[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6479601,"mediaKeyId","5693235-9419687bf2fd4c6f4cfc088b3e501245","parentId",5693235,"title","UFAC to build consolidated guide to city tree lists; committee agrees on index approach","audioSeconds",347,"startMs",6925000,"endMs",7272000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693235-9419687bf2fd4c6f4cfc088b3e501245&start=6925&end=7272","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693235-9419687bf2fd4c6f4cfc088b3e501245/thumbnail_6925000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479601/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/UFAC-to-build-consolidated-guide-to-city-tree-lists-committee-agrees-on-index-approach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479601-aaf261b71a1d3b976ae697183c392cf0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773766132&Signature=AzNbW5FQLApdmqZZND4IhjG3DxdFfCyuXvA0I~h5GyrCr9~Si3ibCOi4pobZc8wL8pr4v2H2B0bY-Fif1Ru4PGlBrgv6kySwYk39xjTjvSOOP12ofy24Vpf0~~G7NKTn4mGQmcBt-rcGSoIapvU2ldIol99Dr21uCMqYdL-Is~YPLtwyundcgW1cX9i-~1SeDqVo0kuil5VZm8QNhvzdSsmM6YvbvgNFVnswCXg0uTHd2kWS2RdEhu3pZpCvKSt31lER55j4TFvuiylt5kU32XlUx6RRLJuihv07veu95avNTS85Gzf7AG5byOthPpTu5lB7Uf37FzReU8WfD-Boag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Encinitas","date","2025-08-29T14:57:25Z","article","The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee discussed a proposal to consolidate and clarify the numerous, inconsistent tree-species lists the public and staff currently reference. Committee member Mark Genney said residents and contractors face multiple, sometimes conflicting lists (city UFMP, fire department lists, arborist guidance) and proposed an indexed portal or map showing authoritative lists and their intended uses.

Why it matters: Multiple lists create confusion for residents, developers and staff about appropriate species for parkways, private yards and fire-prone areas. The UFAC agreed a single index that points users to the correct list for different purposes would be a practical near-term improvement while a longer-term update to the official master list may require code changes.

Committee direction

Members agreed Genney should prepare a more detailed framework and return in one to two meetings with a draft that identifies which lists should be maintained, which should be retired from public posting, and how to reconcile fire-safety guidance with tree-selection recommendations. Staff flagged that Encinitas Municipal Code §15.02.03 references an approved tree species master list; committee members said they will preserve the authority in code while improving usability and correcting known errors in existing public lists.

Next steps

Genney will bring a more formal proposal to the UFAC agenda in an upcoming meeting so the committee can review and provide edits before staff actions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Urban Forest Advisory Committee Meeting Live Stream 8/28/25","oneSentenceSummary","Committee member Mark Genney proposed creating a single index and guidance page tying together multiple city and agency tree lists (street trees, fire-related lists, invasive lists). UFAC supported the approach and asked for a fleshed-out framework at the next meeting.","taxTitle","Encinitas, San Diego County, California","taxId",3828,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479606,"UFAC designates Torrey Pine on Manchester Avenue as heritage tree despite neighbor safety concerns",1093,5526000,6619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693235-9419687bf2fd4c6f4cfc088b3e501245&start=5526&end=6619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693235-9419687bf2fd4c6f4cfc088b3e501245/thumbnail_5526000.jpg","/articles/6479606/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/UFAC-designates-Torrey-Pine-on-Manchester-Avenue-as-heritage-tree-despite-neighbor-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479606-31f8d86d39019ab5cd91c9f705a139f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773766132&Signature=PuzJBHyRG4lyQkzxq9P4Fj-e4gKmjyD7GLQCmUjcyAZuieXmel5vXplmHOI4D-IhVi5e01hCZqATLAAqpCniYku0isD4M30eMePIyuSZXCXGwGu7qE0qT0M3CAdnaWX78bCKDjkGg18qMvGK5z0FPK1exKEYdbGT3PWuqClu8v1~pxZcj4bZOTFOQG7ae5bswyGLa2ajpdJJQizBKojAtkW85p6wBqG4v64V6hjU4FB7KVL932OL8ObCwT28G-KPdz3sPmt05w0boUs1JDe1haD6vNQVrDMhSGOpqoLrtTa0AMHh05ZYKYeeSt5-jTu7GYQd92cf2nptQXeD1lBQrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Encinitas Urban Forestry Advisory Committee designated a privately owned Torrey pine on Manchester Avenue (Cardiff) as a heritage tree at its Sept. 11 meeting, voting to approve the nomination after staff presentation and public comment.

