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Lafayette Planning Commission backs update to tree protection rules, forwards ordinance to council
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended a draft Tree Protection Ordinance update to City Council after staff outlined changes including raising protected-size thresholds for some properties, a 1:1 replacement ratio, new penalties for illegal removals and clearer procedures for defensible-space pruning and fuel-breaks.
The Lafayette Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt an updated Tree Protection Ordinance after a public hearing and extended discussion Tuesday evening.
Planning staff presented the draft ordinance and timeline, describing revisions that include new protected-tree size thresholds (raising protection on most undeveloped properties from 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter while retaining 6 inches for native and riparian species), adding cork oak to the protected species list for developed properties, and replacing blanket protection for trees shown on development plans with a process that lists specific trees in conditions of approval. "We are now in the final arrow marked fall for hearings and adoptions of the ordinance," staff said during the presentation.
The draft also proposes a simplified 1-to-1 replacement ratio for removed trees with a minimum replacement size of 15-gallon stock, and objective options to allow in-lieu fees when canopy cover exceeds defined thresholds (staff described…
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