Council approves first reading of zoning update; narrows private-tree review and authorizes limited assistance for arborist reports

The San Fernando City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to repeal and replace the city’s zoning provisions and advanced amendments addressing tree preservation and landscape standards.

The zoning code replacement updates rules for housing, accessory dwelling units, mixed-use overlays and other land-use charts to align local code with state requirements and the city’s recently adopted Urban Forest Management Plan. Staff described goals including clarity for users, codifying existing city procedures and adding development standards requested by council.

Council discussion centered on proposed tree-preservation rules for private property. The draft set thresholds for protected trees by species, trunk diameter and height and included a process that required an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist report and Planning Commission review for removal in many cases. Several councilmembers and members of the public urged relief for homeowners, noting high costs for arborist reports and urgent safety concerns when damaged trees threaten structures.

Council approved edits that remove the requirement for Planning Commission review for tree removals on private property provided the tree meets the ordinance’s criteria and is documented by an arborist report; the city will retain review for public-right-of-way trees. The council also approved a provision directing staff to return with options for limited financial assistance or subsidy for certified arborist reports for low-income households and to preserve staff’s right to inspect and verify reports. The roll call on the ordinance first-reading motion and its tree-related edits resulted in a 3–2 approval: Patty Lopez — no; Victoria Garcia — no; Joe Fajardo — yes; Mary Salorio — yes; Mary Mendoza — yes. (Staff indicated the nonconforming-use provisions in the existing code were not changed as part of this vote; staff also agreed to study possible exemptions related to rebuilding after disasters and to meet with an affected business to review concerns.)

The ordinance will return for final reading and adoption after staff updates the draft consistent with council direction and prepares materials required for the Housing and Community Development compliance review for accessory dwelling unit provisions.