DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 133 271
Urban Forest Benefits
Section
Citywide
Urban
Forest
Benefits
and
Services
Recommended Action
Sustain existing urban
forest benefits and
services by protecting
existing trees.
Enhance the urban forest
benefits and services
through strategic planting.
Educate the public about
urban forest benefits and
proper private tree
management to build
support and increase tree
stewardship.
Sustain existing public tree
benefits and services by
protecting and properly
maintaining public trees.
Enhance the benefits and
services provided by
!Public street tree.s by achie~ing
: go% stocking levels 1n
Street and public rights-of-way.
;Park Tree
rBenefits
and
Services
CostBenefits
Educate the public about
:urban forest benefits and
proper tree maintenance
to build support and
!increase tree stewardship.
Plant trees that grow into
:large-canopied specimens
where adequate space is
available.
Continually assess the
costs and benefits of the
urban forest and public
tree population to inform
management.
Goal Framework
Ke Considerations
Continue to ehforce and monitor tree ordinances,
standards, and best practices for public and private
trees. Public outreach and education should provide
information regarding tree benefits, pest and disease
management. and other information to sustain the
urban forest.
In addition to strategic street tree planting, the planting of trees on public properties should also be conducted
and guided by a strategic tree planting plan.
Recommendations and guidance for private property
owners should also be provided to collectively grow the urban forest and associated benefits and services.
Most of the urban forest and available planting space
resides on private property (only second to parks and
open space). Therefore, an education pr?gram for the
public that discusses urban forest benefits and proper
management will help to protect the valuable resource.
Adherence to and enforcement of the tree ordinances,
standards and best practices during construction
projects ~nd maintenance .will · protect the ~xisting
benefits and services provided by the public tree
population.
Utilizing a strategic planting plan guided by tree cano~y goals, community inp~t. and oth~r fact?rs will
effectively grow the public tree population and increase overall stocking levels.
Maintaining street trees is primarily the City's
responsibility though the urban forest is comprised of all trees throughout the City. An education program that
--informs the pubtic of proper private tree main.tenanceand the benefits of trees will instill stewardship and a healthier tree population.
Simply achieving improved stoc~ing levels does .not
infer enhanced benefits and services. The appropriate
tree species for changing climates and the given site
will increase longevity and maximize benefits and
services.
Maintaining an inventory of public trees and reassessing Citywide tree canopy cover will pro~ide the ~fata to
effectively evaluate benefits and services provided. by the resource. As improvements to management are
achieved through the implementation of this Plan,
associated costs will likely reduce and an evaluation will inform monitoring and adaptive management
strategies.
Recommendations Summary Tables Page I 134
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I
Goal Framework
MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
City Planning Documents
Section
Los Banos
General
Plan
Parks
Master
Plan
Other City
Plans
Recommended Action
Participate in the plan
update process to include
urban forest management
context.
Key Considerations
California law requires each county and city in the state develop and adopt a comprehensive plan to guide
future actions of a community. Integrating and
mainstreaming urban forestry within the General Plan
builds support, aligns common goals, leverages
resources, and ensures long-lasting impacts.
!Improve the Urban Forestry , Trees in parks comprise the urban forest. Implementing Program by aligning goals the Parks Master Plan will expand this element of the and policies of the parks urban forest along with improvements to staffing levels, Master Plan with the UFMP. maintenance. and sustainable landscapes.
Update standards,
specifications, and
procedures based on
recommendations in the
UFMP and changes to
resources and the urban
forest.
The City's Landscape Standards and Specifications
(2004) and Community Design Standards (2008) provide
urban forestry-specific standards and best practices.
The UFMP makes recommendations to strengthen
these standards and best practices and · related
documents should be updated. Changes to City
ordinances and policies should also be reflected in
these documents.
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Program Structure and Funding
Section
Program
Structure
Recommended Action
Establish, document, or
strengthen Standard
Operating Procedures
between City departments
and divisions.
Utilize the findings from
the UFMP to increase
capacity and resources.
Consolidate tree-related
programs to increase
efficiency, capacity, and
Levels of service.
Goal Framework
Key Considerations
Multiple city departments and divisions are involved
with trees in the City. Standard Operating Procedures
provide agreed upon guidance and workflows to
ensure projects and services do not hinder goals and
priorities of others.
The tree inventory data provides the priority
maintenance and removals necessary for a safe and
sustainable public tree population. The ecosystem
benefit analyses provide information that resonates
with community members, City Council, and even other
City departments. Utilize the summaries provided in the UFMP to build support for increasing staffing Levels and the necessary funding for proactive tree care and
Citywide urban forest management.
Tree responsibilities are dispersed across multiple City departments and divisions in a fractured system which
contributes to inefficiencies in management. One
possibility to streamline tree management is to create a new work section that encompasses all tree
management activities within the City. If all tree-related management activities, permitting, enforcement,
customer service, and planning decisions were
coalesced into one section with added service lines, it would maximize efficiency and productivity. The main
benefits are increasing efficiency, changing workplace
culture, and the capacity for the manager to assume
more responsibility over service lines as needed.
Considerations for a new Urban Forestry Division should be explored in the Long term.
Recommendations Summary Tables Page I 136
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Goal Framework
Program Structure and Funding (continued)
Section
Funding
Structure
Recommended Action
Further study the funding
mechanisms most
appropriate to support
community forest
management, and the
degree to which residents
or the City would
generate the funding.
To fund the proactive
pruning for street trees
and the necessary
equipment and resources.
explore the potential to
use alternate funding
sources.
Key Considerations
Public survey respondents showed varying opinions on
where additional funding should be allocated but the
majority support the improved response time by the
City for street tree maintenance.
Alternative funding sources such as the City's portion of the Gas Tax should be explored to support the Urban
Forestry Program's staffing levels and levels of service.
Continue to maintain the The necessary resources and staffing to manage the tree inventory and urban forest sustainably should be informed by data program records to justify - derived from tree inventories, public surveys. staff budget requests. reports, and other sources.
Acquire and sustain staffing
levels that more closely
align with industry
recommendations and the
needs of the City's urban
forest and customer
service.
Los Banos' total staffing Citywide is below the average for cities in the region. Specific to the Urban Forestry Program, there is a shortage of 1,50 full-time employees compared to the average when looking at the
proportion of public street and park trees to the number of staff. This analysis does not account for the estimated 480,000 trees in natural areas and open space but these trees are not to be managed as intensively as street and park trees.
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Tree Code and Regulations
Section
Street
Trees
Private
Property
Trees
Recommended Action
Review and refine the
recommended changes to
Title 10, Chapter 1 of Los
Banos Municipal Code.
:Review and refine the
recommended changes to
Title g, Chapter 3 of Los
Banos Municipal Code.
Update the City's
Landscape landscape and
• improvement standards
Design and specifications as
Standards changes to ordinances
occur.
Goal Framework
Key Considerations
Strengthening the foundation of sound policies enables
long-term success of the Plan. The process to develop
the Plan included a comprehensive review and analysis
of existing ordinances, policies, procedures, and
guidelines. This evaluation was informed by City staff
interviews, benchmarking research of other CA cities,
and a cross-examination of Los Banos' regulations to
industry standards and best practices. The
recommendations for revision to these regulations are
provided as a separate study to the Urban Forest
Management Plan project.
Strengthening the foundation of sound policies enables
long-term success of the Plan. The process to develop
the Plan included a comprehensive review and analysis
of existing ordinances, policies, procedures, and
guidelines. This evaluation was informed by City staff
interviews, benchmarking research of other CA cities,
and a cross-examination of Los Banos' regulations to
industry standards and best practices. The
recommendations for revision to these regulations are
provided as a separate study to the Urban Forest
Management Plan project.
As part of the development of the Plan,
recommendations for changes to the tree-related
ordinances, design standards, and practices were
provided. The City should further evaluate the
recommendations to amend these policies and
regulations that will support the implementation of the Plan.
Recommendations Summary Tables Page I 138
276
Goal Framework
Best Practices
Section
Pruning
Cycles
Tree
Inventory
Recommended Action
Review and finalize the
total costs for a pruning
cycle of 5 years for all
public street. median,
backup lot. facility, and
park trees.
Update the public tree
inventory.
Analyze the inventory to
,report on ecosystem
[benefits and utilize as part
of budget planning.
Update the public tree
inventory.
Key Considerations
Evaluating the costs of an optimal scenario where all
public trees are pruned on a recommended cycle
provides baseline values for comparison to annual
budget requests. For example, an increase of $60,000
annually for tree maintenance would change the City's
current 6-year cycle to the recommended 5-year cycle.
Completing an updated inventory of street and park
trees every 5-10 years will ensure management
decisions are made with the most recent and accurate
information. Consider a reevaluation of potential public planting sites to inform planting strategies tied to
canopy goals.
The tree inventory provides data to calculate the
associated benefits and services automatically or
manually. This information can be used to monitor
urban forest performance, adjust management and
planting strategies, and connect budget requests to
ecosystem service performance.
Completing an updated inventory of street and park
trees every 5-10 years will ensure management
decisions are made with the most recent and accurate
information. Consider a reevaluation of potential public planting sites to inform planting strategies tied to
canopy goals.
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Best Practices (continued)
Section
Tree
Maintenance
Utility
Tree
Maintenance
Young
Tree
Training
Recommended Action
Implement and adhere to
best practices and
standards for City-led tree
maintenance.
Share resources and
information with the public
regarding proper tree
maintenance.
Create a registry and
requirements for a Cityapproved Tree Contractor
program.
Maintain and update as
needed the tree contractor
specifications and
requirements.
Regularly_meet with utility
companies and utility
vegetation management
companies to ensure best
practices are maintained.
Establish a young tree
maintenance plan for all
City-led plantings and
structurally prune every
three years for at least two
cycles.
Goal Framework
Key Considerations
Adhering to the ISA Best Management Practices and
ANSI Standards ensures proper management of the
urban forest and sets an example for private property
owners to follow.
The majority of trees comprising the Citywide urban
forest are the responsibility of private property owners to maintain. To sustain the urban forest. property
owners, tree care companies, and ·property managers
need to be aware of the best practices and standards
for tree care.
A list of certified arborist-represented companies and
those tree care professionals that adhere to industry
standards and best practices will support the goals of
maintaining the urban forest.
Continue to inform contractors of tree regulations and
standards, maintain contractor specifications, and
inspect the completed work.
Coordination with companies and agencies involved
with utility tree pruning will.improve communications
·. and outcomes. It will also ensure adherence to · best practices as defined in the ISA Best Management
Practices - Utility Pruning of Trees (2004).
Within th.e public tree population, a total of 4,365 trees are under six inches in diameter and qualify for young
tree pruning. Young tree maintenance improves a tree's
structure and reduces future maintenance costs.
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Goal Framework
Best Practices (continued)
Section
Tree
Planting
and
Irrigation
Recommended Action
Adhere to industry
standards and best
:practices when planting
trees.
Review and finalize the
Key Considerations
The City should update its Standard Detail for tree
planting and staking. In addition, choosing quality tree nursery stock for planting is essential to long-term
growth and health. The City should continue to adhere
to ANSI Z.60.1 Nursery Standards. Development
projects should follow the same requirements and trees
planted should be inspected to conform with City and
industry standards. Align efforts with other city goals such as climate change, water conservation, and
sustainability.
As part of the Urban Forest Management Plan project, a
· draft list of trees recommended for City projects and street trees was developed that contains various
attributes for each tree species for making the selection for a desired project. The trees in the list are suitable for . Los Banos' current and changing climate and private
,property owners should be encouraged to utilize the list.
The review of the list should include the following.
considerations:
Master Street Tree List and .Ensure the total number of species recommended by the ,utilize for all City-led City can meet species diversify goals. Prioritize planting projects and encouraged to trees rated by Water Use Classification of . Landscape private property owners. _Species (WUCOLS) as very low and low water users.
Identify trees that are not expected to adapt to changing climate conditions and replace them with new suitable
.species.
Make sure there are enough small and medium-sized tree
species in the list to provide more options in locations that have limited soil volume.
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Best Practices (continued)
Section
Tree
Planting
and
Irrigation
(cont.)
Best
Recommended Action
!Develop Citywide and
local species diversity
:goals by potentially using
a three-tiered approach.
Practices Continue to provide
• information and enforce
for Pnvate tree regulations for trees
Property on private property.
Trees
Goal Framework
Key Considerations
.Tier 1. Citywide Species Diversity Goal: The City should adopt a goal of having no one species comprise more
Jhan 10% of the City tree population and no one genus
comprise 20%. This goal will help to ensure that the
overall inventory is resilient to threats as it is dispersed across the City. The established goal can then be used
· to further inform a more nuanced plan for individual
neighborhoods or geographic areas of the City.
':Tier 2. Imp lement Goal on Neighborhood Scale: The City should determine smaller geographic portions of the
City and apply the species diversity goal to those areas.
Boundaries could be formed from existing defined
neighborhoods, Council Districts, or other set
boundaries within the City. This strategy would help to . identify what species dominate a specific area and plan .. for the introduction of new species to provide an
additional layer of species diversity and protection from threats. This approach would also necessitate specific
planting palettes for each area that factor in the current neighborhood-level species diversity percentages into
·what species are planted.
Tier 3. Street Level Diversity: The City should incorporate .species diversity on a street or street block level. At this scale, species diversity decisions would include
· determining whether a street is planted with two or
three alternating species, and the extent to which
:monoculture street plantings would be allowed. The
'planting palette for individual streets would be formed ·by decisions made in Tier 2 of the planning process. This tier would not include maintaining the Citywide species diversity goal as continuity and aesthetics are important considerations for developing neighborhood character
and would be difficult to achieve with 10 or more species planted on a street.
Community education campaigns and direct actions
such . as City ordinances, policies, and permitting
programs are the interfaces between the City, the urban forest. and private property. Sharing of information and enforcing tree regulations ensures the tree canopy on
private property is sustained.
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Goal Framework
Best Practices (continued)
Section Recommended Action
:implement an Integrated
Pest Management (1PM)
program for all Citymaintained trees as
. necessary.
Conduct visual
assessments of 15% of the
public tree population
annually to monitor for
pests and diseases.
Additional :p 'd . f t' d , rov1 e 1n orma ,on an
Best training to the public
'Practices :regarding tree pest and
disease signs, symptoms.
prevention, and treatment.
!Implement best practices
to reduce and address tree
and sidewalk conflicts.
Key Considerations
A healthy urban forest provides the greatest return on
investment. Effective management of tree pests and
diseases requires an integrated approach of monitoring, adequate resources, and various treatment techniques .
The public tree inventory data can provide information
to establish zones or areas of concern where trees are
susceptible to pest and disease outbreaks. To identify
possible concerns a routine visual assessment of a
portion of the tree population each year can potentially halt an outbreak or identify a new concern. Data should be logged in the City's tree inventory software and used to inform budget requests.
Outside of parks, open space, and natural areas, private property has the most trees comprising the urban
forest. Education, resources, trainings, and other public engagement can help to grow and manage an urban
forest that is resilient to tree pests and diseases.
The Solutions Workbook and Possible Guidelines for
Tree and Sidewalk Conflicts appendix to this Plan
provides guidance for consistent and transparent
evaluation of conflicts with alternative solutions to tree removal or sidewalk replacement.
In addition to the environmental benefits of carbon
Explore the financial costs storage, urban wood utilization programs contribute to and return on investment to the green economy of Los Banos and can provide implement an urban wood employment opportunities throughout the entire utilization program. process to remove, store, treat. and prepare wood for its second life.
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Funding
Section
Funding
Mechanisms
Recommended Action
Evaluate the potential
funding mechanisms for
feasibility.
Refine the analyses to
support implementation of
feasible funding
mechanisms.
Further evaluate the
degree to which the
residents and/or the City
would support and
generate the funding.
Develop a sustained
funding report detailing
current and potential
funding mechanisms
aligned with urban forestry
needs.
Goal Framework
Key Considerations
The Plan provides a series of potential and viable
mechanisms to fund the Urban Forestry Program.
Further analyses by the City should be conducted to
identify the preferable and most feasible funding
mechanisms.
Further studies and analyses should be conducted on
the preferable and most feasible funding mechanisms.
For example, the use of the Gas Tax Fund (215) should
be further evaluated.
Respondents showed varying opinions for how
additional funding should be applied to the City's urban forest management program. According to the survey,
79% support using additional funding for green jobs and job training, 74% for faster response time regarding tree maintenance, 67% for more tree planting programs, 66%
support funding community programs to plant and
·-maintain trees: 58% for support in covering tree-related damage to hardscapes, and 51% support using funding
for environmental education programs. Additional
public engagement and education efforts should be
undertaken to investigate where public support lies.
The report should provide the guidance to effectively
implement the feasible funding mechanisms and
include a method for evaluating needs to inform
adjustments to future budget requests.
Recommendations Summary Tables Page I 144
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Goal Framework
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK
Community Engagement
Section Recommended Action
Engage- Establish consistent
ment to messaging and implE:ment an
outreach and education
Implement program as a Citywide
the Plan coordinated effort.
;Remove barriers that prevent
Multiple ~ccess to information by
Avenues of1mple~enting outr.each and
• :education on multiple
Commum- platforms to reach all
cation demographics and cultures in
the City.
Volunteer
Corps or
Tree
Stewards
Program
Support in a technical capacity
the creation of a local tree
stewards program.
