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South Pasadena staff propose streamlined tree ordinance with clearer permitting, native-tree incentives
Summary
City staff presented recommended revisions to the tree ordinance aimed at simplifying permits, protecting native trees, reducing replacement burdens for hazardous removals and improving enforcement; commissioners and the Natural Resources and Environmental Commission urged incentives and coordination with fire officials.
South Pasadena City staff presented recommended updates to the municipal tree ordinance on June 9, 2025, proposing clearer maintenance responsibilities, simpler permitting thresholds and lower replacement burdens for hazardous removals.
The revisions, presented by Danielle Garcia, water conservation management analyst, and Michael Bartanians, acting co‑director of public works, respond to a City Council direction to streamline permitting and to address contemporary urban-forest challenges. Garcia said the review compared South Pasadena’s code with neighboring cities and focused on maintenance responsibility, trimming/pruning standards, removal criteria, permitting and enforcement.
The changes aim to protect native trees while making the permit process faster and less costly for residents. Garcia said staff will “simplify the permitting process to ensure native trees are protected” and recommended removing subjective language so violations can be applied consistently. She also noted the…
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