Why it matters: Heritage designation recognizes a tree's historical, landscape or ecological significance and places it on the city's heritage-tree list. Designation does not remove existing safety authority; the committee and staff noted that heritage status does not prevent safety-related pruning or removal when hazards are documented.

What the committee heard

Katrina, the staff presenter, described the nominee as a large Torrey pine planted in the late 1940s–early 1950s and in fair health. Historical aerial photos in the application indicate the tree predates other Torrey pines commonly seen in the city. Committee members discussed criteria in the heritage-tree application, including age and “defining landmark or significant feature of a neighborhood.”

A neighbor, Jim Segovia, spoke in opposition to designation and said the tree’s branches overhang the street and have dropped large branches in the past. Segovia said the property owner does not live on-site and that he had asked the owner to trim the tree without success; he said he was considering legal action to compel trimming. The neighbor told the committee the main concern was safety for tenants and passersby.

Committee decision and caveats

After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the nomination; the motion carried. Several members noted that a heritage designation does not change the city’s safety processes or civil remedies available to neighbors: safety concerns can still be addressed by pruning or, if required, by removal under existing rules.

Quotes

“The tree is just too large and really too dangerous,” neighbor Jim Segovia said during public comment describing branches that he said have fallen into the street.

Clarifying details

- Location: Manchester Avenue, Cardiff (private property).
- Species: Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana).
- Age: Application and historical aerials indicate planting between about 1947 and 1953; staff described the specimen as older than many Torrey pines planted elsewhere in the city.
- Health: Described in the application as “fair.”

Next steps

Staff will record the designation and advise on maintenance options. Committee members encouraged the neighbor to pursue available safety remedies through city channels (staff inspection, trimming permits or other legal remedies as appropriate).","The committee approved a heritage-tree nomination for a large Torrey pine in Cardiff, citing its age and neighborhood landmark status; a nearby neighbor urged removal or pruning for safety during public comment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479611,"Encinitas UFAC advances revised mature-tree ordinance, flags off-site replacement and enforcement questions",1785,303000,2088000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693235-9419687bf2fd4c6f4cfc088b3e501245&start=303&end=2088","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693235-9419687bf2fd4c6f4cfc088b3e501245/thumbnail_303000.jpg","/articles/6479611/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/Encinitas-UFAC-advances-revised-mature-tree-ordinance-flags-off-site-replacement-and-enforcement-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479611-397f04f8815e4d29a23aab0f24e25134/orig.mp4?Expires=1773766132&Signature=AF20ijSMvPk9n2qJKt8xU9bornXnm~3ahTvTboqDUilWPc2tzJ2ahvnYp-zn1jpOCzQw~78uViXbaaH3onmZ-InbNqvrfYL0EvfFQToMgeZ4cCZESudto~fOEEmV~ioiq5mttNP~gc2uKe4i2rbrhs4gxQ3wiE0iywZXE3UG-M4x7wCKlr~LIHXCXS3OhpQD0yOQa89Nr4upyY~0-E5gdbuADdtDb-AYhhSJZttNIQZnXG0lY4jQuQwsWVFi6d7riOy6gMDMg-joJVDunPKpP6ZVlM1JAbQG5rL49LT2EaQn2iq0L7kr24lKwI3Z1TD-VpxXYNjp3NTGrrF2lBx1Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Encinitas Urban Forestry Advisory Committee on Sept. 11 approved a package of edits to a third-draft mature-tree ordinance and asked staff to forward the draft, plus an alternate replacement approach, to subsequent commissions and to city staff for further review.

Committee members voted to add several native species to regulated lists, to align the ordinance's invasive-species definition with a related native-plant ordinance, and to restore replacement mitigation language as an alternate approach while keeping a streamlined fee-only route in the primary draft. The committee also approved enforcement language that ties penalties for unauthorized tree removal to appraisal-based fees and allows denial of development permits for up to two years in certain violations.