Key Considerations
A team of City staff and stakeholders should be
organized to monitor Plan implementation. To
support the Plan, a community outreach strategy
should be developed that defines the audiences,
approaches, timing, materials, and other
considerations to effectively communicate to all
communities and demographics.
Utilize local community partners to identify the
existing barriers to information and align efforts to
address these within the community outreach
strategy.
Consider the framework of the Sierra Club San
Francisco Bay's Tree Team for Oakland, CA with
volunteer-led tree planting and pruning. In 2008, the
Oakland City Council reduced funding to the city's
Tree Division and suspended routine tree-plantings,
so the Sierra Club's SF Bay Chapter began to plant
trees with volunteers where homeowners would
take care of them. As of January 2021, over 2,000
trees have been planted, many of them in
communities rated as "environmentally
disadvantaged' by CalEnviroScreen3.o.
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Community Engagement (continued)
Section
/Partnerships
. .. . - . ... . .. .
Strengthen community and
regional partners that
represent all neighborhoods
and demographics in the City.
Coordinate with partners to
Education host and support educational
activities.
Tree Evaluate the guidance
Commiss- provided to support the City's
ion
Environmental
Justice
Tree Commission.
Utilize partnerships and
surveys to.address
environmental justice
concerns and adapt strategies
as needed.
Volunteer Support volunteer
'Coord... coordination by collaborating
inator on events.
Goal Framework
Key Considerations
Consider the technical and funding support from
CAL FIRE, Non-Profit Organizations, federal
agencies, regional organizations, and other
conventional and non-conventional partners.
Identify shared goals, opportunities to leverage
resources, and strategies that are guided by an
MOU or similar.
Activities may include articles, seminars, trainings,
workshops, events, virtual sessions, and other
mediums and channels that reach Los Banos'
diverse population.
As part of the planning process, guidelines for
supporting the Tree Commission were provided.
Continue to inform and engage members of the
commission and ensure all members of the
community are represented.
Establishing or strengthening partnerships that
represent all neighborhoods, ·· c6mfnunities;--
demographics, and cultures ensure the urban forest
provides benefits and services to all.
A volunteer coordinator with specific guidance for
urban forestry engagement can promote various
events to build community stewardship.
Recommendations Summary Tables Page I 146
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Goal Framework
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The framework of the goals and actions in the Urban Forest Management Plan provides the City of Los Banos with the means to measure progress and adapt to an everchanging environment and availability of resources. Each of the goals align with the U.S. Forest Service's Urban Forest Audit System and the actions are intended to guide the City towards improvements in ranking for each of the 130 elements within the 11 categories of urban forest management. As actions are implemented, the City may conduct new iterations of the Urban Forest Audit to gauge success, evaluate progress, and adjust accordingly. View the Evaluate section of the Monitoring Plan for more information.
As part of the project. an interactive worksheet of goals, actions, and targets was provided to enable the City's implementers to sort actions by order, priority, effort. goal theme, implementation year, and other action attributes. It is recommended the City establish an urban forestry working group to manage Plan implementation and monitoring. This team should coordinate the implementation of actions with the respective partners or collaborators. For the Plan, actions were provided by goal theme though the City may find it advantageous to view the actions by recommended order, priority, level of effort, or target year.
Based on the assessment of Los Banos' urban forest resource, the programs that manage it, and the community that shapes and benefits from it. the following implementation schedule is recommended.
Implementing the Plan in this manner will effectively and efficiently address the City's shared challenges and priorities using the resources available. As the Plan progresses, more resources will become available to implement the longer term actions.
IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY
Goal and Action Key
GOAL A GOAL B:
Tree Capacity,
Management Training. and
Policy Authority
Ongoing
GOALD GOAL E: GOAL F:
Assessments Community Green
and Engagement Asset
Planning Management
Maintain an inventory of public trees and update as maintenance, removals, and new plantings o_ccur. Encourage partners to manage a current inventory of utility trees. (2022 start) Continue to receive Arbor Day Tree City USA designation. Strive to achieve Arbor Day Growth Awards and Sterling status after 10 Growth Awards. (2022 start) Continue to strengthen partnerships with civic groups, non-profit organizations, Homeowners' Associations, volunteers, institutions, internal, City Council, neighborhoods, improvement districts, and non-conventional organizations aligned with goals of the UFMP.
Support volunteer events and develop strategies to remove barriers to participation for all community members. (2022 start)
Provide education and workshops to the public about tree maintenance responsibilities, permitting, species selection, and proper young tree care as funding allows. Also provide information regarding unauthorized tree plantings, invasives, and management of volunteer trees. At minimum, share this information quarterly on social media, the City's website, and other communication platforms. Align these efforts with Action CE.01 for a community outreach strategy. (2022 start)
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, Goal Framework
Stay current with industry research, science, and technology through various platforms. An example includes management of current and potential exotic tree pest and disease threats. (2022 start)
Prioritize young and large tree maintenance, removals, and risk tree assessments based on updated inventory data and resources. Update the maintenance regimen (number of public trees pruned annually) by evaluating inventory data, program structure, available resources, and demands. (2022 start)
Use Citywide tree inventory data and best available science for long-term planning and management of existing and future tree pests and diseases impacting the City's urban forest.
Consider new research and guidance such as the 5% tree genera diversity rule (Ball, 2015). (2022 start)
Continue to seek and acquire funding and technical assistance from agencies and organizations such as the CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service, University Extension Services, and others. (2023 start)
Coordinate with other City departments to maximize the number of trees planted through Capital Improvement Programs and stormwater management projects. Establish procedures for replacing damaged trees during infrastructure replacement projects. (2023 start) Align resources and planning efforts across City departments and partners to meet common goals and improve efficiencies. Tree managing staff should engage in City department planning such as updates to the City's General Plan, Parks Master Plan, and plans for climate change, greenhouse gas reductions, sustainability, and human health. (2023 start) Quantify the ecosystem benefits and appropriate appraisal values of public trees to conduct a cost-benefit analyses of public trees. This informs management priorities, program structure, and raises public awareness of the urban forest benefits. (2023 start) Conduct biannual community surveys to gauge public viewpoints and receive feedback on implementation of the UFMP and program success. Prioritize citizen feedback/requests and update the City website with frequently asked questions and additional resources. (2023 start)
Complete an urban forest audit using similar criteria as the 2021 audit completed for the UFMP to evaluate improvements in urban forest management and adapt strategies. (2023 start)
Use the data from the Assessments and Plans actions (i.e., tree maintenance needs, tree planting needs, ecosystem services) to support budget and funding increases aligned with resource needs and actions in the UFMP. (2024 start)
Develop an annual education and training budget for tree management staff that supports attending CEU accrediting seminars, workshops, and conferences each year. Consider the Tree Care Industry Association's Certified Treecare Safety Professional accreditation. (2024 start)
Implementation Summary Page I 148
286
Goal Framework
Years 1-2
Establish an urban forestry working group with regular meetings to monitor progress of implementing actions. Finalize lead implementers.
Develop a community outreach strategy with clear and consistent language using information from the UFMP. Include updates and a dedicated page on the City's website.
Coordinate the strategy as a Citywide initiative rather than a departmental effort.
Refine and finalize the Master Street Tree List and update the City standards and specifications for improvements and landscape to detail the appropriate trees for public tree plantings and the planting detail.
Years 3-5
Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of the Tree Commission to align with goals and actions in the UFMP.
Prepare a formal document to recommend changes to tree-related code, ordinances, standards (i.e., Landscape Standards), Standard Operating Procedures, and best practices based on recommendations and priorities described in Appendix F.
Based on the exploration of funding opportunities provided in the UFMP, develop a sustained funding report that details the opportunities and approaches for sustained, dedicated, and diversified funding. An example includes a pest control fee or alternative uses of the Gas Tax.
Determine the necessary staff required to adequately manage tree hazards and debris within the public rights-of-way, effectively plant trees aligned with canopy goals, provide post-planting care, and enforce tree ordinances 0.e., shade requirements, mitigation plantings, replacement plantings).
Years 6-10
Strengthen storm and disaster preparations, mitigations, and recovery strategies, protocols, and mechanisms.
Complete a comprehensive high-resolution Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment using -industry recommended protocols to establish a baseline metric -from whTch urban forest improvements can be measured.
Consolidate tree-related policies, guidelines, best practices, standards, and information into a tree manual for planners, developers, homeowners, HOAs, and tree care companies.
Use the results of an updated high-resolution Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment to prioritize tree plantings based on low existing tree cover and enhancing benefits provided by trees.
Years 11+
Establish a dedicated, sustained funding source beyond the current departmental budget for urban forestry operations to increase the level of service to meet the community's high standards.
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Goal Framework
MONITORING PLAN
This Urban Forest Management Plan will be updated and revised periodically to reflect changes in the urban forest resource structure and function, to incorporate changes in industry standards, to consider community response. and to measure the progress of the urban forest partners in implementing the recommendations and reaching the established goals. This process should be overseen by an urban forestry working group consisting of City staff and stakeholders (see Action CT.01) using the Evaluate. Monitor. Report. and Revise methodology.
Knowing how the City of Los Banos and its partners are doing will require a continual process of evaluation. This section presents examples of how to monitor, analyze, and revise the Plan, which will keep stakeholders informed of the status of the Urban Forestry Program. To monitor progress toward implementing the Plan recommendations. an evaluation similar to the U.S. Forest Service's Urban Forest Audit (details below in the Evaluate section) conducted to develop the initial Plan should be completed. This evaluation will identify progress and shortfalls compared to the baseline audit.
In addition, a report card could be created based on outcomes of the audit and distributed to the public every two to three years. This will measure the progress toward implementing the Plan actions.
The Report section provides a suggested structure to measure and report success toward accomplishing each goal. Other indicators to measure progress may need to be developed to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation.
Figure 43. Summary of the Plan implementation and monitoring process
EVALUATE MONITOR
AUDIT BENCHMARKS
--
-
REPORT REVISE
Implementation Summary Page I 150
288
Goal Framework
EVALUATE
The U.S. Forest Service's Urban Forest Audit System provides a framework for routine evaluations of the urban forest. the programs that manage it. and the community that shapes and benefits from it. The deliverables to this Urban Forest Management Plan project include guidance for completing an update to the audit completed in 2021 to develop the Plan. This audit system consists of 11 categories of urban forest management. sustainability, and community. Within the 11 categories are approximately 130 subcategories or elements. Each element was ranked or scored based on the consultants' evaluations in 2021 for the Urban Forest Management Plan. It is recommended the City's urban forestry working group (or similar) complete a bi-annual audit to inform any alterations to actions and strategies.
About the Urban Forest Audit
The primary objectives of the audit are defined by
the Urban Forest Audit System authors and
adapted by the City's urban forestry consulting
team to engage the full spectrum of the
organizations' management team, provide
program direction that increases the level of
professionalism in management. conduct a gap
analysis of management practices and the health
of urban forests, provide strategic direction to
improve the health of the urban forest. and
optimize management for environmental justice
and equitable distribution of resources.
Urban Forest Audit Process
The process of analyzing the urban forest involved
extensive information and document gathering and
research to identify policies, practices, programs,
and standards pertaining to categories of urban
forestsustair1ability and management as defined by
Clark et al. (1997), Kenney et al. (2011), and the Forest Service. The categories are listed in the table above.
Each category has a series of subcategories
pertaining to the specific category. As an example,
the subcategories listed on the right are in the
Management Policy and Ordinances category:
Table 25. Categories for evaluation using the U.S. Forest Service's Urban Forest Audit System
1) Management Policy and Ordinances
2) Professional Capacity and Training
3) Funding and Accounting
4) Decision and Management Authority
5) Inventories
6) Urban Forest Management Plans
7) Risk Management
8) Disaster Planning
9) Standards and Best Management Practices
10) Community
11) Green Asset Evaluation (Observed Outcomes)
Table 26. List of subcategories within the Management Policy and Ordinances category of the audit
❖ 1.01) Climate Change (Sustainability)
❖ 1.02) No Net Loss
❖ 1.03) Risk Management
❖ 1.04) Tree Canopy Goals
❖ 1.05) Tree .Protection
❖ 1.06) Utility
❖ 1.07) Human Health
❖ 1.08) Wildlife Diversity/Habitat/Protection
❖ 1.09) Performance Monitoring
❖ 1.10) Private Tree Ordinances
❖ 1.11) Public Tree Ordinances
❖ 1.12) Development Standards
❖ 1.13) High-Conservation Value Forests
❖ 1.14) Urban Interface (WUD
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Goal Framework
All available documents and plans were reviewed and tallied in the audit worksheet as part of the information discovery phase. Based on the evaluation of the documents and outcomes of all planning processes (i.e., research, City staff interviews, urban forest benchmarks, data analyses, and community engagement) each subcategory within the 11 categories was "ranked" using the following system:
o) Not Practiced - Component doesn't exist or is not practiced: o points 1) In Development - Component is in development as part of or aside from this Plan: 1 point 2) Adopted Practice - Component is routinely practiced: 2 points 3) Exceeds Adopted Practice - The component is exceeded: 3 points The points were then totaled for an overall rating to provide a summary of the City's level of achieving each category of urban forest management and sustainability.
Urban Forest Audit Results for Los Banos
• •
# C t soc·(% Base··(% Overall Overall(%
a egory Achieved) Achieved) Ratin Achieved)
1 Management Policy, Ordinances 75% 50% 18 64%
2 Professional Capacity and Training 50% NA 8 50%
3 Funding and Accounting 75% NA 4 33%
4 Decision, Management Authority 100% 100% 8 100%
5 Inventories NA 31% 11 42%
6 Urban Forest Management Plans NA 42% 13 54%
7 Risk Management 67% 100% 11 61%
8 Disaster Planning NA 50% 4 29%
9 Standards and BMPs'*' 75% 69% 37 62%
10 Community 100% NA 21 75%
11 Green Asset Evaluation NA NA 17 85%
TOT AL 77% 63% 152 60%
·standard of Care (SOC} elements represent the minimum group of urban forestry management "best practices· that a municipality should consider for implementation. SOC refers to the degree of prudence and caution required of an individual who is under a duty of care (i.e .. legal obligation of the controlling authority. owner. or manager) to minimize risk. Neither state. regional, nor national minimum management components have been established for SOC but these are interim recommendations for consideration. (NA c not applicable) .. Base Practices (BP) elements represent additional urban forest management activities or components that may effectively expand a program beyond the SOC group (see footnote above). These elements are typically precursors to other "non-core" elements in the category. (NA= not applicable)
... Best M9nagement Practices <BMPs)
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Urban Forest Audit Summary Discussion
The main purpose of the urban forest audit is to apply the research and findings gathered throughout the planning effort to inform the Plan's goals, strategies, and actions. This audit or "gap analysis" enables the Urban Forestry Program to control different aspects of its program with data. This gap analysis identified the shortcomings that the Urban Forestry Program should overcome and by quantifying them, the program can make improvements. It also enables effective monitoring of Plan strategies in that the audit categories and elements can be revisited at key intervals in the Plan implementation process to measure progress and adapt strategies accordingly. For the comprehensive evaluation of all subcategories within the Urban Forest Audit. see Appendix I.
The information provided in the table above describes the current conditions of Los Banos' urban forest, the programs that manage it, and the community framework. As recommended in the Plan's monitoring methods, the City should use this framework to evaluate implementation progress, report successes, and inform changes to Plan actions. Many of the urban forest audit elements were given a rating of "In Development" as they previously did not exist but are addressed in this Urban Forest Management Plan. This means that the City is already well underway in advancing its program and its Urban Forest Audit score.
100%
Figure 44, Summary of the 2021 Urban Forest Audit for Los Banos' Plan DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 153 291
Goal Framework
Interpreting the Urban Forest Audit Scores
The Urban Forest Audit System should serve as a baseline assessment from which progress can be measured and strategies can be adjusted using an adaptive management approach. Overall, Los Banos scored a 60 out of 100 based on the consultants' evaluation. The scores resulting from the evaluation are informative but should not be considered a definitive assessment or a reason for excessive action due to a currently low score or inaction due to a high score. The following provides an interpretation of the scores for the City to consider when implementing the Plan's corresponding actions.
Management Policy and Ordinances
Table 28. Inter retation o the 2021 Urban Forest Audit scores Management
Policy and
Ordinances
Rating of
64%
Professional
Capacity and
Training
Rating of
50%
STRENGTHS: The City scored relatively average in this category due to the existing tree ordinances and development standards. As part of the UFMP, a canopy assessment was completed and canopy goals were drafted to support a "no net loss" approach to urban forest canopy management.
OPPORTUNITIES: Enhanced tree protection and enforcement in the right-of-way and on private property will support a "no net loss" strategy for retaining the benefits of urban forests. Appropriate levels of public and private tree ordinances as well as a strengthened Heritage Tree Program would advance Los Banos in this category.
Also, the City should explore planning options for climate mitigation and adaptation aligned with sustainability efforts and goals.
STRENGTHS: Staff have industry certifications, qualifications, and training.
OPPORTUNITIES: Los Banos scored low in this category since a formal Urban Forestry Program or Division does not exist and there are arborist certifications needed for supporting staff. Also, current staff operate outside of their respective job duties and responsibilities and staffing levels are below adequate. Restructuring the Urban Forestry Program for efficiency is a critical first step in improving this score, meeting customer service demands, and managing a sustainable urban forest.
Funding and STRENGTHS: Urban forestry is budgeted annually.
