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Council asks staff to update sidewalk and street-tree policy and approved-tree list
Summary
City staff said the municipal code and street-tree list are outdated; council asked staff to return with an updated tree list, clearer sidewalk repair rules, and a program proposal for assessment-district-funded sidewalk/tree repairs.
Council members discussed the city's sidewalk and street-tree policy, noting the municipal code requires private property owners to maintain sidewalks but the code and the official approved-tree list are out of date. Staff asked the council for direction on whether to require planting where a street tree is missing and whether assessment-district funds should be used for sidewalk repairs in certain subdivisions.
Staff said the current municipal code requires replacement only if an owner removes a tree, but does not require new plantings where none exist. Patrick (city staff) and community-development staff asked whether the council wants a clearer city policy and an updated street-tree list that prioritizes species less likely to uplift sidewalks.
Public concerns and staff response Council members and residents raised tree-selection, messiness (magnolias and acorns), uplifted sidewalks, and costs for sidewalk replacement and tree trimming. Staff explained property owners replace trees in the public right-of-way under a no-cost encroachment permit and that the city will update the approved-tree list and provide clearer guidance about planting, permits and estimated costs. Staff also said it would develop a program proposal to use assessment-district funds for sidewalk and tree work in subdivisions that have such funding (for example, Canyon Creek and Cipriani).
Action and next steps Council directed staff to return with an updated tree list, clearer sidewalk and street-tree policy language, and a program proposal for using assessment-district funds where applicable. Staff said they would consult with arborists and local garden/pollinator groups for species recommendations and provide estimated costs for sidewalk replacement, stump removal and tree replanting.
Ending Council members emphasized safety: maintenance reductions should not leave trip or falling-branch hazards unaddressed. Staff will return with concrete policy language and a recommended approved-tree list.
