City Council proposes update to tree removal policy

Residents may have more options for getting troublesome trees removed after an update to the citys tree policy the City Council has been discussing.

The 18-year-old policy now limits removing trees to those that pose a risk of falling or are diseased.

Proposed modifications would allow trees to be removed in some non-risk management situations, such as trees that produce a lot of droppings or have view or shade issues, Public Works Director Michael Wolfe said.

But making it easier for residents to have some trees removed wont come at an additional cost to the city, applicants for the so-called convenience removals would be required to cover the entire cost.

The proposed modifications will allow property owners to get more value from their property, resident Ken Peterson said. Yes, theres going to be some potential issues, but I think theres going to be more good than harm,

The city has had a steady flow of removal requests regarding convenience issues, but hadnt been able to do anything for those residents because of the current policy, Councilman Craig Young said.

The challenge is, short of having a policy, some residents have turned to self help, he said. So by having a policy that more specifically addresses this issue we can provide staff and residents more direction.

Young said he would support a one-year trial of the modifications if proposed.

Instead of putting it in stone, lets put it in pencil, Young said.

The proposal wouldnt mean residents could ask to have trees removed off of other properties that they felt blocked their view. But a broader policy might be considered in the future. The city of Laguna Beach adopted a view ordinance in July that gives property owners the right to preserve their views if they record them with the city. If the propertys view is inhibited, a city official will notify the offender to take restorative action.

Read the rest here:
City Council proposes update to tree removal policy