Accounting
Rating of
33%
Decision and
Management
Authority
Rating of
100%
OPPORTUNITIES: Based on benchmarking research, Los Banos is below regional averages in terms of budget per public tree ($9.11 compared to $37.35 for cities with similar population size). A diversified, sustainable, and dedicated funding source is needed. Los Banos has a strong network of engaged community residents who are in support of reallocating resources for urban forestry and provide tree stewardship support (i.e., young tree training).
STRENGTHS: Los Banos has a Tree Commission and the Urban Forestry Program has authority over day-to-day activity. The staff closely engage with other City divisions and sections. The City scored high in this category since the audit only contains four subcategories but can be expanded as described in the opportunities below.
OPPORTUNITIES: If Los Banos were to consolidate all tree related services into a single work section or division and update corresponding operating procedures, the City would elevate in this category and be able to implement all actions in the Plan.
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Goal Framework
Categor Implications
Inventories
Rating of
42%
Urban Forest
Management
Plans
Rating of
54%
STRENGTHS: Los Ban-os has a comprehensive public tree inventory (2021) and an assessment of Citywide urban tree canopy cover completed in 2022. The data is used to inform management and prioritize tree planting and preservation for environmentaljustice and equity.
OPPORTUNITIES: The City should support in a technical capacity the inventory of trees private property trees including campuses and corporations. In addition, a sample survey of trees in open space and natural areas would provide data to support sustainable urban forest management. The City should maintain these inventories and conduct reassessments of tree canopy cover every 5 to 10 years to monitor change, track canopy goals. and adapt strategies. Before reassessment. it is recommended the City conduct a high-resolution urban tree canopy assessment for more accurate analyses of tree canopy cover and priority planting areas.
STRENGTHS: Tracking and reporting of urban forest management activities, this Plan, and urban forestry referenced in the General Plan resulted in higher scores for certain elements within this category.
OPPORTUNITIES: Plans for other Landscapes comprising the urban forest such as open space, grounds on public facilities, campus/university trees, and green stormwater management. is an opportunity for Los Banos. Implementation of this Plan will increase the rating as will plans for private trees and enhanced street tree strategic planning such as a street tree planting plan.
Risk STRENGTHS: Staff trained in tree risk assessments and standard of care adopted.
Management The City completed a comprehensive public tree inventory in 2021 to inform management strategies.
Rating of
61%
Disaster
Planning
Rating of
29%
OPPORTUNITIES: Additional internal technical support for assessing trees questioned for removal would improve the efficiency, effectiveness, resourcefulness. and appeal of City operations. A maintained inventory of trees in public rights-of-way is necessary to identify, monitor, plan, prioritize, and mitigate risk. The inventories detail Los Banos' vulnerabilities to tree pests and diseases, climate change impacts, storm events, invasive species, and the natural or premature senescence of trees. The Plan provides recommendations for implementing risk management standards and best practices.
STRENGTHS: The City's maintenance staff addresses downed trees and Limbs and collaborates when extensive response is needed.
OPPORTUNITIES: Primarily, a multi-faceted disaster plan for public trees is needed.
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Goal Framework
Cate or Implications
Standards,
and Best
Practices
Rating of
62%
Community
Rating of
75%
STRENGTHS: Los Banos has an average rating for this category due to the tree ordinances, landscape and improvement standards and specifications, General Plan, and informational fliers.
OPPORTUNITIES: The City should review, refine, and adopt the recommended changes to tree-related ordinances, policies, and standards provided in the Plan.
Updates to these regulations would support tree preservation and provide a strong and fair foundation from which long-term results can be achieved such as canopy goals and sustainability.
- --
STRENGTHS: Los Banos is a Tree City USA city, demonstrating the value placed on urban forests. This Plan included a public survey and has engaged the public in community meetings and social media posts. The Urban Forestry Program has a successful Heritage Trees Program, permitting program, and a growing network of partners. The City conducts Arbor Day events, engages the public through social media, website, and other platforms, addresses service requests, and works closely with community partners.
OPPORTUNITIES: Continue to utilize the City's website, address the concerns and questions posed in the survey and meetings, conduct outreach to the public based on survey feedback, establish a recognition program by sector for exemplary urban forest considerations, address underserved areas as identified in the canopy and tree equity assessments, and facilitate more trainings both internally and for the public. Align efforts with ongoing initiatives relating to climate change and sustainability and garner community partnerships that represent the diverse population in the City. Continue to engage with the Tree Commission to increase capacity, provide support for urban forest advocacy, and support community engagement. Lastly, the City should utilize local non-profit organizations that support urban forestry goals.
Green Asset STRENGTHS: The public tree population is diverse with 168 unique tree species, Evaluation relatively young (78% in the 1-12-inch size class), and mostly in good condition (38%).
Rating of
85%
OPPORTUNITIES: This category is for documenting observed outcomes and improvements which will occur as this Plan is implemented and the comprehensive public tree inventory is maintained. The updates to tree-related ordinances and design standards will Likely contribute to urban forest health, preservation, and growth. Currently, Chinese pistache comprise 20% of the public tree population and narrowleaf ash make up 11%. London planetrees are currently at 10%. Each of these three tree species are at or above the recommended threshold of 10% for species.
In addition, the Pistacia (pistache) and Fraxinus (ash) genera are at the genus threshold of 20%. Also, the top ten most common tree species comprise 71% of the entire public tree population. These are examples of current vulnerabilities that should continue to be monitored and addressed by implementing the Plan.
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MONITOR
BENCHMARKS
Measuring accomplishment of the actions will require ongoing analysis. The outcomes of the Urban Forest Audit System in the Evaluate section can be used to monitor change over time. These benchmark values should be tracked, and a state of the urban forest report should be prepared and distributed to the public every 2 to 5 years. Analysis may include an updated public tree inventory, i-Tree benefits analyses, or urban tree canopy assessments. The state of the urban forest report should include the benchmark values as reported in the Plan and the Urban Forest Audit System as of 2021, so that the City can measure and compare changes to the urban forest. The report should reflect changes to the audit system that are measured.
The following table provides a summary of the benchmark values that can be used to monitor and report on Plan progress.
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Primary Urban Forest Benchmark Values to Measure Plan Progress Table 29. Los Banos' rimar urban forest benchmark values to measure Plan ro ress Tree Equity Score (2022)
UTC
Short-term Canopy Goal
Long-term Canopy Goals
Total Trees to Reach Canopy Goals
Cit -led Tree Plantin s to Reach Goals
Total Public Trees (alive. dead, or stumps)
Total Live Public Trees
Total Public Street Trees
Total Vacant Lot or "Other" Trees
Total Park Trees (maintained areas only)
Total Public O en S ace Trees
Citywide (UTC Assessment)
Inventoried Public Trees
Cost : Benefit of Public Trees
Public Trees (street and park) per Capita
Budget per Capita
Budget per Public Tree (street/park)
Urban Forestry Program FTEs
Total Public Trees per Staff
Total FTEs Mana in Public Trees
Public Trees Pruned (street and park)
Public Trees Removed
Public Trees Planted
Permits Received, Trees Inspected
Number of Volunteers and/or Hours
Unknown
14% (USFS i-Tree Canopy)
15% by 2025 (875 trees/year)
20% by 2040 (875 trees/year)
25% by 2050 (875 trees/year)
30% by 2065 (875 trees/year)
38,500 trees by 2065
50% of total trees re uired (440/ ear)
12,622
12,333
7,997
943
3,393
Unknown
2021: $213 million (total)
2021: $1.2 million (annual)
1:3.38 ➔ for ever $1 s ent, $3.38 return
0.31 $3,63
$9.11
1.00 12,333 trees for every 1.0 FTE
g.o FTE (1,370 trees for eve 1.0 FTE)
2,000
30 2,000
TBD
1,200 hours
URBAN FOREST AUDIT SYSTEM (TOTAL SCORE OF 2021): 60%
Management Policy and Ordinances
Professional Capacity and Training
Funding and Accounting
Decision and Management Authority
Inventories
Urban Forest Management Plans
Risk Management
Disaster Planning
Standards and Best Management Practices
Community
Green Asset Evaluation
PUBLIC PERCEPTION (2021)
Health of the urban forest in the past 10 years
Management of the urban forest in the past 10 years
Amount of urban tree canopy cover
64%
50%
33%
100%
42%
54%
61%
29%
62%
75%
85%
28% feel the health has declined
46% feel public trees are managed fairly
86% support increasing canopy cover
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Goal Framework
REPORT
REPORT CARD
.,,,_
■ - ■ -
Based on the evaluation of Plan implementation progress, the City's urban forestry working group (or similar) should track, record, and report on the metrics described below that are measures or indicators of success for each goal and supporting actions .
Note, the series of urban forestry goals detailed below are not listed in any particular priority or order.
Table 30. Evaluation, monitoring, and reporting techniques to achieve the urban forestry goals TREE MANAGEMENT POLICY (MP):
Urban forest policies are the foundation for preserving the environmental benefits, management, and the character of Los Banos' urban forest. ❖ List all City and partner-led planning efforts.
❖ Describe related planning efforts.
❖ Communicate Citywide canopy goals and local planting targets. ❖ List recommended changes to City Code, policies, and manuals. ❖ Summarize a list of plans in which urban forestry is integrated. ❖ Distribute the Master Street Tree List to city staff, partners, and residents. ❖ Summarize updates made to tree-related ordinances, policies, and standards. ❖ Report the number of permits received and approved.
❖ Report the number of trees inspected.
❖ Report the number of trees in the Historical/Heritage Tree Program. ❖ List audit score and actions/targets achieved, ongoing, and not started.
CAPACITY, TRAINING, AND AUTHORITY (CT):
Los Banos has the capacity and expertise to provide optimal levels of service for sound urban forest management.
❖ List the team members assembled to implement and monitor the Plan. ❖ List the existing staff and supporting departments and partners. ❖ Summarize the roles, responsibilities, and programs of the Tree Commission. ❖ Describe existing and needed certifications, qualifications, and training. ❖ Provide a count of the number of trainings completed. ❖ Report the proportion of public trees to tree management staff. ❖ Report the number of volunteers and volunteer hours.
❖ Describe changes in levels of seNice based on citizen service requests. ❖ Report the number of unattended tree maintenance and service requests. ❖ List audit score and actions/targets achieved, ongoing, and not started.
BUDGET AND FUNDING (BF):
City resources enable comprehensive urban forest management for the preservation and enhancement of tree benefits.
❖ Report the proportion of public trees to tree management staff. ❖ Report the proportion of budget to the total public tree population. ❖ Report the proportion of public trees to the City population. ❖ Report the number of volunteers and volunteer hours.
❖ List the unfunded urban forestry needs.
❖ Report the budget. partner funding, permit revenue, and donations. ❖ List audit score and actions/targets achieved, ongoing, and not started.
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ASSESSMENTS AND PLANNING (AP):
A thorough understanding of the urban forest ensures data-driven decisions. sustainable and comprehensive planning, and amplified tree benefits. ♦ Report the number of trees inventoried.
♦ Report the number of public trees planted, pruned, and removed. ❖ Report the number of trees assessed for risk.
♦ Report the value of the entire urban forest and public tree population. ♦ Report the urban forest audit score and future audit scores. ♦ Report the condition. structure, and diversity of public trees. ♦ Provide a summary of existlng tree canopy cover Citywide and locally. ♦ List the priority planting ar,eas. canopy goals, and recommended species. ♦ Report the assessment and p!itnning efforts of partners. ♦ Describe the high-value conservation and preservation areas. ❖ List audit score and actions/targets achieved, ongoing, and not started.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (CE):
Sustainable urban forest management and equity is achieved through a partnership with the City and its residents resulting in improved well-being, human health, and Local economies.
❖ List the existing and potential outreach platforms and initiatives. ❖ List existing and potential partners.
❖ Report the number of planting events and trees planted. ❖ Report the history/count of Tree City USA and supporting awards. ❖ Report the number of volunteers, events, and volunteer hours. ❖ Report the number of city residents reached through messaging. ❖ Report on the website user traffic.
❖ Report the number of private tree plantings as feasible. ❖ Report the number of trainings, workshops, and attendees. ❖ Report the results of public surveys.
❖ Recognize exemplary urban forest stewards.
❖ Report on the activities of the Tree Commission.
❖ Report the activities of Local partners as feasible.
❖ List audit score and actions/targets achieved, ongoing, and not started.
GREEN ASSET MANAGEMENT (GA):
Los Banos proactively manages the public trees. continues to grow and expand a healthy canopy, effectively mitigates storm damage, maintains public safety, and optimizes urban forest benefits.
❖ Report the number of public trees pruned, removed, and planted. ❖ Report on the public tree pruning rotation (i.e .. number of years). ❖ Provide a map of the trees prioritized for programmed pruning. ❖ Report the number of trees managed for pests and diseases. ❖ Provide an estimate on the amount of invasive plant species managed. ❖ Report the number of trees planted to address tree equity, climate change .. ❖ Report the number of mitigation plantings.
❖ Count the number of introduced tree species to combat climate change. ❖ Report progress towards canopy goals and tree planting targets. ❖ Provide a map of priority planting areas for upcoming year. ❖ Report the volume of woody biomass utilized.
❖ List audit score and actions/targets achieved, ongoing, and not started.
Report Pagel160
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Goal Framework
REVISE
ADAPT & REVISE @·
Completion of this Plan is a critical step towards meeting the vision for Los Banos' urban forest. Continual monitoring, analysis, and reporting will help to keep urban forest partners involved and focused on accomplishing the actions. Plans are typically revised every 10 to 15 years: hence, the Plan will need formal revision to respond and adapt to changes as they develop. Formal revision of the Plan should coincide with the update of the City's General Plan, Parks Master Plan, climate/sustainability plans, and other relevant planning efforts. Recommendations and goals of each should be compared. Revisions to the Plan should occur with major events, such as newly discovered pests or diseases, changes in program budget and resources, or significant changes to industry standards or Legal codes.
Figure 45. Example of the plan implementation, evaluation, and revision process Annual Action Urban Forest Audit Annual Urban Forest Audit and Plans and Reports and Plan Action Plans and Plan
Amendments Reports Update
Monthly Monthly Updated
Activities and Updated Benchmarks Activities and Benchmarks and Annual Report and Plan Actions Annual Report Plan Actions DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 161 299
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Applying the Urban Forest Audit to Revise the Plan
The Urban Forest Audit can serve as the tool for the City to effectively Evaluate, Monitor, Report, and Revise the Plan as part of the implementation and monitoring protocols. As found in the 2021 Urban Forest Audit completed to develop the Plan, there are areas of urban forest management where the City is performing at a high Level and other areas where improvements are needed. The strategies and actions in the Plan address both these strengths and challenges. The following summarizes the relationship of the Plan's actions to the categories in the Urban Forest Audit. Each action in the Plan includes a reference to the Audit's category and subcategory (see Appendix rn. 1) In Development
2) Adopted Common Practice
o> Not Practiced
52 50
27 20%
39%
0%
40%
39%
21%
Category Total 129 60% 100%
Out of the nearly 130 elements (or subcategories) within the Audit, the majority (52 elements or 40%) ranked "1) In Development" followed by 50 (39%) elements ranked as "2) Adopted Common Practice".
Most of the elements given the "In Development" ranking were a result of the outcomes from the Urban Forest Management Plan or the strategic actions within the Plan to be implemented.
Table 32. Urban Forest Audit scores a lied to the Plan's actions Management Policy and Ordinances 85% Goal A Actions recommending revision to tree-related ordinances
Professional Capacity and Training 75% Goal B Actions recommending program structure and staffing Levels, training
Funding and Accounting 62% Goal B Actions recommending budget GoaLC analyses and needs
Decision and Management Authority 29% GoalB Actions recommending program structure and staffing Levels
Inventories 61% GoalD Actions recommending maintaining
inventories
Urban Forest Management Plans 54% GoalD Actions recommending strategic planning
Risk Management 42% GoalD Actions recommending assessments Goal F and maintenance
Disaster Planning 100% GoalD Actions recommending strategic Goal F planning
Standards and BMPs 33% Goal A Actions recommending revisions to Goal F ordinances and standards
Community 50% Goal E Actions recommending community
engagement
Green Asset Evaluation Goal F Actions recommending proper lantin and maintained inventor
'Goal A: Tree Management Policy; Goal B: Capacity, Training, and Authority: Goal C: Budget and Funding; Goal D:
Assessments and Plans; Goal E: Community Engagement; Goal F: Green Asset Management As the Plan is being implemented, the status or score of the categories within the audit will change.
The implementation worksheet provided as part of the Plan includes a reference to the audit category and element to effectively reevaluate and adjust strategies and actions for the revisions to the Plan.
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Appendices
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................ 2a A List of the resources and studies utilized in developing the ?Lan Listed in order presented.
APPENDIX B. RECOMMENDED MASTER STREET TREE LIST ................................ 4a A List of the trees to consider in new planting or tree replacement projects. Desired trees can be selected based on 30 unique attributes for each tree. This appendix provides a summary of the list of trees. For the complete list. utilize the interactive worksheet provided as part of the UFMP.
APPENDIX C. SIDEWALK SOLUTIONS WORKBOOK ................................................... 8a A decision checklist and solutions kit for consideration in dealing with tree and hardscape conflicts.
Supports tree preservation and canopy goals along with City ADA requirements.
APPENDIX D. 2021 URBAN FOREST AUDIT RESUL TS ............................................... 19a To inform the development of the Plan's goals and strategic actions, the U.S. Forest Service's Urban Forest Sustainability and Management Audit System was implemented. This evaluation or audit identifies the City's urban forest management strengths and opportunities and provides a framework for monitoring Plan implementation and success.