Why it matters: The changes set what will be the UFAC's formal recommendation to planning and environmental commissions and, ultimately, to City Council. Committee members repeatedly emphasized that municipal practice, staff capacity and real-world planting constraints need to be examined by later reviewers before a final ordinance is adopted.

Most important decisions and context

The committee approved adding Mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) to the ordinance's 4-inch trunk-diameter list and confirmed earlier additions (toyon, lemonade berry, laurel sumac/summer holly) that the subcommittee had recommended. It also approved language giving the city arborist authority to augment the native-species list in the city's Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) manual and to make that list publicly available.

Members voted to adopt the invasive-species definition used in the draft native-plant ordinance so the city would use consistent terminology across drafts. They also approved removing utilities from the ordinance's penalties for pre-application tree removal; the revised language leaves utilities outside the ordinance's permitting penalties.

Replacement, fees and funds

The committee debated whether to require replacement plantings (with several on-site and off-site replacement ratios spelled out in the original draft) or to keep a simpler in-lieu-fee approach. The draft includes a detailed replacement schedule (for example, a 3:1 replacement ratio on-site, 2:1 if native; higher ratios for off-site replacements) and allows fee-in-lieu as a fallback. The UFAC voted to include the replacement provisions as an alternate (redlined) version to be carried forward alongside the streamlined fee-only approach so that later reviewers can evaluate both options.

The committee also voted to include appraisal and replacement costs in the fee calculation (city and applicant appraisal costs plus replacement-tree costs) and to leave the destination of collected fees broad: “the fee shall be paid into a city account for preservation and planting of new trees.” One committee member recorded a “no” vote on that destination language; the committee otherwise approved the wording to preserve staff discretion about fund use.

Decision authority, bonds and enforcement

The UFAC changed decision language so the city arborist would make recommendations and the director of Development Services would make final determinations on disputes about retention, replacement and fees. The committee discussed bond or security-deposit requirements to protect trees during construction and to guarantee survival of replacement plantings; proposed bond language (3-year retention) was considered but related bond sections were later struck after committee debate about staff workload and the practical ability to monitor survival. The committee approved enforcement language that ties penalties for removing a regulated tree within two years before filing for development to treble appraisal-based fees and allows denial of permits for up to two years for specified violations.

Dissent and outstanding issues

Members repeatedly flagged two problems: (1) whether appraisal-based fees (even multiplied) are a meaningful disincentive for developers and (2) the logistical difficulty of placing and monitoring off-site replacement trees. Several members said off-site replacement is administratively cumbersome and may produce few net new trees in the community; others said keeping the alternate replacement text preserves city council's intent if council prefers that option. The committee voted to carry an “asterisk” and written comments forward calling out those concerns so that planning, environmental commissions and Council see the debate.

Next steps

The UFAC directed staff to accept the committee's recorded votes and edits and to circulate an updated final draft to Planning/Environmental staff for routing. Committee members said they will attend subsequent commission hearings; the environmental commission's earliest available meeting is Oct. 9, 2025, per staff remarks during the session. The ordinance will next be reviewed by planning and environmental commissions and then City Council.

Quotes from the meeting

“I think it's more complicated than valuable,” Committee member Tony Gurnau said of the off-site replacement language, arguing for keeping an alternative rather than forcing off-site planting as the primary mitigation.

Neighboring process and staff notes

Staff and committee members repeatedly noted limitations on the city's ability to segregate and dedicate fees, the existing administrative manual sections on security deposits for tree preservation, and that the UFMP manual and habitat stewardship program may play different roles depending on whether replacement or fee-in-lieu is used.

Ending

The committee concluded its ordinance work item by asking the subcommittee chair to prepare a consolidated final revised draft for staff distribution. UFAC members asked that the next packet clearly highlight unresolved issues — chiefly off-site replacement feasibility and whether appraisal-based fees are a sufficient deterrent — so later reviewers and city council can act with full context.","The Encinitas Urban Forestry Advisory Committee advanced a third-draft revision of a proposed mature-tree ordinance, voting through multiple edits and asking that alternative replacement rules and enforcement concerns be carried forward to the planning and environmental review stages.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

UFAC to build consolidated guide to city tree lists; committee agrees on index approach

UFAC designates Torrey Pine on Manchester Avenue as heritage tree despite neighbor safety concerns

Encinitas UFAC advances revised mature-tree ordinance, flags off-site replacement and enforcement questions