CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2025
PRESENTATION
Item #9
PH 25-037
Tree Preservation
Ordinance
1 Tree Preservation Ordinance Update
City Council Meeting
–
August 19, 2025
Peter Jensen, Landscape Architect
Jeremy Lochirco, Planning Manager
2 Background & Scope
✓ Tree Protection Ordinance
• Sets policies and guidelines to preserve and
expand tree canopy
• Last updated in 2002
✓ City Strategic Roadmap
• Fulfill Goal C11 to Update Ordinance
✓ Aligns with Climate Action Plan and
Hayward 2040 General Plan
✓ Work Sessions and Public Hearings
• City Council Sept 2024
• Planning Commission Oct 2024
• Planning Commission Feb 2025
• City Council March 2025
• Planning Commission June 2025
3 Updates Following Work Session Feedback
✓ Clarified Intent, Process and Goals with Update
✓ Revised or Added Definitions
▪ City Property
▪ Tree Canopy
▪ Tree Maintenance
▪ Topping
✓ Added Reference to Street Tree list in Appendix
✓ Revised and Consolidated Criteria for Heritage
Trees Removals and Appeals
✓ Reorganized Ordinance for Clarity
4 Ordinance Update Highlights
✓ Preservation of Native Trees on Private Property
✓ Heritage Tree Designation
✓ Mitigation for Development Projects
✓ In Lieu Fees
✓ Tree Removal Penalty
✓ Reduce Permit Duration
✓ Addition of a Guiding Appendix & Website
✓ The proposed Text Amendments are categorically
exempt from CEQA per Section(s) 15307 & 15308
of CEQA Guidelines
✓ Since final Ordinance publication, staff has
received several comments from the public
5 Proposed Master Fee Schedule Updates
Tree Removal Pemit Sliding Scale
• 2 or less $392
• 3 to 5 $768
• 6 to 8 $960
• 9 or more $1000 deposit + time and materials
• Heritage Tree $1000 deposit + time and materials
Pruning Pemit Fee
• 2 or less $196
• 3 or more $588
• Heritage Tree $392
Annual Pruning Permit Fee * $817
* One Time Annual Fee For Landscaping/Pruning Companies
6 Staff Recommendation and Next Steps
• That the City Council approve the proposed Text
Amendments of the Hayward Municipal Code Chapter
10, Article 15 to update the City’s Tree Preservation
Ordinance; approval of amendments of the 2026
Master Fee Schedule and Findings that the proposed
amendments are exempt from the CEQA pursuant to
Guidelines Section 15307 and Section 15308
• If adopted, staff will launch an extensive public
outreach process to make the community aware of the
updated requirements.
• Stack articles
• Mailers
• Ordinance Web-page
• In Person Review
• Outreach to Community Groups
7 1
Community Comment
Questions?
3