The City lies in the Conejo Valley, the beauty of which is greatly enhanced by the presence of large numbers of majestic oak trees. At one time, the area was almost completely covered by an oak forest, however, development of the City has resulted in the removal of a great number of these trees. Further uncontrolled and indiscriminate destruction of oak trees would detrimentally affect the safety and welfare of the citizens of Thousand Oaks. The preservation program outlined in this chapter contributes to the welfare and aesthetics of the community and retains the great historical and environmental value of these trees.
This chapter sets forth the policy of the City to require the preservation of all healthy oak trees, unless otherwise exempt from this chapter or reasonable and conforming use of the property justifies the removal, cutting, pruning and/or encroachment into the protected zone of an oak tree.
(§ 1, Ord. 937-NS, eff. November 14, 1986, as amended by § 3, Ord. 1534-NS, eff. April 9, 2010, and Part 3, Ord. 1610-NS, eff. January 15, 2016)