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Agoura Hills commission approves updated protected-tree rules, adds sycamore and black walnut
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt an updated protected-tree ordinance that consolidates rules, raises the minimum protected-diameter to 6 inches, scales mitigation by trunk diameter, creates streamlined permit types and incentives, and adds the California sycamore and Southern California black walnut to the protected list.
Agoura Hills
The Agoura Hills Planning Commission unanimously recommended adoption of a revised protected-tree ordinance that consolidates the city—s tree regulations, creates three permit categories, increases mitigation for large-tree removals and adds two native species to the protected list.
Staff presentation: Principal Planner Robbie Necipich described the rewrite as a city council priority to address enforcement shortcomings, reduce costs for single-family homeowners and improve permit timelines. The draft consolidates protected-tree regulations into a single code section (proposed section 9-6-5-7) and establishes three permit types: general tree permits (routine non-deleterious work and minor nondevelopment removals), hazardous tree permits (safety removals and fire-related actions) and development tree permits (projects associated with new construction).
Incentives and implementation: The draft includes several incentives to encourage tree preservation and compliance: a registered-plantings program (owners who voluntarily plant listed species may register them so those plantings are not subject to the ordinance), fee waivers for variance/modification when a developer moves a building to avoid a protected tree, streamlined processing for general permits, and a tree-care company certification program (periodic training and a city-maintained list of certified companies). Staff said the city may also create a tree-grant program and an in-lieu mitigation fund by separate resolution.
Measurement and mitigation changes: Instead of measuring impacts by canopy or root-zone percentage, staff proposed scaling mitigation based on trunk diameter of trees removed to more precisely match environmental value; scrub oaks would remain measured by square footage because of their shrub form. Staff proposed raising the protected threshold from 2 to 6 inches in diameter to focus protections on trees with demonstrable environmental value. For development-related impacts, mitigation monitoring would require annual arborist reports for five years.
Questions and concerns: Commissioners asked about fees, appeals for director-level general permits, and how hazardous permits interact with fire-department orders. Staff said minor oak-tree permits are currently about $250 (staff will propose a fee resolution to set final amounts) and that hazardous permits tied to fire-department orders would be free. Staff acknowledged language confusion about appeals for director-level approvals and said the staff report will clarify appeal procedures.
Public comment and next steps: Patricia Schultz, representing the Hill Rise Open Space Association, thanked staff for reducing homeowner burdens but urged the commission to incorporate fire-agency guidance (for example, 5-foot clearance from structures and trimming lower branches) or otherwise ensure homeowners can follow fire-safety advice without additional penalties. Commissioners asked staff to relay fee-affordability concerns to the City Council. The commission voted 5-0 to forward the ordinance to City Council for final consideration.
