(a) Definition. For purposes of this Section, a significant tree shall be a tree: (1) on property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works or (2) on privately owned-property with any portion of its trunk within 10 feet of the public right-of-way, and (3) that satisfies at least one of the following criteria: (a) a diameter at breast height (DBH) in excess of twelve (12) inches, (b) a height in excess of twenty (20) feet, or (c) a canopy in excess of fifteen (15) feet. The Director may deem a significant tree a hazard tree if such tree satisfies the provisions of Section 802(o). A landmark tree shall not be treated as a significant tree even if the landmark tree meets one or more of the abovementioned criteria. A landmark tree shall be governed by the provisions of Section 810.
(b) Removal; Requirements.
(1) Removal of a significant tree(s) on privately-owned property shall be subject to the rules and procedures governing permits for removal of street trees as set forth in Section 806(b).
(2) Removal of a significant tree(s) that are the responsibility of the Department shall be subject to the rules and procedures governing permit for Departmental removal of street trees as set forth in Section 806(a).
(3) If the Director determines that a significant tree is a hazard tree, this Article's provisions applicable to removal of a hazard tree shall apply.
(4) Emergency Removal. In the case of manifest danger and immediate necessity, as determined by the Director in writing, the Director may remove or require the responsible owner(s) to remove a significant tree immediately. After such emergency removal, the Department shall provide written notice to all interested San Francisco organizations and, to the extent practical, owners and occupants of properties that are on or across from the block face where the affected tree was removed of the necessity for such action. If the Department incurs any costs related to an emergency removal, said costs, including labor, equipment, materials, inspection services, and administrative costs, shall be an obligation owing by the responsible owner(s) to the City. Removal of a significant tree pursuant to this Subsection is not subject to Subsection (c) below.
(c) As part of the Director's determination to authorize removal of a significant tree, the Director shall consider the following factors related to the tree;
(1) Size, age, and species;
(2) Visual and aesthetic characteristics, including the tree's form and whether it is a prominent landscape feature or part of a streetscape;
(3) Cultural or historic characteristics, including whether the tree has significant ethnic appreciation or historical association or whether the tree was part of a historic planting program that defines neighborhood character;
(4) Ecological characteristics, including whether the tree provides important wildlife habitat, is part of a group of interdependent trees, provides erosion control, or acts as a wind or sound barrier;
(5) Locational characteristics, including whether the tree is in a high traffic area or low tree density area, or provides shade or other public benefits;
(6) Whether the tree constitutes a hazard tree as set forth in Section 802(o); and
(7) Whether the tree has been maintained as set forth in Section 802(l).
(d) Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall be required to identify significant tree(s) on proposed development or construction sites and to notify the Department. The Zoning Administrator and the Department shall be required to impose measures to protect such significant trees on a construction site against damage to trunk, roots, and branches in accordance with Section 808(c) of this Article. Removal of such trees shall be subject to the rules and procedures for removal of significant trees provided in this Section.
(Added by Ord. 17-06, File No. 051458, App. 1/20/2006)