Council advances amended tree ordinance after hours of public comment; council restores 10% trimming threshold
Loading...
Summary
After lengthy public comment calling for stronger canopy protections and enforcement, the council voted to introduce (first reading) revisions to Chapter 34 (trees and shrubs) that add a 'significant tree' definition (DBH ≥12"), expand protected species lists and require replacement trees; council restored a 10% trimming‑permit threshold and directed staff to return with implementation details and an urban forestry plan.
The South Pasadena City Council on Dec. 3 advanced (first reading) a revised tree ordinance that made several substantive changes to Chapter 34 (trees and shrubs) following an extended public comment period and council amendments.
City Attorney Roxanne Diaz summarized key changes: the ordinance reintroduces a definition for "significant tree" (diameter at breast height of 12 inches or greater), expands the definition of protected trees to list species (including all oak and sycamore trees), creates restricted tree lists for high and very‑high fire hazard zones, and requires a certified arborist review when the city removes protected or significant trees. The draft also consolidates replacement‑tree requirements and creates an approved replacement tree list to be maintained by Public Works in consultation with a certified arborist.
Public commenters pressed the council on enforcement, replacement ratios, cumulative canopy impacts, and perceived loopholes that could favor development. Several speakers accused a council member of unauthorized removals; those allegations were raised in public comment and not resolved during the meeting.
After deliberation, council members agreed to restore language that requires a tree trimming permit when more than 10% of live foliage, limbs or branches of a protected tree are removed within a 12‑month period. The council also asked staff to prepare an urban forestry management plan and to return with clarified administrative regulations addressing inspections, appeals and deposit/replacement processes.
City Attorney Diaz said the ordinance aims to clarify and make enforceable the city's regulations by providing clear definitions, a protected‑tree list and administrative procedures. Council voted unanimously to approve introduction (first reading) of the amended ordinance; a subsequent hearing and final adoption will follow the required reading and noticing schedule.
"We have added back in to the ordinance significant trees," Roxanne Diaz said, explaining that the change requires a tree removal permit for trees with a DBH of 12 inches or greater.
