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Commissioners,
Our current tree ordinance isn't as broken as it's being presented. The primary problems are poor interpretation and lack of enforcement. From conversations with staff the poor interpretations are deliberate. The commission's past rubber stamping of staff's poor interpretations have led to new precedents being set that obviate correctness and make a mockery of our system of urban forestry.
There are errors in the tables. To name a few:
San Marino requires TRAQ assessment for hazardous removals
Claremont absolutely requires removal permits: www.claremontca.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/community-services/documents/trees/tree-policies-and-guidelines/claremont_tree-policies-and-guidelines-manual_2025_final.pdf
I have seen this document before. I cannot find the original to compare but I don't believe much if anything has changed from a year(s) old version of this document. Did staff wait until the Thursday before the meeting to release an inaccurate document they were in possession of the entire time?
Issues to Consider (Incomplete)
TRAQ assessment from an arborist other than our city arborist – San Marino and many others require a TRAQ assessment for hazardous removals
our city arborist is employed by the same contractor that we have a near million dollar a year contract with. there is a conflict of interest. she is incentivized to prioritize the goals of a corrupted tree authority over the long term health and success of our city's tree canopy. our city arborist does not produce reports. our city arborist is not available for communication with the public.
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replacement plans need to be complete and should include landscaping in the immediate vicinity
lower replacement numbers, require on-site
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replanting
required on site until a property canopy coverage quota is met
actually check at 2 years; requirement remains in perpetuity until nullified (e.g. poor choice of placement)
promote natives; wind and fire safe, drought tolerant – irrigated infrequently and deeply, no non-native landscaping under the dripline
removal of non-natives should be expedited but must come with replacement – replacing an allelopathic non-native with a native can be challenging if in the same spot
no permit required for extremely invasive – tree of heaven; brazilian pepper
hills-specific; topology; erosion control; preserve "natural state" as states in building code
development issues; plans need to show protection zones and they need to be inspected/enforced
define "dying" – see "senescence"
understand the difference between shrubs and trees, shrubs grown as trees, multi-trunk, "standard form"; enables native plantings in tight areas
lower or completely remove fees
Require Complete Applications
Every single one of the applications that you've seen has been missing requirements:
34.12 Tree removal and replacement plans.
Tree removal and replacement plans shall contain the following information:
(a) A drawing of the property which shows the location and species of all existing protected trees;
(b) A site plan showing the proposed development, including all existing and proposed structures, including the topography of the site, in accordance with SPMC 34.9(b);
(c) The tree species and trunk caliper of all trees to be removed;
(d) The reason for removal. Any trees proposed for removal due to poor health or condition shall have the condition of the tree documented in a written report prepared and signed by a certified arborist;
(e) A second drawing of the property after the proposed tree removal which shows remaining trees and all proposed replacement trees. The replacement tree sizes and species must be clearly identified; and
(f) A certified arborist review of the tree plan, if required by the director. The certified arborist shall be contracted and managed by the city and all fees incurred shall be the responsibility of the property owner. (Ord. No. 2328, § 1 (part), 2019.)
Pasadena
clear photos (with varied angles)
complete site layout (with full tree canopies)
www.printfriendly.com/document/pasadena-private-tree-removal-request-checklist/editor
Street Trees
Map current city streets' tree designations. Formalize the methodology to facilitate species selection.
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private property street tree planting
when parkway is beneath power lines
monterey hills with narrow streets and no parkway
watering/maintenance program
Clarification
What does this mean? (from agenda p. 48)
Please do not rubber stamp this and let it move on to the next commission.staff recommends removing subjective criteria allowing staff to apply violations consistently
focusing ordinance on protected trees allowing staff to enforce municipal code without subjective interpretation
Thank you,
Angelo Gladding