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Bellflower introduces public‑tree management ordinance as step toward Tree City USA designation
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 14-59 to codify the Urban Forest Master Plan and create a permitting and enforcement framework for public trees; staff said an approved ordinance will allow the city to apply for Tree City USA in September.
City staff presented Ordinance 14-59, which adds a new chapter to the Bellflower Municipal Code governing public‑tree management, maintenance, protection and replacement. The change implements the Urban Forest Master Plan adopted in April and is the last requirement the city needs to apply for Tree City USA designation.
The ordinance assigns responsibility to the public‑works director to implement the master plan, establishes permits for activities that affect public trees (planting, pruning, removal, pesticide use and construction affecting root zones), identifies prohibited actions and sets enforcement and replacement provisions. Staff said the ordinance complements other city tree‑canopy work; the city planted 226 new trees in FY 25–26, exceeding the council’s prior target.
Councilmember comments focused on public outreach and annual reporting. The council introduced the ordinance by title and waived further reading; staff will return with additional materials and an annual update tied to the budget calendar.
If adopted in subsequent readings, the ordinance will allow the city to submit its Tree City USA application on September 1.