APPENDIX E. INTERACTIVE STRATEGY AND ACTION WORKSHEET .............. Joa An excerpt from the interactive worksheet provided as part of the planning project to enable realtime planning and prioritization of strategies and actions to implement the Plan.
APPENDIX F. TREE ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................... 4Ja Recommendations for revision and addition to existing tree related ordinances based on urban forest needs, City staff input, public feedback, benchmarking research, industry standards, and urban forestry consultant expertise.
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- - - I
_ : AP,eendlces _1
APPENDIX A. REFERENCES
Kellert. S.R., Wilson, E.O. 1993. The Biophilia Hypothesis. Island Press, Washington, DC. 484 pp. (UFMP Page VII)
McPherson, G.E., 2017- The structure, function and value of urban forests in California communities.
Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 28 (2017) 43-53. (UFMP Page VII. Page 20) Clark, J.M., Matheny, N.P., Cross, G., Wake, V. 1997- A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability. Journal of Arboriculture 23(1). 14 pp. (UFMP Page XIII. Page 151)
J. Wolch et al 2005. Parks and Park Funding in Los Angeles: An Equity-Mapping Analysis, Urban Geography, 26:1, 4-35 (UFMP Page 6)
American Forests, 2020. What is the Urban Heat Island Effect? www.americanforests.org. Accessed October 2021. (UFMP Page 11)
Schoennagel T., Balch J.K., Brenkert-Smith H., Dennison P.E., Harvey B.J., Krawchuk MA, Mietkiewicz N., Morgan P., Moritz MA, Rasker R. (2017). Adapt to more wildfire in western North American forests as climate changes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 113, 4582-4590. (UFMP Page 12)
Kramer, HA, Mockrin, M.H .. Alexandre, P.M .. Radeloff, V.C. (2019). High wildfire damage in interface communities in California. International Journal of Wildland Fire 2019, 28, 641-650. (UFMP Page 12)
Campbell, F.T. and S.E. Schlarbaum. 2013. Fading Forests Ill American Forests: What Choice Will We Make? The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. (U FM P Page 14)
Leahy, I. (2017). Why We No Longer Recommend a 40 Percent Urban Tree Canopy Goal. American Forests, americanforests.org. Accessed July 2021. (UFMP Page 20) Locke, D.H. et al. "Prioritizing Preferable Locations for Increasing Urban Tree Canopy in New York City", Cities and the Environment. Volume 3, Issue 1, Article 4. 2010. (UFMP Page 24) Hauer R. J. and Peterson W . D. 2014. Municipal Tree Care and Management in the United States: A 2014 Urban & Community Forestry Census of Tree Activities. Special Publication 16-1, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. 71 pp. (UFMP Page 25) Richards, N. A 1983. "Diversity and Stability in a Street Tree Population." Urban Ecology 7(2):159-171. (UFMP Page 29)
Richards, NA 1993. Reasonable guidelines for street tree diversity. Journal of Arboriculture 19:344- 349. (UFMP Page 29)
Santamour, F.S., 1990. Trees for urban planting: diversity, uniformity and common sense. Paper Presented at the Proceedings of the 7th Conference of the Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance. (UFMP Page 40)
McPherson, G.E., 2016. Structure, function and value of street trees in California, USA Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 17 (2016) 104-115. (UFMP Page 43)
Muller, R.N., Bornstein, C., 2010. Maintaining the diversity of California's municipal forests. Journal of Arboriculture. 36, 18. (UFMP Page 43)
Appendix A References Page I 2a
302
Appendices
Donovan, G.H., Butry, D.T., 2009. The value of shade: estimating the effect of urban trees on summertime electricity use. Energy Build. 41, 662-668. (UFMP Page 52) Wolf, K.L. August 2007. City Trees and Property Values. Arborist News 16, 4: 34-36. (UFMP Page 52) Thompson, R.P., Reimer. J.L. (2018). The State of Urban and Community Forestry in California. Status in 2016 and trends since 1988. Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Supported by CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry Program, Technical Report No.15, October 2018. (UFMP Page 77)
Miller, R. W .. Hauer, R. J., & Werner, L. P. (2015). Urban Forestry: Planning and Managing Urban Greenspaces, Third Edition (UFMP Page 83)
Kempter. G.P. 2004. Best Management Practices - Utility Pruning of Trees. International Society of Arboriculture. (UFMP Page 88)
Wagner. J.F. 1970. Time study of tree trimming. pp 97-101. In: Proceedings of the 46th International Shade Tree Conference. (UFMP Page 94)
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 3a 303
-~ ... -- -
~ p~n.Q_l~e.s· ~ ~
APPENDIX 8. MASTER STREET TREE LIST
A master list detailing the appropriate trees to grow the City's urban forest was developed based on the existing tree lists, the analysis of the inventory data, climate change impacts, and the trees necessary to be resilient and sustainable. The table below details the 24 attributes assigned to each recommended tree and the following list is paraphrased for presentation in the Plan. The comprehensive interactive tree list was provided to the Urban Forestry Program as a separate worksheet.
Table 33 Summary of attributes collected for the recommended Master Street Tree List Tree Type
Common Name
Scientific Name
Size
(Height x Width) in feet
Size Class
Features
(Likely) Not Suitable for Accent
Corners & Medians?
Planting Strip Width (3 - 8.5
feet, with and without
overhead wires)
Recommended Distance from
Building(s)
Climate Resilient?
Native or Naturalized to
Region?*
Primary Function(s)
Soil/Site Preference
Exists on Previous List?
Tree Fresno Selection
Sister Climate City (Riverside,
CA in 60 years) Tree? *With
consultation from an expert
Climate ready urban trees for
Central Valley cities
NEW Street Tree List?
NEW Parkway/ Accent/
Median Tree?
Downtown Consideration (for
3-5' planting width)?
Limit Planting (at or near 10% of
total public tree population)
Description
Concern(s)
Street Tree Not For Narrow
Space? (<3 feet space)
Appendix B. Master Street Tree List Page 14a
304
Proposed Street Tree List
Scientific Name Common Name
Acer macrop_hyllum Bigleaf Mai:>le
Acer rubrum 'October Glo_ry ' ~ October Glory Red Maple Aesculus californica alifornia Buckeye
Cedrus deodara eodar Cedar
Celtis laevigata Sugarberry ,:--:---
1 Celtis reticulata Netleaf Hackber
Chionanthus retusus r Chinese Fringet.,... re~e-----____ _ Chital a tashkentensis 'Pink Dawn' Chital a
I (ij_nkgo biloba 'Autumn Gol.9.' Autumh Gold Ginkgo 8iloba I-Ginkgo biloba 'Fairmont' ________ Fairmont Gin~go Biloba Ginkgo biloba 'Golden Girl' ___ G_olden Girt=Ginkgo Biloba I Gleditsia triacantho~ ·g hristie' Haj_ka® Honeylocust I Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' Shademaster Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos 'S cole' l_s-J._lin_e=®~ H-o=n_e__,_y_lo_c=u_s_t ________ ~ -1 Gymnocladus dioicus __ ·- _ --.;..- I Kentucky Coffeetree G mnocladus dioicus 'Es resso-JFS' Es resso™ Kentuck Coffeetree --- Gymnocladu~ gioicus"UMNSynergy' True North™ Kentucky Coffeetree Koelreuteria paniculata Goldenrain Tree
.Y_riodendron tulipifera -f Tulip Tree
f fvfagnolia granc!Jfl_ora 'Russet' R~sset Magnolia
fvfagnolia grandiflora 'St. Mary' __ St. Mary Magnolia
Nyssa sylvatica Sourgum __ _
Nyssa sylvatica 'JFS-PN Legacy1' Gum Drop® Tupelo
Pinus canariensis -!C anary Island j:>ine
Pinus pinea Italian Stone Pine
I Pistachio chinensis C_h_i_ne_se Pistache _
l Pistachio chinensis 'Keith Davey' Keith Davey ~hinese Pistache Pistachio x 'Red Push' Red Push Pistache -- -
Platanus racemosa / California sycamore
Platanus racemosa 'Roberts' Roberts California s camore _J
l
Platanus x acerifolia 'Bloodgood' Bloodgood London P@netree Platanus x acerifolia 'Columbia' Columbia London Planetree Platanus x acerifolia 'Liberty' WJbert1 London Planetree r
Plata nus x acerifolia 'Morton Circle' j E_Xclamation ™ Londo~ lanetree Platanus x acerifolia Yarwood' Yarwood London Planetree Podocarpus gracilior Fern Pine
Prunus ceracifera 'Atropurpurea' Purpleieaf Plum 'Atropurpurea' Ouercus x morehus I Oracle Oak
I Ouercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak
Ouercus canbyi Canby Oak
Ouercus chrysolepis Canyon Live Oak
Ouercus coccinea Scarlet Oak
[ Ouercus douglasii Blue Oak
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 5a 305
Ouercus fusiformis
Ouercus f]ypoleucoides
Ouercus ilex
l Ouercus kelloggii
Ouercus Lobato
Ouercus poly_mor ha
Ouercus suber
Ouercus virginiana var. geminata
Ouercus wislizenii
Taxodium distichum
I Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson'
Tilia americana
Tilia americana 'Redmond'
Tilia cordata 'PNI 6025'
Tilia 'Harvest Gold'
Ulmus americana 'Princeton'
Common Name -~-- ----~ Escarpment Live Oak ---t--
Silverleaf Oak
.L!::'..olly Oak
I California Black Oak
Vall~y Oak
Monterrey Oak
I
Cork Oak
Southern Live Oak 'Heritage'
Interior Live Oak
Bald Cypress
Shawnee Brave® Bald C't_press
American Linden
Redmond American Linden
[ Ulmus 'Morton' --...a:....:=----~
Ulmus parvifolia
-, GreensE?ire® Littleleaf Linden
Harvest Gold Littleleaf Linden
Princeton American Elm
Accolade® Elm
Chinese Elm
Ulmus parvifolia 'Allee' --- Ulmus 'Patriot'
. Ulmus propinqua 'JFS-Bierbach'
Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase'
Zelkova serrata 'JFS-KW1'
Zelkova serrata 'Schmidtlow'
Zelkova serrata 'Village Green'
I Allee Chinese elm
Patriot Elm -~-Emerald Sunshine® Elm
I Green Vase® Japanese Zelkova
7 City Sprite® Japanese Zelkova
Wireless® Japanese Zelkova
Village Green® Sawleaf Zelkova
Appendix B. Master Street Tree List
7 Page I 6a
306
Proposed Parkway, Accent, and Median Trees List
caciaaneura
cer p almatum
butus unedo
Arbutus unedo 'Marina'
I Cercis canadensis
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'
Cercis canadensis 'Oklahoma'
Cercis reniformis 'Oklahoma'
Chilo sis linearis 'Bubba'
Cotinus cog9..Yf]__ria 'R~y~ Purple'
Crataegus phaenopyrum
I Eriobotry_a deflexa --
Ficus carica
Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Ginkgo biloba 'Fairmont' _
. Ginkgo biloba 'G~ n Girl' ~ -.....;
Heteromeles arbµtffolia
Juniperus scopulorum 'Wichita Blue'
Lagerstroemia 'Muskogee'
Lag__erstroemia 'Natchez'
Lagerstroemia 'Tuscarora'
l fvfalus floribunda spp
Parkinsonia aculeata I Prosopis pubescens
Prunus ceraci[era 'Atropurpurea'
r Prunus ilicifolia ssp. llicif9_lia
~ Prunus serrulata spp
Punica granatum 'California Sunset'
Raphiol~pis indica 'Majestic Beauty'
f Rhus lcincea
Vitex agnus-castus
[ Zelkova serrata 'JFS-KWl'
Ziziphus jujube
Common Name
j Mulga
Japanese Ma le
Strawberrl_ Tree
Marina Strawberry Tree
Eastern Redbud
Forest Pansv Redbud
Western Redbud 'Oklahoma' . - Oklahoma Redbud
Desert Willow~----
Smoke tree
Washington Hawthorn -_--r--f--
Bronze loquat _
l Fig
Autumn Gold Ginkgo Biloba
Fairmont Ginkgo Biloba
Golden Girl Gink o Biloba
j Toyon __ -
Wichita blue Juniper
Muskogee Crape My rtle
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Tuscarora Crape Myrtle
Flowering Crabapple ----- Mexican palo verde
Screwbean mesquite
1 Purpleleaf Plum 'Atropurpurea'
j_!js)ll yleaf cherry
I Flowering Cherry
Pomegranate
Indian Hawthorn 'Majestic Beauty'
- 1 African sumac
Chaste tree
City Sprite® Japanese l elkova
Chinese Date
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I ?a 307
APPENDIX C. SOLUTIONS WORKBOOK AND POSSIBLE GUIDELINES FOR
TREE AND SIDEWALK CONFLICTS
Decision Matrix
The development of Los Banos' Urban Forest Management Plan identified the need to clarify the decision process to address tree and sidewalk or construction conflicts. A clear decision matrix can help to reduce inter- and inner-department uncertainty and establish or adhere to consistency and fairness. The City's departments have standard operating procedures and checklists for evaluating conflicts at a project site, but these traditionally have not been available to the public. To make the decision process around the retention or removal of trees more transparent and consistent. a clarified process, decision matrix, and solution toolkit should be developed to highlight the key decision points.
Proposed Decision Matrix for Tree and Construction/Sidewalk Conflicts
SERVICE REQUEST CITY PROPOSED
RECEIVED PROJECT
Initial Assessment
DEVELOPER
PROJECT
OTHER
The following applies to tree removal requests and proposed projects.
Figure 46. Proposed
decision matrix for
tree and construction
conflicts
The initial assessment of trees, sidewalks (or other infrastructure), and site at the service request location or project location provides consistency and predictability by collecting the appropriate information. It is recommended to have the Urban Forestry Program involved in the initial assessment process and/or a City staff member with an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist accreditation.
• Tree Preservation Potential. What is the tree quality or health, and is it worth preserving? Is the tree designated as a significant tree or Historical/Heritage Tree? • Tree Mitigation Exploration. If the request to remove the tree is a result of infrastructure damage and the tree exhibits poor health or vigor, can the tree's health or vigor be mitigated by any means other than removal?
• Public Safety Risk. Is the tree a potential hazard that cannot be mitigated by any means other than removal? This includes any tree or tree part that poses a high risk of damage to persons or property located in public places. Use the International Society of Arboriculture's tree risk evaluation standards.
Appendix C. Solutions Workbook and Possible Guidelines for Tree and Sidewalk Conflicts Page I Sa 308
. . . ..
. _ -~ppendlces .
• Initial Assessment Timing. It is recommended that the initial assessment be conducted within 3-4 weeks of receiving a service request for removal. If the assessment is required due to a proposed project, the assessment should occur no later than 30% design or equivalent of design effort.
• Tracking. Consider tracking service requests in the City's asset software or similar program. • For an example Initial Assessment Checklist. see the Example Initial Assessment Checklist further below.
Initial Tree Decision
If the tree removal request was made due to the condition of the tree or other reason not relating to the damage or impediment of infrastructure such as sidewalk, the Urban Forester or representative may conduct the initial tree decision. If infrastructure is part of the assessment and/ or the tree removal request was initiated for a proposed project. the City Engineer or appropriate staff should also be part of the initial tree decision. The appropriate staff will visit the tree and/or proposed project location and assess the tree (and sidewalk, if applicable) conditions. The following actions will result from the assessment:
• Remove Tree. The tree removal request was made not as a result of the tree impacting or damaging infrastructure and the tree is identified as unhealthy or unsafe with no remediation possible.
Remove the tree and consider the "no net loss" policy of replacing the tree. Some cities implement a 2:1 replacement to removal ratio. The replacement policy should be based on City Code. Replacement of trees can occur on site, same street. or City-approved location.
A fee in-lieu should also be considered as an option as described in City Code.
Removal of the tree should be prioritized based on other work orders, the risk assessment of the tree, and other factors.
The service request. decision, work order, tree information, and tree removal information should be tracked in the City's asset software or similar program. • Retain Tree. Based on the assessment. the tree is not in decline or the issues can be remediated. Alternatively, if the tree in question is designated as a Historical/Heritage Tree or significant tree, the tree may be preserved depending on the tree condition and presence of hazards or risks as described in the City policies and manuals.
Document the decision, inform the property owner or project developer.
Conduct the remediation activity to the tree if needed.
Prioritize and track this information in the asset software or similar program.
Conduct follow-ups with the property owner and monitor the tree if necessary. • Remove Tree and Replace Sidewalk. The service request or proposed project identifies a tree that is causing sidewalk conflicts and the tree has been deemed unhealthy and no remediation is possible. The City should reference City Code as to what is defined as unhealthy or hazardous.
Remove the tree and consider the "no net loss" policy of replacing the tree. Some cities implement a 2:1 replacement to removal ratio. The requirement to replace the tree will be the City and Urban Forester's discretion. The replacement policy should be based on City Code. Replacement of trees can occur on site, same street. or City-approved location. A fee in-lieu should also be considered as an option as described in City Code.
Removal of the tree should be prioritized based on other work orders, the risk assessment of the tree, and other factors.
- The service request. decision, work order, tree information, and tree removal information should be tracked in the City's tree inventory software or similar program.
