 8-15-23)
Any parcel that contains any commercial use (excluding home occupations), any commercially zoned parcels, and any parcel or any combination of parcels within a project site that are equal or greater than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet located within city limits are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 1241, passed 8-15-23)
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply.
BREAST HEIGHT. A point on the Projected Tree that is four and one-half (4.5) feet above ground from the uphill side of the tree.
CERTIFIED ARBORIST. A person who is currently certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as an expert on the care of trees or who is a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists.
DESTROY, DESTROYED, DESTRUCTION. Any act causing damage, injury, or death to a protected tree, or causing a protected tree to be uprooted or removed from the ground by any means, including, but not limited to, cutting, grading, changing hydrology during grading, construction, and/or erosion, burning, applying toxic substances, operating equipment or machinery, or by paving, changing the natural grade, trenching, or excavating within the protected root zone of a protected tree. Damage or mortality by natural causes, such as infestation, as verified by an Arborist shall not be considered damage necessitating tree replacement.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH). The tree diameter of the perimeter tree trunk at the breast height. For multi-trunk trees, each trunk shall be measured at the breast height, and the combined diameters of all trunks shall be used to determine the tree's DBH.
DRIP LINE. The outermost edge of a tree canopy where water drips from and onto the ground.
MONITORING PERIOD. The term of protection starting with the date of actual planting of a replacement tree and shall apply to a period of five (5) years. Protected trees that are relocated shall be subject to the same replacement tree monitoring period.
MULTI-TRUNK TREE. An individual tree with more than one trunk under the breast height.
NATIVE TREE. A tree of native origin including any indigenous tree from California which is a member of a genus or species present at a given site prior to European settlement. Native trees may include planted trees and naturally occurring trees of native origin.
PROTECTED TREE. All Quaercus varieties (Oak), all Salix varieties (Willow), all Platanus varieties (Sycamore), Hesperocyparis forbesii (Tecate Cypress), Juglans californica (Southern California Black Walnut), Populus trichocarpa (Black Cottonwood), Populus fremontii (Fremont Cottonwood), and Alnus rhombifolia (White Alder) that meets the following minimum DBH:
PROTECTED TREE CRITERIA | ||
Tree Type | Minimum DBH | |
Single Trunk | Multi-Trunk | |
Quercus (Oak) varieties | 6 inches | 12 inches |
Salix (Willow) varieties | 6 inches | 12 inches |
Platanus (Sycamore) varieties | 6 inches | 12 inches |
Hesperocyparis forbesii (Tecate Cypress) | No minimum | |
Juglans californica (Southern California Black Walnut) | 6 inches | 12 inches |
Populus trichocarpa (Black Cottonwood) | 6 inches | 12 inches |
Populus fremontii (Fremont Cottonwood) | 6 inches | 12 inches |
Alnus rhombifolia (White Alder) | 6 inches | 12 inches |
PRUNING. Pruning of limbs or deadwood provided such live limbs do not exceed six (6) inches in circumference at the location of the cut. All pruning work shall follow proper arboricultural practices per
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards and shall not be excessive to the extent that the life of the tree is endangered or its aesthetic value is diminished.
REPLACEMENT TREE. Any tree installed as a replacement for removal of a protected tree pursuant to requirements of this chapter.
TREE REPLACEMENT RATIO. The minimum number of replacement trees required as specified in § 20.74.050.
(Ord. 1241, passed 8-15-23)
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