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Commission hears tree-permit report; commissioners press for enforcement and outreach
Summary
Staff reported tree permit activity since 2021 and that 80 trees were planted under an urban forest grant; commissioners raised concerns about unauthorized tree removals, follow-up on replacement plantings and use of certified arborists for heritage-tree assessments.
Parks staff summarized tree permit activity and urban forest grant work. Since 2021 the record shows seven pruning requests (all approved) and 11 removal requests with several approved and two denied; staff said a total of six trees have been purchased and committed to be planted on city property as mitigation, and that 80 trees have been planted as part of the urban forest grant with a goal to plant 600 trees over the next two seasons.
Staff said they rejected 15 out of 100 inventory trees during inspection because of root girdling and will replace them with healthy specimens. Brad said irrigation and mulch work will follow tree planting and that the urban forest master plan will go to council for adoption on the 17th.
Commissioners asked whether follow-up checks confirm that replacement trees required as permit conditions have actually been planted on applicant property or city property. They also raised enforcement concerns about private property owners removing or modifying heritage oaks without permits; staff said code compliance handles violations and the plan calls for certified arborist assessments for heritage-tree recommendations.
There was discussion about outreach and education because many residents appear unaware of municipal code requirements for tree work; staff said the master plan includes outreach materials and a pamphlet describing proper tree planting and permitting."
