South Pasadena staff propose streamlined tree ordinance to speed hazardous-tree removals and simplify permits

South Pasadena Public Works staff on June 11 presented draft recommendations to update the city's tree ordinance intended to shorten permit timelines, clarify trimming and removal criteria, and protect the urban canopy while reducing costs and delays for residents.

The staff presentation, made by Danielle Garcia, water conservation management analyst for the City of South Pasadena, summarized a comparative review of seven nearby municipal codes and recommended a series of changes including a protected-species list focused on native and drought-tolerant trees, clearer thresholds for when trimming permits are required, alignment with industry standards (International Society of Arboriculture and ANSI), and reductions to replacement requirements for hazardous or development-related removals.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the current permit and removal process can be lengthy and costly for homeowners and for city staff. Staff said the proposed changes aim to make the rules more predictable, easier to administer and enforce, and more consistent with neighboring cities while preserving high-value native canopy.

Staff overview and recommendations

Danielle Garcia told the Public Works Infrastructure Commission the review grew from a City Council directive to identify areas to increase efficiency in permitting and to reevaluate removal and trimming criteria. Staff compared South Pasadena's code with Alhambra, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Glendora, Glendale, San Marino and Claremont and found variation in how those cities treat maintenance responsibilities, removal and trimming thresholds, and enforcement.

Garcia said staff recommend: - Focusing regulation and active enforcement on a new "protected tree" list largely composed of native and drought-tolerant species rather than regulating every tree on private property. - Adding clearer maintenance guidelines for property owners and for trees located in public rights-of-way or easements. - Setting objective trimming thresholds aligned with ISA and ANSI best…