Angelo Gladding
Trees were again featured at last Wednesday's South Pasadena City Council meeting, with the adoption of an ordinance removing restrictions on the trimming of certain trees on private property, and designating responsibility for trees on public property to the Public Works Department.
An Administrative Policy relating to street tree replacement and maintenance was also approved, with an amendment suggested by Councilmember Dorothy Cohen which would include park trees as well as street trees. Also approved was a resolution identifying Southern California Native Tree Species.
The tree trimming ordinance revises Chapter 34 of the South Pasadena Municipal Code so that the trimming of trees on private property is deregulated, with the exception of heritage trees, mature oak trees and mature native trees.
A permit must also be obtained for the trimming or pruning more than twenty percent of live foliage or limbs of any heritage tree within the city.
It is unlawful for any mature or significant tree to be transplanted or removed from the front yard of private property, and it is now unlawful for any heritage tree, oak tree or native species tree to be transplanted or removed from any location within the city without a permit from the city.
Residents who have questions about the status of trees on their properties should check with the city before proceeding with removal or trimming of trees.
Norma LeValley, REVIEW co-editor, and a member of the Board of Directors of South Pasadena Beautiful, was commended by Director of Public Works James Van Winkle for providing her expertise in evaluating trees and standards.
In the past, attempts to have South Pasadena designated a "Tree City USA" through the National Arbor Day Foundation have been denied because the existing ordinance did not define responsibility for management of city trees on public property. LeValley and South Pasadena Beautiful have been assisting the city with what should now be a successful application.
Dr Van Winkle added that LeValley and South Pasadena Beautiful are also assisting the city in establishing an inventory of significant trees in South Pasadena.
...article continues with garage sale and park discussions...