Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
After heated public comment, South Pasadena Council adopts new tree ordinance (Ordinance No. 2409)
Summary
Following more than an hour of public testimony and extended council discussion, the South Pasadena City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2409 to replace Chapter 34 (Trees and Shrubs). Residents pressed for stronger notice, replacement guarantees and an urban forestry plan; Mayor Pro Tem Omari Ferguson cast the lone recorded no vote.
The South Pasadena City Council adopted a comprehensive rewrite of the city’s tree code, Ordinance No. 2409, at its Dec. 17 meeting after extensive public testimony and council discussion.
Public testimony ran the gamut: neighbors described repeated tree trimming and alleged preferential enforcement, preservation advocates warned the ordinance’s development‑related definitions were too broad, and many speakers urged an independent rotating arborist, stricter replacement requirements and an urban forestry management plan before wholesale changes. "The removal of trees for any reason without notice to residents within 100 yards strips residents of their voices," Evelyn Znimer said during public comment, calling for better…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
