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Committee divided over requiring neighbor notification for exempt tree removals; staff to draft ordinance language
Summary
Councilors debated whether homeowners should be required to notify abutters before removing exempt trees; supporters cited reduced surprises and potential conflict avoidance, opponents warned of burdens on homeowners removing diseased or hazardous trees. The committee took a 4–3 straw vote in favor of drafting a required‑notification ordinance and then voted to hold the item for staff to draft specific language.
The committee considered whether the city should expand tree‑permit notification so that owners filing exempt permits (typically single‑ or two‑family homes) must notify abutting properties and houses across the street.
Supporters said voluntary advance notice could prevent neighbors from coming home to find a mature tree gone and could create opportunities to discuss alternatives such as pruning or protective measures. "It gives people a heads up," one council member said, adding that a simple template letter could make the process easy.
Opponents argued the majority of exempt permits are for dead, dying or hazardous trees—Commissioner Welch estimated at least 60–80% fall into that category—and requiring notification could delay urgent removals, impose costs and create a paperwork burden for homeowners. Some councilors suggested softer options: strongly recommending notification, providing a template letter, or piloting the practice before enacting a mandate.
After extended debate the committee conducted a hand count: four members indicated support for drafting an ordinance to require notification and three opposed (4–3). The chair then moved to hold the item and asked staff to prepare specific ordinance language and operational details for a future meeting.