DRAFT Los Banos. CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I ga 309
Replace the sidewalk using appropriate design standards and materials and consider designing according to standards that will protect any replacement trees and provide ample soil volume and root space for the new or existing trees. • Retain Tree and Maintain Sidewalk. A tree in question is in conflict with infrastructure and the assessment determined that the tree is to be retained and the infrastructure (i.e., sidewalk) is to be corrected. The sidewalk will be of standard width and a tree pit of standard width (at minimum) can be installed or retained.
Coordinate with Public Works the timing and approach for maintaining the sidewalk. Be sure to consider alternative sidewalk amendments such as width reduction, alternative materials, among other solutions.
If any root pruning is needed to amend the sidewalk, the Urban Forester and/or a Certified Arborist hired by the City should evaluate to determine the appropriate root pruning, branch pruning, soil amendments, and other maintenance required.
Documentation in City's asset software as stated before is recommended. • Evaluate Tree and/or Sidewalk Further. During the initial tree decision, it is not appropriate for extensive explorations of pavement. soils, or tree root systems. There are limitations to the initial assessment and decision. The purpose of the initial assessment is to identify where these future actions are required so that the appropriate schedule and funding can be determined.
Documentation in City's asset software as stated before is recommended.
Further Evaluation
The team conducting further evaluation may include an arborist. landscape architect, engineer, or other professionals with expertise relevant to the project details and situation. In addition to collecting information about the trees and infrastructure (i.e., sidewalk) the following additional items may be considered:
Level of impact, future risks, cost/benefit, anticipated sidewalk maintenance if the tree is kept, public/environmental benefit. community values, policy guidance, neighborhood context. historic districts, planned construction, funding forecasts.
Solutions
The following best practices and approaches are provided as examples. The City should review and update these as new or improved practices and materials emerge. • If Tree Removed, Obtain Valuation. If the tree must be removed, the City should provide guidelines to replace the removed tree. Guidelines should be based on City Code. Ideally, the tree would be replaced at the same location if the site is suitable for trees in the first place. If not possible, the City should have a procedure in place for the relocation of replacement trees. • If Tree is Retained, Determine Management Approach. Since the initial assessment offered the opportunity to closely examine the tree and the site, future management approaches and decisions should be discussed and documented. These include future tree replacement species for when the tree does over mature and decline or conduct corrective actions to provide clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, utilities, and signs. • Identify Potential Sidewalk Solutions. The Alternative Solutions Toolkit Overview section provides information and resources regarding sidewalk solution options. Information gathered during the initial assessment and subsequent site visits will support the selection of options that should be presented to City staff to ensure goals of sidewalk repair and tree preservation are kept.
• Identify Opportunities to Improve Conditions for New Trees. When trees are planted by the City, the appropriate tree species for the location should be determined and the City should adhere to best practices in site and tree pit preparation to provide enough soil volume to Appendix C. Solutions Workbook and Possible Guidelines for Tree and Sidewalk Conflicts Page I 1oa 310
, Appendices
support tree root growth and minimize future pavement damage by roots. If a tree is being planted at or near where the tree removal request was made, an evaluation of why the request was made should be considered. This may include such things as inadequate soil volume, insufficient growing space, tree leaf litter, messy fruit, poor structure, allergies, screening of shade-intolerant garden or landscape vegetation, or a combination of factors.
Project Implementation
Whether the sidewalk repair is occurring at a location where the tree is retained or removed, the sidewalk must adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and City standards and is the responsibility of the City. Tree repaving projects, curb and gutter repairs, and other Capital Projects should also adhere to this evaluation process. All matters relating to the removal or remediation of the tree will be conducted by the City unless the responsibility of tree maintenance in public rights-of-way changes. Regarding tree maintenance, mitigation, or removal, the City should involve the public by:
• Providing a public notice prior to the initial tree assessment. • Share the results of the initial assessment.
• Share the solution decision.
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 11.a 311
- - -
Ap~n_dlces.
EXAMPLE INITIAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
[CITY LOGO]
[City of####] Trees and Sidewalks Operations Plan
Initial Street Tree and Sidewalk Assessment Checklist
DATE
Prepared By:
The purpose of this document is to outline INITIAL ASSESSMENT for locations where sidewalk work is located within the dripline of an existing street tree.
Project Location/Address
Tree Species/Diameter
Street Classification/Type
Tree Asset Inventory ID
Sidewalk Segment#
Is this assessment along a
corridor project?
An [ENGINEER] and [ARBORIST] will look at the site and assess the condition of the sidewalk and the tree.
If the tree has the following characteristics, it should be removed/replaced pursuant to SMC 15.43.030 (C): The City's policy is to retain and preserve street trees whenever possible. Accordingly, street tree removal shall not be permitted unless the Director determines that a street tree:
1. Is a hazardous tree;
2. Poses a public safety hazard;
3. Is in such a condition of poor health or poor vigor that removal is justified; or
4. Cannot be successfully retained, due to public or private construction or development conflicts.
Initial Assessment
1. Is the tree healthy and worthy of preservation?
D Yes
□ No
Describe:, _____________________________ _
2. Poor Health - Is this tree in a condition of poor health or poor vigor that cannot be mitigated by any means other than removal?
D Yes
□ No
Describe: _____________________________ _
3. Hazardous Tree- Defined in [CITY CODE CITATION] any tree or tree part that poses a high risk of damage to persons using, or property located in the public place, as determined by the [AUTHORITY] according to the tree hazard evaluation standards established by the International Society of Arboriculture.
D Yes
□ No
Describe: _____________________________ _
Appendix C. Solutions Workbook and Possible Guidelines for Tree and Sidewalk Conflicts Page I 12a 312
Appendices
4. Minimum Standards-ls there enough space for a (6 foot wide sidewalk and a 5 foot wide] planting strip?
D Yes
□ No
Describe: ______________________________ _
5. Public Safety Hazard-Does the tree present a public safety hazard that cannot be mitigated by any means other than removal?
• Does the tree location obstruct the visibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and/or cars at an intersection?
• Is the tree impacting a curb ramp such that it no longer meets City of [CITY] ADA requirements? • Is the tree potentially impacting private property?
D Yes
□ No
Use this space to draw a sketch of the location. Identify existing clearances from nearby infrastructure.
Recommendation for this tree:
D -Remove Tree I Replace Sidewalk
A tree is identified to be removed if it is not healthy or if it is hazardous as identified in the Street Tree Ordinance.
□ -Keep Tree and Maintain Sidewalk
A tree will be kept and the sidewalk will be maintained if a sidewalk of standard width and a tree pit of standard width (at a minimum) can be installed or retained around a healthy tree. □ -Evaluate Sidewalk and/or Tree Further
[DEPARTMENT] views trees and sidewalks as important public infrastructure assets. [DEPARTMENT] intends to keep healthy trees and have accessible sidewalks. If standard widths cannot be met then [DEPARTMENT] will take the time and resources to evaluate if alternative approaches (such as sidewalk width reduction, alternative sidewalk materials, adjustments to the tree pit and/or tree root pruning) can be used to retain a tree and provide an accessible sidewalk at problem locations.
NEXT STEPS
If Tree is REMOVED -Replace the removed tree with the minimum 2:1 replacement ratio. Identify if the replacement trees can be located in the same location or on the same street as the removed tree. If not, replacements should be planted as close to the removal as geographically feasible. Identify the estimated cost to remove the tree(s), repair the sidewalk, and plant replacement trees.
If Tree is KEPT-Estimate the cost of the sidewalk repair that would achieve the desired lifecycle for the repair.
Estimate sidewalk and tree maintenance needs/costs and any maintenance to the tree that is being retained (e.g., root pruning, branch pruning, soil amendments).
If EVALUATE Further- Use Tree and Sidewalk Evaluation Form (IN DEVELOPMENT) and/or the tree risk assessment should follow ISA TRAQ guidelines: http://www.isaarbor.com/education/onlineresources/basictreeriskassessmentform.aspx Arborist Engineer
Title Tile
Date Date
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 13a 313
- -------... --~
.:e.·_} ~1Ri?epdfces ~'
Alternative Solutions Toolkit Overview
Paving and Other Surface Materials
These materials can be used to create a walkable
surface or to delineate space for people and/or the
tree.
Infrastructure-Based Design Solutions
These design considerations can be employed to
support a tree and/or sidewalk.
Rootzone-Based Materials
These tools can support tree health and guide tree
growth below ground.
Tree-Based Solutions
These solutions are focused on tree selection and tree
maintenance.
Appendix C. Solutions Workbook and Possible Guidelines for Tree and Sidewalk Conflicts Page 114a 314
- - .=--~-
~pl?_g,:ic:!lc;~§ __ _ 1
Table 36. Description of possible alternative solutions for tree and construction conflicts TOOL
TYPE
MATERIAL
TOOLS
PAVING AND OTHER SURFACE
MATERIALS
• • •
Expansion Joints
Pavers
Pervious Concrete
Reinforced or Thicker Slab
Rockery / Wall
Beveling
Porous Asphalt
Shims
Tree Guards and Tree Rails
Decomposed Granite
Mudjacking (Concrete Leveling)
INFRASTRUCTURE-BASED DESIGN
SOLUTIONS
Monolithic Sidewalk
.Pavement Thick ess
Tree Pit Sizing
Bridging
Curb Bulbs
Curb Realignment
Curving or Offset Sidewalk
Easement
Suspended Pavement Systems
Lowered Sites
Soil Volume
LLI
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u 0 <( Q.
0 (/)
a:: LLI
Q. a::
cosr
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$-$$
$$-$$$$
$$$
$$$
$
$$$$
$$$-$$$$
$$$-$$$$
$$-$$$
$-$$$
$$$-$$$$
$$$-$$$$
$-$$$
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan
EXPECTED USEFUL
LIFE
Month Year Decade Century
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y 0 C
M y 0 C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M y D C
M V D C
Apr2022 Page I 1sa
315
ROOTZONE-BASED MATERIALS
Continuous Trenches
Foam Underlay
Modified Gravel Layer
Root Paths
Soil Modification
Steel Plates
Structural Soils
Subsurface Aeration / Irrigation
TREE-BASED SOLUTIONS
City Forestry Street Tree List
Corrective Pruning
Root Pruning
'General cost notes:
$
$
$$$
$-$$
$
$-$$
$-$$
$$-$$$
$$-$$$
$$
$
$-$$
$-$$
• Sidewalk material costs, when given in linear feet. assume 6-foot sidewalk width • Costs are planning-level costs and will vary for actual construction • Costs do not include design, permitting, or other ·soft" costs M y
M V
M y
M y
M y
M y
M V
M y
M y
M y
M y
M y
M y
• Costs not included in tool costs but which would be necessary with use of some solutions include:
o Drainage structure and connection
o Curb ramps
Appendix C. Solutions Workbook and Possible Guidelines for Tree and Sidewalk Conflicts D C
D C
D C
D C
D C
f) C
D C
D C
D C
D C
D C
D C
D C
Page I 16a
316
' . - . .
Figure 47 Example of alternative solutions for tree and construction conflicts
ASPHALT JOINTS PAVERS/RUBBER PERVIOUS CONCRETE
DECOMPOSED GRANITE MUDJACKING BRIDGING 8ULBOUTS
'
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 17a 317
CURB REALIGNMENT EASEMENT SUSPENDED PAVEMENT ROOT BARRIERS FOAM UNDERLAY Moo. GRAVEL LAYER STRUCTURAL SOILS
--·..---- - ---, - .,c...,"!!'_ -----1 u y / . l
·<,,
~.
CORRECTIVE PRUNING ROOT PRUNING ROOT SHAVING
Source of Material
Examples & Images:
Appendix C. Solutions Workbook and Possible Guidelines for Tree and Sidewalk Conflicts Page I 18a 318
APPENDIX 0. 2021 URBAN FOREST AUDIT RESULTS
Urban Forest Audit Scoring Key
Not Practiced (o) In Development (1) Adopted Practice (2) Table 37 Results of the 2021 Urban Forest Audit
Management Policy
1.01 1.02
1.03 1.04
1.05 1.06
1.07 1.08
1.09 1.10
1.11 1.12
1.13 1.14
Component Evaluated Description or Criteria for Evaluation Approved Policy Statements - I • . . . . -. . .. . . - .... Climate Change (Sustainability)
No Net Loss
Risk Management
Tree Canopy Goals
Tree Protection
Utility
Human Health - Physical &
Psychological
Wildlife
Diversity /Habitat/Protection
Performance Monitoring
Ordinance (Private)
Ordinance (Public)
Development Standards
High-Conservation Value
Forests
Urban Interface (WUI)
Also referred to as Sustainability. With reference to urban trees.
Addresses the long-term health and productivity of the natural resource.
Can refer to trees, basal area, or canopy.
Should reference: ANSI A300 Part g, ISA BMP, and prioritization funding mechanisms.
Overall community/campus goal. or by designated "zone".
Construction and/or Landscape maintenance.
Utility pruning, planting, and installation policy (e.g. boring vs. trenching).
Recognizes and addresses the human health benefits of the natural resource (e.g., exercise, air quality, stress management, shade).
Could also include Urban Heat Island (UHi) policies.
Mammals. birds, or reptiles.
Recognizes the annual or biennial calculation of metrics (e.g. some component of ecosystem services) for the purpose of tracking management performance.
Tree protection and management for trees on private property.
Tree protection and management for public trees.
US Green Building Council's LEED® rating systems (or similar internationally)
LEED v4 BD+C (Sustainable Sites)
LEED 4 ND (Neighborhood Pattern & Design, Green Infrastructure) ASLA's SITES® Rating System
Programs or policies for identification, acquisition, and/or protection of groups of trees or forests that provide unique public benefits.
Programs or policies that improve management of the urban interface for fire and/or invasive species.
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 19a 319
Capacity and Training
.. ... . . I f
2.01 2.02
2.03 2.04
2.05 2.06
2.07 2.08
2.09 . . . ... . . -. Professional Management
Certified Arborist - Staff
Certified Arborist -
Contracted
Certified Arborist - Other
Resource
other Professional -
Advising/directing UF
management
Municipal Forestry Institute
USFS Urban Forestry
Institute or similar
Campus/city arborist - ISA
CA instructor for CEUs
Tree Board University or
similar
Organizational
Communications
- - - -
~-__:_ , 'AJ?pe-nd~,~ ,
Description or Criteria for Evaluation
o I . . . - . . . .
International Society of Arboriculture
International Society of Arboriculture
International Society of Arboriculture
This could be a professional in an allied field like Landscape Architecture.
Graduate of Society of Municipal Arborist's MFI program or similar Attendance at USFS UFI or similar
Arborist routinely provides ISA CEU presentations/workshops.
On-line training modules from Oregon U&CF for Tree Board/ Advisory Council or similar
Process, procedures, and protocol for cross-professional communications within the organization (all departments "touching" trees).
Appendix D. 2021 Urban Forest Audit Results Page I 2oa
320
Funding and Accounting
3.01 Budgeted Annually Budget authorized/required for tree board, tree maintenance, and/or tree planting.
A protocol is in place to prioritize urban forestry management activities
3.02 Contingency Budget Process during budget shortfalls; e.g. during times of limited funding for: 1> risk
3.03 3,04
3.05 3.06
Funding Calculated from
Community Attribute
Funding Based on
Performance Monitoring
Urban Forestry Line Item
Green Asset Accounting
Authority
- . • • •
4.01 4.02
4,04
. . . .. . -. Authority
Urban Forest Manager
Staff Authority
Communication Protocol
Tree Board, Commission,
or Advisory Council
management, 2
>young tree care, 3>mulching.
Budget in terms of per capita. per tree, or for performance (e.g. per tree weighted by size class or age.
Budget connected with/based on ecosystem service (ES) monitoring and performance.
Is the budget specific to urban forest management?
Maintain green infrastructure data in the "unaudited supplementary disclosure of an entity's comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR)".
GASS 34 implementation for municipalities.
. - • • • - . . . . .
Professional urban forest manager with authority over the program and day-to-day activity. Including designated budget line item.
Designated staff with authority over the program and day-to-day activity. Including designated line item.
Established protocol and mechanism(s) for communication among all members of the urban forest management "community" in your municipality or organization (e.g. manager, department under control. advisory board, finance, field operations, public, NGOs, business community, developers).
Establishes a board for public participation (advisory or with authority).
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 21a 321
Inventories
. . ..
5.01 5.02
5,03
5.04 5.05
5.06 5.07
5.08 5.09
5.10 5.11
5.12 5.13
5.14 5.15
. . . .. . . .
Canopy Inventory (UTC)
Ecosystem Services
Public Trees +
Street Trees
Parks/Riparian Areas
Other Public Trees
1-
Continuous inventory on a
cycle (s5 years: i.e. panel)
Private Trees +
Campus (Educational)
Corporate
Other Private Property
Continuous inventory on a
cycle (s5 years: i.e. panel),
inventory software
Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI)
Spatial
Maintenance and Planting
Records Maintained
.. - - .
Appendices
Description or Criteria for Evaluation
Periodic (s5 year) canopy inventory and assessment. Public & private.
Recent (s5 year) ecosystem services (ES) inventory & assessment? Public: 100% or street trees: Public & Private: Sample: or Campus. Or, are ES calculated annually or biennially based on partial re-inventory and projected growth as a monitoring tool.
+ . Evaluate below+
Is there a recent (5 year) inventory?
Is there a recent (5 year) inventory?
Public facility landscaped areas, Industrial parks. green space.
