Carpinteria explains tree removal process, points to municipal code and master plan

Carpinteria staff described the formal process the city follows when residents or staff request removal or replacement of public trees and pointed to the municipal code and a tree master plan that guide decisions.

"All of this is in the Carpinteria Municipal Code, chapter 12.28," said Dave Dirtlanger, the interim public works director. He outlined three typical paths: a resident-initiated removal request that is evaluated (and may include an arborist assessment) and then reviewed by the city’s tree advisory board and the City Council; an emergency removal when a tree is an immediate public hazard and staff can act quickly; and periodic, planned removals where older trees are replaced with species better suited to rights-of-way and infrastructure needs.

Dirtlanger described how requests begin with a form to public works, how the advisory board reviews removal requests at regular meetings, and how council review generally occurs in an autumn agenda for final decisions. For urgent safety risks, staff may authorize immediate removal and later inform the advisory board.

Staff said the city maintains an inventory and a tree master plan and that replacement plantings aim to diversify age and species to reduce long-term maintenance problems. The public may view the municipal code and the tree master plan on the city website.