(a) The Council's responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Advise the Mayor, Board of Supervisors, city departments and commissions on urban forestry concerns;
(2) Review project plans for major publicly-sponsored developments and civic improvements and changes to the public right-of-way as they may impact trees. Based on its review, the Council shall make recommendations regarding these projects to the Planning Department and other affected agencies;
(3) Establish criteria for a landmark/heritage tree program to provide for the protection of valuable trees on public and private property. The program shall propose administrative procedures and a tree removal appeal process for landmark/heritage trees;
(4) Adopt guidelines for protecting trees during project design and construction;
(5) Encourage early and continuous public participation in urban forestry projects and programs that includes consideration of neighborhood interests;
(6) Facilitate the cooperative interaction of tree-related activities among various city, State, and federal agencies, as well as among businesses, public utilities, non-profit organizations, and the public;
(7) Notify and involve public agencies when issues relate to trees on lands under their jurisdiction;
(8) Provide at designated Council meetings for a regular forum that follows an agenda of scheduled topics for public discussion of urban forestry issues;
(9) Assist with the formulation of legislation and policies that affect trees;
(10) Serve as a clearinghouse for information related to the urban forest through the Department of the Environment;
(11) Prepare the plans and reports as set forth in this legislation; and
(12) Assist agencies with tree management responsibilities in their efforts to incorporate and follow the urban forest plan guidelines, best management practices, and other Council recommendations and policies.
(Added by Ord. 171-03, File No. 030422, App. 7/3/2003)
(Derivation Former Administrative Code Section 5.233)