Partial re-inventory to support continuous forest inventory, growth projections,
and the calculation of ecosystem services for the purpose of long-term monitoring of urban forest management performance (e.g. carbon or leaf surface).
+ Evaluate below +
Is there a recent (5 year) inventory?
Is there a recent (5 year) inventory?
Is there a recent (5 year) inventory?
Partial re-inventory to support continuous forest inventory, growth projections, and the calculation of ecosystem services for the purpose of long-term monitoring of urban forest management performance (e.g. carbon or leaf surface).
BMP stormwater mitigation practices and locations (e.g. Washington DC)
Inventory data includes Lat/Long (i.e. GIS). Should address the spatial relationship between the natural resource and people (i.e. residents, visitors, activities) that would help manage the resource for benefits associated with proximity (air quality,
recreation, stress mitigation, improved educational opportunity).
Planting details (nursery, species, size, cost. contractor, etc.) maintained with inventory or as separate database or recordkeeping system. Also pruning and removal histories.
Appendix D. 2021 Urban Forest Audit Results Page I 22a
322
L- _· ~pendices _ ~
Plans
6.01 6.02
6.03 6.04
6.05 6.06
6.07 6.08
6.09 6.10
6.11 6.12
6.13 6.14
Annual Maintenance
Calendar
Public Trees +
Street Tree Management
Parks/Riparian Area
Management
Other Public Trees
Private Trees+
Campus (Educational)
Corporate
Other Private Property
Green Infrastructure
Other Written Plans
Tree Planting
UF as Part of a
Comprehensive Plan
Urban Forest Planning and
Management Criteria and
Performance Indicators
An annual calendar that defines typical activity by season. To support scheduling.
+ Evaluate below +
Is there a recent (5 year) plan for street trees?
Is there a recent (5 year) plan ?
Public facility landscaped areas, Industrial parks, green space. + Evaluate below +
Is there a recent (5 year) plan for Campus trees?
Is there a recent (5 year) plan?
Is there a recent (5 year) plan?
Is there a plan for green infrastructure (i.e. nodes & linkages)? Largescale projects.
Other natural resource plans (e.g. tree canopy). May be a component of another plan.
Is there a recent (3 year) tree planting plan?). May be a component of another plan.
Is any UF management plan referenced in the comprehensive plan (i.e. county or municipality) or master plan (i.e. Campus)?
Criteria and indicators based on A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability (Clark, J.R, Matheny, N.P., Cross, G., and Wake, V. 1997 Journal of Arboriculture.l or on work of WA Kenney, P.J.E. van Wassenaer, and AL. Satel in Criteria and indicators for strategic urban forest planning and management. (2011)
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 23a 323
r ~c -----
- _ .APi>e~tllces _
Risk Management
.. ... .. • •
7.01 7.02
7.03 II
7.05 7.06
7.07 7.08
7.09 . . . .. . . -. .. .. ..
TRAO Attained
Annual Level 1 (ANSI A300
Partg & ISA BMP)
Mitigation Prioritization
Occupancy Areas Mapped
Recordkeeping, Reporting,
and Communications
Standard of Care Adopted
Tree Risk Specification
Description or Criteria for Evaluation
At least one staff or consultant is TRAO.
--- All trees in high occupancy areas visited annually. ■ A protocol for prioritizing mitigation following Level 1 and Level 2 assessments. Reflects the controlling agency's threshold for risk.
II - - Has TRAO staff/consultant discussed/mapped occupancy levels with controlling authority?
A process has been put in place to maintain records on requests, inspections, evaluations, and mitigation of risk: and on the communications among the managers related to those risk assessments.
Controlling authority has adopted a Standard of Care (SOC) or risk management policy.
Is there a written specification that meets requirements of ANSI A300 (Part g)? And, has it been discussed with the controlling authority with relevance to the controlling authority's threshold for acceptable risk? U b T R. k M t The community has prepared and follows a comprehensive program r an ree Is anagemen . for urban tree nsk management.
Invasive Management Plan to address and manage invasive: plants, insects, and disease.
Appendix D. 2021 Urban Forest Audit Results Page J 24a
324
- . - -- Appenq~es' __ :-----'
Disaster Planning
Category Component Evaluated ----
8.00 Disaster Planning Activities
8.01 Response/Recovery
Mechanism
. - • • • - . . . . .
Staff knowledge of the municipality's protocol for requesting disaster resources through the county or state with access to mutual aid and EMAC.
8.02 The UF plan (8.3) is incorporated into the county/municipal disaster Urban Forestry as part of the plan; specifically in reference to debris management and risk
8.03 8.04
8.05 8.06
8.07 County Disaster Plan mitigation.
A separate/specific plan within the urban forestry management Urban Forestry Disaster Plan program (i.e. who to call, priorities).
Pre-disaster Contracts
Mitigation Plan
EMAC Mission Ready
Packages (MRP)
Urban Forest Strike Team
Contracts are in place for critical needs.
A mitigation plan has been developed for pre-disaster, recovery, and post-disaster.
Municipality has published disaster resources with state EM and participates in inter-state Mutual Aid to support Urban Forest Strike Teams (UFST).
Participation in the UFST project.
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 25a 325
Standards and Best Management Practices
9.01 9.02
9.03 9.04
9.05 • • • ... • • - • I .. • • • • • •
ANSI Standard & BMP
Activities
ANSI Standards
Ages/Diameter Distribution
Arborist Standards
Reference and adherence to ANSI Standards for arboricultural practices (A300), safety (Z133), or Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1) (any or all).
Specific management for the development of an age-diverse tree population
Standards of practice for arborists (i.e. Certification).
Best Management Practices Establishes or references tree maintenance BMPs (i.e. written (BMPs) comprehensive standards & standards).
Fertilization and Mulching Fertilization or mulching standards required for conserved & planted trees.
9.06 Lightning Protection Systems BMP written to the ANSI A300 Standard.
9.07 9.08
9.09 9.10
9.11 9.12
9.13 9.14
9.15 9,16
9.17 Planting Planting and transplanting standards required/specified.
Pruning Pruning standards required for conserved & planted trees.
Removal Infrastructure damage, stump grinding, etc.
S
8 up~ort) Systems (Guying and BMP written to the ANSI A300 Standard. racing
Tree Risk
Construction Management
Standards
Design Standards
Genus/Species Diversity
Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI)
Inventory Data Collection
Minimum Planting Volume
Tree risk assessment procedures: ISA BMP or equivalent.
Written standards for: tree protection, trenching/boring in CRZs, preconstruction mulching, root or limb pruning, watering (any or all).
Standards for design that specifically require trees: standards for tree placement (i.e. location), soil treatment; and/or drainage.
Suggests or requires diversity of plant material.
BMPs for site level GI practices like rain gardens and swales. Smallscale projects.
Community has adopted or developed applicable standards for local urban tree inventory data collection to support QA/QC.
Minimum required root zone volume.
Appendix D. 2021 Urban Forest Audit Results Page I 26a
326
Standards and Best Management Practices (continued)
9.18 9.19
9.20 9.21
9.22 9.23
9.24 9.25
9.26 9.27
9.28 9.29
9.30 Minimum Tree Size
Root Protection Zone (CRZ)
Safety
Topping
Tree Species List
Tree Quality Standards
Utility Right-of-Way ( ROW)
Management
Urban Agriculture
Wood Utilization
Third-party forest products
certification compliance
Energy generation
Minimum caliper for tree replacements, and/or minimum size of existing trees to receive tree density or canopy credit.
Defines adequate root protection zone: Critical Root Zone (CRZ).
Safety logs, trainings, reference to ANSI Z133 Safety Standard Prohibits topping or other internodal cuts (public & private).
Identifies and publishes a List of the most desirable, recommended, and/or preferred species (may include native and non-native species):
alternatively. a List of species prohibited.
Written standards for tree selection at nursery in addition to Z60.1.
Requirements for planting, pruning, and/ or removal of trees within a utility ROW.
Enabled urban food forestry practices.
Larger diameter material is processed for wood products.
Examples: American Tree Farm System (ATFS), Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®)
Local or regional use of chips or other woody debris for co-generation facilities.
Composting of Leaf and/or Leaves and small woody debris are captured and used on-site or other Woody Debris processed by someone by composting for reuse.
Watering Standards
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 27a 327
Community
Category !Component Evaluated Description or Criteria for Evaluation Activities that Build
10.00 C ·t ommunt y
10.01 10.02
10.03 10.04
10.05 10.06
10.07 10.08
10.09 10.10
10.11 10.12
10.13 10.14
10.15 Social Media Website or
Similar
Education
Private Property Tree
Program
Does your community/campus use social media platforms or similar to document and publicize your urban forestry program, activity, or events?
The urban forest is used as an educational Laboratory for class activity; Kids in the Woods, PL T, high school, or college Level.
Does your community sponsor this program Locally?
Public-facing Tree Inventory Public access to the community tree resource via an on-line mapping and Management Software program (i.e. any Web Map Service; WMS).
Public Perception
Recognition Programs
Arbor Day Celebration
Arboretum designation
Significant trees
Memorial/Honorarium
Social Media
Active Communications
Tree Care
Tree Campus USA®, Tree
City USA®, Tree Line USA®
Volunteer Opportunities
Is public management consistent with private property requirements for tree protections and care? Does the Campus/public tree management reflect neighborhood norms?
Programs that raise awareness of trees or that use trees to connect the community to significant events or activities.
Whether or not associated with Tree City USA
Internal or third party arboretum designation.
For example: size, history.
Tree planting or tree care programs than honor /memorialize individuals, organizations, or events.
Does your community/campus make use of Twitter. Facebook, Blogs for internal or external outreach?
Press releases, regular news articles (print>, "State of the Urban Forest" reports, periodic analysis of threats and opportunities.
Are volunteers trained and used for basic tree care (e.g. mulching, pruning, planting).
Community/campus meets current qualifications for any of these programs.
Ad hoc or scheduled. Any/all age groups. Tree Campus USA student activities.
Appendix D. 2021 Urban Forest Audit Results Page I 28a
328
Green Asset Evaluation
Observed Outcomes
Component Evaluated !Description or Criteria for Evaluation 11·
00 (Activity, Health)
11.01 11.02
11.03 11.04
11.05 11.06
11.07 _ 11.08
11.09 11.10
Deadwood
Genus Diversity
I
--
Mature Tree Care
Mulching
Planting Site Volume
Optimization
-
Look for evidence of periodic or ad-hoc deadwood removal (i.e. lack of dead limbs ~ 2· in the trees or on the ground).
No genera exceed 20% of population: make specific observations for Acer, Quercus, Fraxinus, Ulmus and other local species of concern.
Mature trees are retained in the landscape, and are of acceptable risk:
i.e. veteran tree management.
Evidence of adequate (i.e. spatial extent. depth, and material) roots zone mulching for all age classes.
Are species & sites matched for optimization of above ground canopy:
right tree in the right spot concept.
R t. V l O t· . t· Are species & sites matched for optimization for below ground rooting oo Ing o ume p ImIza I0n . . . volume: right tree In the nght spot concept.
Species Diversity
Soil Compaction
Tree Health
Young Tree Pruning
No species/cultivars exceed 10% of population; make specific observations for Acer, Quercus, Fraxinus, Ulmus and other local genera of concern. Also evaluate the role of regionally local native species.
Observe evidence of soil compaction by users or staff during maintenance. Include "desire" lines and construction activity at time of evaluation.
Rate the overall tree health in all size (age) classes: look for crown dieback, decay, foliage density & color,
Look for evidence of periodic (e.g. every 3 years to year g) structural pruning (e.g. subordination cuts, dominant central leader, co-dominant stems lower that 20').
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 29a 329
APPENDIX E. INTERACTIVE GOAL AND ACTION WORKSHEET
Framework of Plan Actions
:II: 5 Urban Forest ai I 1: >- I : i '. I Audit "t: Target Category I ·- "O O 0 u Management ,._ ·.:: :::: Calendar Lead & Co- Element <C Plan Action O o. w Timeframe Year Collaborator(s) Benefits· I Reference The action
statement
The recom-1-3 ranking 1-3 ranking
mended of action of
Ranges Year to PRO = Parks C ~ Reference
from begin or and Recreation Community. to the audit
Goal.
strategy.
and
action
number.
overall importance resources 1-2. 3-5, 5- complete Division: PWD m E = Equity, completed order of indicated required 10, 10-20, the Public Works H = Human to develop implement- by cell indicated or 20+ action Engineering or Health, the Plan for tation color by cell years to Operations N = Natural action Cell is
colorcoded to
match
the goal
reference
color
color (3
cells=
highest
level of
effort)
implement Division: CED = Environment. monitoring.
(3 cells=
highest
priority)
Table 38. Description of attributes in the action tables Framework of Plan Targets
the action Community &
Economic First in order
Development = greatest
Department
Bold
references
indicate
highest
impact
I
Cost/Time . .
ACTION ACTION ACTION Key lssue(s) or Implications($- Pot~nti~l F~nd'"g TARGET 1 TARGET 2 TARGET 3 Consideration(s) $$$$) ec amsm Supporting target Supporting target A target in bold font leading to final leading to final is the primary target target aligned target aligned with to measure success
with action "target action "target year• of implementing the year· and desired and desired corresponding
outcome outcome action
Table 39. Description of attributes in the targets tables Acron m
A statement to bUlld
support for
implementing the
respective action
$-$$$$ scale with
the greater
number"$" the
greater cost
implications
Existing and
potential sources
to fund the
respective action
UTC = Urban Tree Canopy (Assessment): HOAs = Homeowners Associations: UFMP = Urban Forest Management Plan (2022): TRAO = Tree Risk Assessment Qualification: CAL FIRE = California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Urban Forestry Program: U.S. = United States (of America):
CEU = Continuing Education Unit: RFP = Request for Proposal: USA= United States of America Appendix E. Interactive Goal and Action Worksheet Page I 3oa 330
-- .
1~· _ .!../\.pPl;ln!:lfc~~ ~
Los Banos Urban Forest Management Plan Actions and Targets Table 40. Los Banos Urban Forest Mana ement Plan actions and tar, ets Refine and finalize the Master Street Tree List and
update the City standards and specifications for
improvements and landscape to detail the 9
appropriate trees for public tree plantings and the
planting detail.
Align resources and planning efforts across City
departments and partners to meet common goals
and improve efficiencies. Tree managing staff
should engage in City department planning such 11;
as updates to the City's General Plan, Parks Master
Plan, and plans for climate change, greenhouse
gas reductions, sustainability, and human health.
Prepare a formal document to recommend
changes to tree-related code, ordinances,
standards (i.e., Landscape Standards), Standard
Operating Procedures, and best practices based
on recommendations and priorities described in
Appendix F.
Establish tiers of achievable tree canopy goals
and tree planting targets Citywide, by z_oning or
land use type, neighborhood, and/or district. Use
17 I ' I
the UFMP as guidance. At minimum, adopt a no- 24.
net-loss policy for public trees. Update these after
completion of the high-resolution UTC
assessment in 2030.
Consolidate tree-related policies, guidelines, best
practices, standards, and information into a tree
manual for planners, developers, homeowners,
HOAs, and tree care companies.
28 2023
2023,
Annually
2024
2027,
2032
2030
PRD,PWD,
CED
PRO, PWD,
CED
PRO, PWD,
CED
PRD, PWD,
CED
PRD, PWD,
CED
1.01, 1.08,
1.10 -1.12,
6.12, 7.09,
9.02, 9,07,
C, N 9.13, 9.14,
9.22, 10.12,
11.02, 11.05
-11.07,
11.10 1.01, 1.02,
1.04, 1.12,
N, H, E, C 2.09,
4.03, 6.12,
7,05, 9.13
N,C
1.02, 1.05,
1.06, 1.10
-1.14,
4,03, 7,05,
9.01, 9,03,
9,04, 9.12.
9.13 1.01, 1;02,
N, C, E, H 1.04, 3.03, ·5.01, 5,14,
6.12 C,N
1.04, 1.05,
1.10 -
1.13, 9.01
- 9.30,
10.02,
10.09,
10.12 PRO• Parks and Recreation Division: PWD = Public Works Engineering or Operations Division: CED • Community and Economic Deve lopment Department: C = Community: N • Natural Environment: E - Equity: H = Human Health DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 31a 331
I I
I I Cost Potential
ACTION ACTION ACTION Key lssue(s) or / Funding
TARGET 1 TARGET 2 TARGET 3 Consideration(s) Time Mechanism Draft tree List is
reviewed (Year 1)
All entities,
resources, and
planning efforts
identified (Year 2)
Recommendations in
the UFMP are refined
(Year 2)
Guidance in the
UFMP and the iCanopy assessment
are used to finalize
canopy goals
(Year 5)
Updates to Code,
manuals, standards,
and policies are
completed (Year 3)
Master Street Tree
List is adopted
(Year 2)
Regular meetings
ALL City-Led plantings
adhere to the Master
Street Tree List
(Years)
'between departments: Goals of participating
:and partners improves, partners are achieved
· outcomes and (Year 40)
efficiencies (Year 5)
A document is Changes to Code and
prepared detailing ordinances approved
necessary d ( ) amendments (Year 2) and enacte Year 3
A high-resolution tree
-canopy assessment is
completed (Year 8).
Canopy goals and
planting priorities are
updated (Year 10)
A draft manual is
prepared for each
sector (Year 8)
Achievement of Local
and Citywide canopy
goals (Year 40)
Manuals are
prepared and
distributed to all
sectors (Year g)
Planting the appropriate
tree species ensures
maximum benefits, urban $$
forest sustainability, and
resiliency.
Partnerships and
coordination enable
efficient achievement of ·
shared goals.
Effective ordinances
ensure Long-term urban
forest sustainability.
Equal access to green
spaces and an equitable
distribution of tree
canopy provides social.
economic, and
environmental benefits.
A well managed urban
forest is sustainable,
resilient, Lower risk, and
beneficial.
$$$
$$
$$$
$$$
Appendix E. Interactive Goal and Action Worksheet
NIA
Grant,
General
Fund
NIA
Grant
Grant,
General
Fund
Page I 32a
332
Establish an urban forestry working group with
regular meetings to monitor progress of
implementing actions. Finalize lead implementers.
Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of the Tree
Commission to align with goals and actions in the :18
UFMP.
Ensure tree-related operations are represented or
conducted by staff with industry credentials such
as International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment
Qualification (TRAO) either directly through the
department or supporting department.
Stay current with industry research, science, and
technology through various platforms. An
example includes management of current and
potential exotic tree pest and disease threats.
Determine the necessary staff required to
adequately manage tree hazards and debris
within the public rights-of-way, effectively plant
25 2
trees aligned with canopy goals, provide post- 22
planting care, and enforce tree ordinances (i.e.,
shade requirements, mitigation plantings,
replacement plantings).
L
2022
2024
2027,
Annually
2022,
Annually
2026
PRO
PRO
PRO, PWD,
CED
PRO, PWD,
CED
PRO
N, C,E,H L0l-lLl0
N,C 4,04
N 2.01-2.03
N 1.01 - 11.10
2.01, 4.02,
7.01- 7-09,
N, C, E. H 9.20, 11.01,
11.03, 11.04,
11.09, 11.10
PRD = Parks and Recreation Division: PWD • Public Works Engineering or Operations Division: CED= Community and Economic Development Department: C • Community: N • Natural Environment: E • Equity: H • Human Health DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 33a 333
--~-x-~-
AP,~f!l~~_I_____G___ii
I I I Cost Potential
ACTION ACTION ACTION Key lssue(s) or / Funding
TARGET 1 TARGET 2 TARGET 3 Consideration(s) Time Mechanism Potential
departments,
partners, and sectors
necessary for
implementation of
the UFMP identified
(Year 1)
Analyze current
responsibilities and
charters (Year 2)
Required
certifications and
qualifications for tree
management staff
identified (Year 3)
A framework for
acquiring necessary
information is
established (Year 1)
An analysis of the
tree inventory and
UFMP provides the
recommended
staffing Levels (Year 3)
ALL necessary
membersjoin the
workgroup (Year 1)
The goals for the
urban forest and the
Tree Commission are
aligned (Vear 3)
Staff maintain
certifications,
qualifications, and
licenses (Vear 6)
Budgets secured for
appropriate trainings
(Year 5)
A budget proposal is
prepared detailing
the necessary staff
(Vear 5)
Meeting framework
and responsibilities
established (Vear 1)
The needs of the
urban forest, the
programs, and the
community are met
(Year 40)
Staff maintain
certifications,
qualifications, and
Licenses (Year 6-40)
Tree management
staff attend relevant
conferences,
webinars, and
trainings (Vear 2-40)
The City has the staff
and resources to
manage the public
tree population on a
recommended
rotation (Year 10)
Coordinating
implementation of the $
UFMP enables success.
A city with a board or
committee devoted to
the urban forest enables
cohesive planning, $
increased capacity, and
shared success.
Staff training reduces
costs and improves
production, safety, Levels $$
of service, and the urban
forest.
Long-term planning and
management of a_
sustainable urban forest
requires continual
research and practice.
A well managed urban
forest is sustainable,
resilient, lower risk, and
beneficial.
$$
$$$
Appendix E. Interactive Goal and Action Worksheet
NIA
NIA
NIA
Grant,
General
Fund
NIA
Page I 34a
334
~~- ~----
1 i __ A_e_~ndices ~ • .J
~ ; .. z-. ~ II Ii
,Q I w '§ o u I 'E ·;:: :::: Time- Lead & I Co- Audit
c::x: I Urban Forest Mana ement Plan Action O o.. w frame Collaborator(s) Benefits Reference Continue to seek and acquire funding and
technical assistance from agencies and
organizations such as the CAL FIRE. U.S. Forest
Service. University Extension Services. and others.
Use the data from the Assessments and Plans
actions (i.e., tree maintenance needs, tree planting .
16 needs. ecosystem services) to support budget ;19
and funding increases aligned with resource
needs and actions in the UFMP.
Develop an annual education and training budget
for tree management staff that supports attending
CEU accrediting seminars, workshops, and
conferences each year. Consider the Tree Care
Industry Association's Certified Treecare Safety
Professional accreditation.
Based on the exploration of funding opportunities
provided in the UFMP. develop a sustained
funding report that details the opportunities and
approaches for sustained, dedicated, and
diversified funding. An example includes a pest
control fee or alternative uses of the Gas Tax.
20 21
Establish a dedicated, sustained funding source
beyond the current departmental budget for
urban forestry operations to increase the level of 31
service to meet the community's high standards.
2023,
Annually
2024,
Annually
2024,
Annually
2025
2040
PRD
PRD
PRD
PRD
PRD
N,C 3.01- 3.06
N, C, E 3.01. 3
6 .03 -
3.0 N,C
N.C, E
2.01- 2.03,
2.05, 2.06,
2.08, 3.01
3.01- 3.06
N, C, E, H 3.01 - 3.06
PRD = Parks and Recreation Division: PWD - Public Works Engineering or Operations Division: CED= Community and Economic Development Department: C = Community: N = Natural Environment: E - Equity; H = Human Health DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 35a 335
I I
Cost Potential
ACTION ACTION ACTION Key lssue(s) or / Funding
TARGET 1 1 TARGET 2 TARGET 3 Consideration(s) Time Mechanism Resources of partners
are utilized (Year 1)
Tree inventory data
and supporting
information is
utilized to establish
annual budget
(Year 3)
An assessment of
training needs
supports budget
planning (Year 3)
The feasibility of
funding mechanisms
provided in the UFMP
are further refined
and strategies are
developed (Year 2)
Tree inventory and
canopy data along
with supporting
information is utilized
to identify any
budget shortfalls
(Year 10)
Grant application
submitted and
approved for a
project such as tree
planting, planning,
inventory (Year 2)
Grant application
submitted and
approved for a project Diverse funding achieves $$
such as tree planting, long-term UFMP goals.
planning, inventory
(Year 3)
1 The program budget
Tree inventory data reflects the needs A budget should
and supporting identified in the tree represent the needs of information is utilized inventory, canopy the urban forest, the staff $$$$ to establish annual !assessment, and other, to manage it, and the budget (Year 4) resources people living among it.
(Year 20-40)
All staff associated
All Staff training reduces tree management with urban forest staff retain management are
c_ertifications, certified and/or
licenses, and . t l t . d
l
.f. t· (Y 6) appropna e y ra,ne qua 1 1ca ions ear (Year 6_ 40)
costs and improves
production, safety, levels $$
of service, and working
environment.
The sustained
funding report is
completed (Year 4)
Strategies in the
sustained funding
report are fully
implemented
(Year 20)
Strategies in the
sustained funding
report are
implemented
(Year 4-40)
A dedicated,
sustained funding
A strategic approach to
funding urban forest
management is essential
to long-term success.
source is established Funding that is diversified,
$
that represents the sustained, and dedicated $$$$
needs of the urban will enable long-term
forest, service levels, success.
and community
(Year 40)
Appendix E. Interactive Goal and Action Worksheet
NIA
NIA
Grant,
Tree Fund
General
Fund
NIA
Page I 36a
336
. - ............
_ Ae~n~~es _
Maintain an inventory of public trees and update
as maintenance, removals, and new plantings
occur. Encourage partners to manage a current
inventory of utility trees.
Quantify the ecosystem benefits and appropriate
appraisal values of public trees to conduct a cost- I
benefit analyses of public trees. This informs
management priorities, program structure, and
raises public awareness of the urban forest
benefits.
3 Complete an urban forest audit using similar
criteria as the 2021 audit completed for the UFMP
to evaluate improvements in urban forest 13
management and adapt strategies.
Strengthen storm and disaster preparations,
mitigations, and recovery strategies, protocols,
and mechanisms.
Complete a comprehensive high-resolution Urban
Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment using industry
27 recommended protocols to establish a baseline 29
metric from which urban forest improvements can
be measured.
Evaluate the recommendations provided in the
UFMP to further strengthen the Urban Forestry
Program, the tree resource, and the community
framework.
26 2022,
Annually
2023, Bi- ,
Annually '
2023, BiAnnually
2028
2030
2027,
Annually
PRD N,C
PRD N, C,H
5.04 - 5.07,
5.15 1.07, 3.03,
5.02 PRD, PWD, N C E H CED , , , 1.01 - 11.10
PRD, PWD, C H N
CED ' ' '
PRD E,N
PRD, PWD.
CED N,C
8.01- 8.07
1.02, 1.04,
5.01, 5.14,
6.12, 11.02,
11.07 1.01 - 11.10
PRO • Parks and Recreation Division: PWD • Public Works Engineering or Operations Division: CED• Community and Economic Development Department: C • Community: N • Natural Environment: E • Equity: H • Human Health DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 37a 337
----.- - ---------- --- _!; _ 1- ,~J>~liqtce""s, ,
I I
I Cost Potential
ACTION I ACTION ACTION Key I lssue(s) or / Funding
TARGET 1 TARGET 2 TARGET 3 Consideration(s) Time Mechanism Database updated to
reflect changes to the
public tree
population (Year 1)
The public tree
inventory is current to
the extent possible
(Year 1)
A team to complete
the updated audit is
established (Year 1)
All public trees are
reinventoried
(Year g)
All public trees are
inventoried on a 10-
year cycle and the
data remains current
(Year 40)
: Ecosystem services
Inventories inform
maintenance, resource
needs, planting, and
ecosystem benefits.
The ecosystem : and benefits of the An understanding of services and benefits! public tree population : benefits, services, and of the public tree '. are routinely updated value can be conveyed to population is · based on inventory the public and inform understood (Year 2) data and industry management.
research (Year 4)
The first City-led
urban forest audit is
completed (Year 2)
An urban forest audit
is routinely conducted
every two years
(Year 4-40)
Procedures for urban
Evaluations enable
adaptive management.
Resources to support Changes to storm and ,
storm and disaster ' disaster procedures
management are are drafted (Year 6) '
forest and
storm/ disaster
management is
formalized in a
Preparation, response,
and recovery is essential
to a sustainable urban
gathered (Year 4) forest and public health. written document (Year7) ---
An updated UTC is An updated assessment
$$
Grant,
General
Fund
$ ' General
Fund
$$
$$$
General
Fund
Grant,
General
Fund
A budget is prepared
and approved for the
UTC (Year 6)
An RFP is prepared l ted (Y ) of canopy gains and
and consultant a~~~:a!sesse::~; losses informs policy and $$ selected to complete 5 10 ry management and offers a
Grant,
General
Fund
Th~ interactive
recommendations
worksheet is
reviewed by the
working group
(Year 5)
a UTC (Year 8) (Y~ar ~::-;~) baseline to eslstablish new goa .
The The UFMP recommendations
implen:ten_tationl and provided in the UFMP
morn onng p an . l ed t
• f d are imp ement o , ,norms gaps an support the longnecessary changes to term vision for the strategies (Year 7) urban forest (Year 40)
Goals and actions are
supported by
recommendations
developed for each
section of the UFMP.
$$$
Appendix E. Interactive Goal and Action Worksheet
General
Fund
Page I 38a
338
~
C:
0 :;:.
u
<(
CE.01
CE.02
CE03
CE.04
CE.05
Urban Forest Mana ement Plan Action
Develop a community outreach strategy with
clear and consistent language using information
...
a.>
"C
...
0 from the UFMP. Include updates and a dedicated 10
page on the City's website. Coordinate the
strategy as a Citywide initiative rather than a
departmental effort.
Continue to receive Arbor Day Tree City USA
designation. Strive to achieve Arbor Day Growth
Awards and Sterling status after 10 Growth
Awards.
4 Conduct biannual community surveys to gauge
public viewpoints and receive feedback on
implementation of the UFMP and program
success. Prioritize citizen feedback/requests and 14
update the City website with frequently asked
questions and additional resources.
Continue to strengthen partnerships with civic
groups, non-profit organizations, Homeowners'
Associations, volunteers, institutions, internal, City
Council. neighborhoods, impr_ovement districts,
and non-conventional organizations aligned with
goals of the UFMP. Support volunteer events and
develop strategies to remove barriers to
participation for all community members.
Provide education and workshops to the public
about tree maintenance responsibilities,
permitting, species selection, and proper young
tree care as funding allows. Also provide
7 information regarding unauthorized tree plantings, 8 invasives, and management of volunteer trees. At minimum, share this information quarterly on
social media, the City's website, and other
communication platforms. Align these efforts with
Action CE.01 for a community outreach strategy.
>,
....
·.::: t 0 0 ·.::: .... . .... Q. w
..
L
Timeframe
2023
2022,
Annually
2023,
Annually
2022,
i Annually
2022,
Annually
Lead& CoCollaborator(s)' Benefits
Audit
Reference
PRD, PWD,
CED
PRD
PRD
PRD, PWD,
CED
PRD, PWD,
CED
10.01,
C, E, N 10.02,
10.05, 10.11,
N,C
10.12, 10.15
10.05-
10.07,
10.14, 10.15
C, E, N 10.05, 10.12
C
C.N
10.02,
'10.03, 10.15
10.02,
10.05, 10.11
- 10.13,
10.15, 11.01,
11.03, 11.09,
11.10 PRO= Parks and Recreation Division: PWD - Public Works Engineering or Operations Division: CED= Community and Economic Development Department: C • Community: N - Natural Environment: E = Equity: H - Human Health DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page j 39a 339
, I I Cost I Potential
ACTION ACTION ACTION ' Key lssue(s) or , / Funding
TARGET 1 TARGET 2 TARGET 3 Consideration(s) Time I Mechanism Information from the
UFMP is compiled
and outreach
strategies are drafted
(Year 1)
Receive Tree City
USA recognition
(Year 1)
Survey responses
from the UFMP
project are examined
and addressed
(Year 1)
A network of existing
and potential
partners is identified
using the UFMP and
community outreach
plan (Year 1)
Information is
gathered and aligned
with the community
outreach strategy
(Year 1)
UFMP outreach
strategies are
coordinated with
other City
departments and
efforts (Year 2)
A community
outreach plan clearly
defines the
messaging and
approaches (Year 2)
Consistent messaging
resonates with the
audience.
Receive Tree City USA Receive Tree City USA' A city must demonstrate and Growth Award recognition and that it cares about its recognition annually Sterling status urban forest and
(Year 5) (Year 5-40) manages it as a priority.
An online survey is
launched bi-annually Gathering feedback and
and feedback is input from the community
$$ Grant,
Tree Fund
Grant,
$$ Tree Fund,
General
Fund
An online survey is
launched to gather
input and feedback received from all informs future strategies, $$ Grant,
General
Fund (Year 2) neighborhoods, messaging, and resource
demographics, and needs.
cultures (Year 4-40)
A d. t k f i A diverse network of , 1verse ne wor o , . · t . ts "th partners exists , P t h' bl par ners ex1s w1 t· ll c ·t : ar ners 1ps ena e _ l represen 1ng a I y · ff . t h' t f c_ ea~ . neighborhoods e 1c1en ac 1evemen o
. commun~cat1ons and : demographics, a~d · shared goals. roles defined (Year 5) cultures (Year 20-40)
Community members
reached and
engaged increases
by 25% (Year 10)
Observations show a
decrease in tree
malpractices on
viewable private
property (Year 20-40)
Readily available
information raises
awareness and increases
support to achieve
common goals.
$$$
$$$
Appendix E. Interactive Goal and Action Worksheet
Grant,
Tree Fund
Grant,
Tree Fund,
General
Fund
Page I 4oa
340
I -- -- -
~ ~P}~e_!ldi~~
Prioritize young and large tree maintenance,
removals, and risk tree assessments based on
updated inventory data and resources. Update the
maintenance regimen (number of public trees 5
pruned annually) by evaluating inventory data,
program structure, available resources, and
demands.
Coordinate with other City departments to
maximize the number of trees planted through
Capital Improvement Programs and stormwater
management projects. Establish procedures for
replacing damaged trees during infrastructure
replacement projects.
Develop a more strategic approach to tree
species and site selection using the Master Street
Tree List (2022 UFMP) to ensure the resilience and
12 optimize ecosystem service provision of Los 23
Banos' urban forest. Plant and grow a diverse
urban forest with species representing no more
than 10% of the public tree population.
Use Citywide tree inventory data and best
available science for long-term planning and
management otexisting and future tree pests and 6 diseases impacting the City's urban forest.
Consider new research and guidance such as the
5% tree genera diversity rule (Ball, 2015).
Use the results of an updated high-resolution
Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment to prioritize 30 tree plantings based on low existing tree cover and enhancing benefits provided by trees.
2022,
Annually
I 2023,
: Annually ·
2026,
2042
2022,
Annually
2031
PRD
PRD, PWD,
CED
PRD, PWD,
CED
PRD
PRD
N, C, H 11.01, 11.03,
11.09, 11.10
N. H. E
N,H
N,H
1.02, 1.04,
2.09, 4.03,
6.10, 6.12
1.01, 1.02,
1.04, 9,14,
9.22, 11.05,
11.06, 11.09
7.0-9, 11.09
N, E, C, H 1.01, 1
6 .02.
1.04, .12
PRO= Parks and Recreation Division: PWD • Public Works Engineering or Operations Division: CED • Community and Economic Development Department: C . Community: N - Natural Environment: E = Equity: H • Human Health DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 41a 341
I I
I I
I Cost Potential
ACTION ACTION ACTION Key lssue(s) or I / Funding
TARGET 1 TARGET 2 TARGET 3 Consideration(s) Time Mechanism Service requests and
maintenance
continue to be
prioritized by the
Urban Forestry
Program (Year 1)
Regular meetings to
identify
opportunities to
collaborate (Year 2)
An analysis of the
tree inventory and
UFMP informs
changes to the tree
species planting
palette (Year 2)
Tree inventory data
is analyzed and
cross-examined with
industry research
(Year 4)
Scope of Work
established (Year 7)
All public young trees Service requests and
routine maintenance
continue to be
prioritized by the
Urban Forestry
Program (Year 2)
receive proper Priorities enable
training and
established trees are appropriate management within the confines of maintained on a recommended
rotation (Year 10-40)
Trees effectively ;A shared commitment
integrated into all City : achieves local and
projects where Citywide tree canopy
feasible (Year 10) goals (Year 40)
Tree planting aligns
with canopy,
resiliency, and
ecosystem services
goals (Year 5)
The urban forest is
sustainable, resilient,
and equitable
(Year 40)
'Plans for tree planting, · pest and disease • The urban forest is sustainable, resilient,
management, and and equitable
sustainability are (Year 40)
developed (Year 10)
RFP released and
consultant selected
(Year8)
UTC completed,
canopy goals are
updated, and tree
plantings are
prioritized (Year 10)
resources.
Partnerships and
coordination enable
efficient achievement of
shared goals.
A diverse urban forest is
resilient to tree pests and
diseases and climate
change but must be
planted according to tree
and site requirements,
timing, and desired
function.
A well managed urban
forest is sustainable,
resilient, lower risk, and
beneficial.
Equal ,;1ccess to green
spaces and an equitable
distribution of tree
canopy provides social.
economic, and
environmental benefits.
$$$
$$
$$$
$$$
$$
Appendix E. Interactive Goal and Action Worksheet
General
Fund,
Grant
General
Fund,
Grant
Grant,
General
Fund
General
Fund
General
Fund,
Grant
Page I 42a
342
,. -.- - .. - . ...... -
·_. ~~DdJces _ _ .J
APPENDIX F. TREE ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
TITLE 10 PARKS AND RECREATION
CHAPTER 1 TREES, SHRUBS, AND PLANTS
Sec. 10-1.01 Title and purpose.
(a) This chapter shall be known as the "Tree Regulations" and may be cited as such. Purpose. Title 10 is adopted to acknowledge that the City of Los Banos City Council finds that:
(1) Street trees are of economic, environmental, and aesthetic importance to the City. (2) The City requires the planting of street trees as part of subdivision developments and along major streets to enhance the character of the City.
(3) Street trees directly benefit the City residents by:
(i) Reducing erosion of the top soil by breaking the summer winds; (ii) Reducing air pollution by the production oxygen from carbon dioxide; (iii) Increasing property values;
(iv) Maintaining the ecological balance of the area;
(v) Providing shade and buffering the noise and glare; aRd (vi) Providing energy conservation by the reduction of summertemperatures; (vii) Mitigating and adapting the effects of climate change; and (viii) Improving overall human health and well-being.
(4) The health and safety and general welfare of the citizens will best be served by regulating the removal, severe pruning, topping and planting of street trees and encouraging the reforestation of areas in which street trees have been removed.
(5) There is a need for a comprehensive pla_n for the selection and protection of Historical and Heritage Trees in the City of Los Banos.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) (6) Requirements and regulations within this ordinance are measures in place for the city to adopt a "no net loss" policy around the extent of the city's urban forest tree canopy cover. (7) The City of Los Banos strives to align goals, analyses, and policies around tree canopy cover, tree plantings, and climate mitigation strategies in the 2022 Urban Forest Management Plan, the 2009 General Plan and planned update, and the 2020 Parks Master Plan Sec. 10-1.02 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the words listed in this section shall have the meaning set forth in this section.
Words used-er defined in one tense or form shall include other tenses and der=ivative forms. Words in the singular number shall include the plural number and words in the plural number shall include the singular number. The masculine gender shall include the feminine, and the feminine gender shall include the masculine, this shall be extended to apply to partnerships, firms, and corporations or other similar entities. The words "shall" and "must" are mandatory. The word "may" is permissive. The word "person" includes individuals, firms, corporations, associations, trusts, and any other similar entities. The word "Los Banos" refers to the City of Los Banos. The word 'jurisdiction" includes all public lands and rights-of-way included within the corporate limits of the City of Los Banos.
The following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them:
• "Arterial" shall mean heavy traffic carrying streets of Los Banos that function to move intra-city and intercity traffic. • "City arborist" shall mean City Employee or Contracted Company hired by the City that is an expert in the cultivation and care of trees.
• "Collector street" shall mean streets whose primary function is to collect traffic from an area and move it to a major thoroughfare or arterial while also providing substantial service to abutting land use.
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 43a 343
• "Commission" refers to the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Los Banos. • "Community development department" refers to the Planning Department of the City of Los Banos. • "Community forest" shall mean those trees and shrubs located within municipal limits. • "Council" refers to the Los Banos City Council.
• "Director" refers to the Director of Public Works.
• "Director of Public Works" refers to the Director of the Public Works Department of the City of Los Banos.
• "Drip line" shall mean the protected zone of the tree. The drip line is the outer most location of the tree's branches perpendicular to the ground surface. Also referred to as the Tree Protection Zone, the Root Protection Zone, or the Critical Root Zone.
• "Graft union" shall mean the place on the stem of a plant where the bud is joined to the rootstock or trunk.
It is usually indicated by a slight swelling.
• "Landscape Standards" shall mean standards of landscape design for the City of Los Banos. • "Landscape Standards for the City of Los Banos" shall mean policy stated in Ordinance No. 1059 Section 10-2.04 of the City of Los Banos Municipal Code.
• "Landscaping" shall mean primarily the planting of vegetation of all types and shall also include as secondary accents the installation of exterior decoration, furniture, sculpture or structures, retaining walls, water features, including on-premises monument signs, and flagpoles, the preservation and enhancement of land forms and natural land features, the location and construction of aesthetically pleasing and functional approaches for structures, roadways, pedestrian ways, and enclosures, and the enhancement of the environment for human habitation by climate control, air movement, pollution control, and aesthetics. • "Local street" see Collector Street.
• "Los Banos" shall mean the City of Los Banos, California. • "Municipal Code" shall mean the City of Los Banos Municipal Code as compiled and amended or any subsequent code of this City.
• Owner. The word "owner" shall mean the legal owner of real property fronting on any street of the City, and any lessee of such owner.
• "Parks and Recreation Operations Manager" refers to the Parks and Recreation Operations Manager of the City of Los Banos.
• "Planning Director" refers to the Director of Planning for the City of Los Banos. • "Plant" shall mean any multi-cellular organism of the kingdom Plantae characteristically containing chloroplasts, having cellulose walls, lacking power oflocomotion and reproducing by seeds or spores. • "Planting easement" refers to the portion of land made available as a public easement for the purpose of planting and maintaining City street trees.
• - "Public lands" shall mean those lands owned by the City ofLus Banos. • "Public places" shall include all grounds owned by the City. • "Public street" shall mean and include all roads, streets, avenues, boulevards, alleys, parkways, and other public right-of-way, or any portion thereof, of the City. • "Public trees" shall mean those trees located on public lands. • "Recreation Commission" shall mean those members appointed to establish policies, regulations and standards to protect the community forest in Los Banos, California. • "Rights-of-way" shall mean those lands in the public ownership along public roads or easements. • "Shrub" shall mean a low woody perennial plant usually having several major branches. • "Shrubbery" shall mean an area where a number of shrubs are planted. • "Street" shall mean and include all roads, streets, avenues, boulevards, alleys, parkways, and other public rights-of-way, or any portion thereof, of the City.
• "Street Tree Easement" shall mean a strip of land identified on a tract map, parcel map, or other instrument for the planting of street trees.
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 44a
344
• "Tree" shall mean a perennial woody plant having a main trunk and usually a distinct crown.(§ I, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
• "Tree Protection Zone" shall mean the protected zone of the tree where, at minimum, extends to the tree's drip line. The drip line is the outer most location of the tree's branches perpendicular to the ground surface.
Also referred to as the Tree Protection Zone, the Root Protection Zone, or the Critical Root Zone.
Sec. 10-1.03 Maintenance of trees within the public right-of-way and street tree easements.
The City of Los Banos shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, squares, parkways, public rights-of-way, street tree easements and public grounds, as may be necessary to iftStife ensure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and aesthetics of such public grounds or to address sustainability, climate change impacts, and tree canopy cover expansion. The City may remove or cause to be removed any tree or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or which by reason of its nature is injurious to electric power lines, gas lines, water lines or other public improvements or is infected with any injurious fungus, insect or pest.
The Public Works Director shall have the power to designate the kind or variety of trees, shrubs, and plants to be planted upon any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way or public place in the City subject to the supervision of the City Manager; provided, however, the owners of property fronting on any street, alley, or public place may petition the Council that such trees, shrubs, or plants shall be a certain kind or variety.
The decision of the City Council shall be final. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.04 Requests for permits to prune. maintain or remove trees within the public right-of-wav and street tree easements.
No person shall cut, trim, prune, plant, remove, injure, or interfere with any tree, shrub, or plant upon any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easements or public place in the City without a permit issued by the Public Works Director ["Director"]. The permitted authority must be accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture as a Certified Arborist. The Public Works Director is hereby authorized to grant such permit ift-.hi&-with the Director's discretion and, where necessary, subject to the condition that the removed tree be replaced by an official tree meeting the specifications of the City. No such permit shall be valid for a longer period than thirty (30) days after its date of issuance. (a) Planting street trees. A permit shall be obtained from the Director by any person proposing to plant or set out any tree on any parkway or street right-of-way that is not a part of an approved landscape plan, meeting current City Standards.
(I) The application required herein shall state the number of trees to be planted or set out, the location; grade, and variety of each tree, the method of planting and such other information as the Director may require. (2) The Director shall issue the permit upon finding that the proposed species, location and method of planning are consistent with the requirements of this chapter and will not be injurious to the curbs, gutters and sidewalks or to the surrounding neighborhood.
(b) Root pruning and removal. No person shall cut roots, prune branches, transplant or remove any tree on public property or within the City right-of-way without first filing an application and procuring a permit to do so from the Director.
(1) Any root pruning, tree pruning, transplanting, or removing of street trees and other trees in the public rightof-way shall be done by a Certified Arborist (or other qualified individual) as approved by the Director. For tree removals, an arborist report shall be prepared by a Certified Arborist, Consulting Arborist, or other qualified individual as approved by the Director to determine the basis for removal. (2) A person may not remove a street tree except:
(i) When authorized by a street tree permit; or
(ii) By an approved development plan; or
DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 45a 345
., - ~---~-· -.,---,I
• -• - ~~~~- :·_ -1
(iii) When part of a building or planning project; or
(iv) When a private tree is a hazard or nuisance to the public as determined by the Director; or (v) When authorized by the Director in an emergency.
(3) A person removing a street tree must timely grind the stump to 24 inches below grade or remove it, and repair any damage to right-of-way improvements caused by the grinding or removal. A person must obtain an encroachment permit before making any repairs to right-of-way improvements. (4) The street tree removed must be timely replaced for a "no net loss" approach if the site is deemed viable for a replacement tree as determined by the Director.
(i) Street trees shall have a minimum soil volume as follows: 600 cubic feet for small trees, 1,000 cubic feet for medium trees, 1,500 cubic feet for large trees. (5) The Director may issue a nonemergency street tree permit to remove a street tree when one or more of the following criteria is clearly met:
(i) The tree poses a substantial hazard to people or property and cannot otherwise be feasibly restored to a safe condition.
(ii) The tree is dead, dying or has a short life expectancy. (iii) The tree is seriously diseased and cannot be feasibly restored. (iv) The tree is part of a group that is overcrowded and removal would contribute to the health and vigor of nearby trees whose preservation is more desirable. To qualify for this criterion, the tree must have any combination of two (2) of the following traits, characteristics, or conditions:
(A) Phototropic lean - significant lean and/or stem curvature caused by a tree reaching for sunlight; (B) Death of lower branches due to competition with other trees; (C) Allelopathy - chemical inhibition of gmwth and development of one plant by another; (D) Proximity trees are within the drip line of the tree in question for removal; (E) Dead or dying and declining vigor;
(F) Infested with tree pests and/or disease.
(v) The tree has extensively damaged a utility (sewer, water main, power lines, etc.) or is significantly interfering with overhead utilities and the problem cannot be remedied by other reasonable means including appropriate pruning.
(vi) Prior to a decision on tree removal of a tree that has extensively damaged concrete, preventative measures (such as deep-watering and root pruning) must be applied or considered for the tree, and preservation methods as defined by the Director must be pursued. If it is determined that damage cannot be repaired without removal of the tree, the removal may be approved. A request to remove a street tree due to damaged hardscape or infrastructure cannot be considered or approved unless repair or replacement of the hardscape or infrastructure is planned. (vii) The tree has been damaged to an extent that it cannot be feasibly restored. (6) A person desiring to remove a street tree must state in detail the grounds for removal on the permit application.
( c) Tree trimming. No person shall prune or trim, cut off or perform any work on a single occasion or cumulatively over a three (3) year period, affecting twenty-five (25%) percent or more of the crown of any tree on public property or within the City right-of-way without first filing an application and procuring a permit to do so from the Director.
(1) The pruning of street trees must comply with the pruning standards prescribed by the current version of Tree Pruning Guidelines, published by the International Society of Arboriculture, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standards, or such other standards or methods as expressly authorized in writing by the Director.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection ( c) of this section, topping of street trees is prohibited unless specifically authorized in writing by the Director based on clear evidence of extraordinary circumstances justifying topping in the particular situation.
( d) No fee shall be charged for any permit issued pursuant to this subsection. ( e) Permit issuance. The Director shall issue the permit upon finding that the proposed action is necessary to protect the curb, gutter, or sidewalk or to protect public health and safety and that the proposed action is found to be in conformance with industry standards for the care and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and plants. The Director may issue the permit if the proposed removal or trimming is found to be consistent with the purposes of this chapter. The Director may condition any permit for removal of a street tree, granted pursuant to this section, so as to require the permittee to replace the street tree.
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Pagel46a
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(f) Time of performance. All work performed on street trees pursuant to a permit issued by the Director under this section shall be done within thirty (30) days from the issuance of said permit or within such longer period as the Director shall specify.
(g) This permit requirement proposed by this section is not satisfied by approval of other City departments or under City contracts.
(h) The Director may issue permits to Public Utilities not to exceed one year of work undertaken by the utility pursuant to a comprehensive program ifrelated activities are approved by the Director.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff.
December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.05 Request to maintain public utilities within the public right-of-way that mav require the cutting or trimming of trees.
It shall be the duty and responsibility of any public utility installing or maintaining any overhead wire or underground pipes or conduit in the vicinity of a parkway strip, to obtain permission from the Director before performing any maintenance on said wires, pipes or conduits, which would cause injury to street trees. Such public utilities shall in no way injure, cut roots, deface, prune or scar any street tree until their plans and procedures have been approved by the Director and a permit issued. The entity may file for permission from the Director by a written request. Such request shall describe the work desired to be done and it shall be within the discretion of the Director to require a written agreement upon the part of the petitioner to pay the cost thereof and to do such work in the way stipulated by the Director before the issuance of any permit under this chapter. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff.
December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.06 Permits required for utility companies to prune, maintain or remove trees in the public right-ofway and street tree easements.
Any person, firm, or corporation maintaining any overhead wires or any pipes or underground conduits along or across any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way or public place in the City or owning any property abutting upon any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place in the City shall obtain a permit to prune, maintain or remove a street tree within the public right-of-way. It shall be within the djscretion of the Public Works Director to require a written agreement upon the part of the petitioner to pay the costs of such work and to do such work in the way stipulated by the Public Works Director before the issuance of any permit therefore. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) (a) The pruning of street trees for the clearance of any overhead wires or any pipes or underground conduits along or across any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way or public place in the City or owning any property abutting any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place in the City must comply with the pruning standards prescribed by the current version of Tree Pruning Guidelines, published by the International Society of Arboriculture, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standards, or such other standards or methods as expressly authorized in writing by the Director.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section, topping of street trees is prohibited unless specifically authorized in writing by the Director based on clear evidence of extraordinary circumstances justifying topping in the particular situation.
Sec. 10-1.07 Property owner reguirements to maintain private trees that mav affect the public right-of-way or the communitv forest.
(a) Any person, firm, or corporation owning or occupying real property bordering on any street where trees have branches, limbs, trunks or other parts projecting into the public right-of-way shall prune such trees or keep them trimmed in such a manner that they will not obstruct or shade streetlights, obstruct or interfere with the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks, obstruct the vision of traffic signs or obstruct the views of any street or alley intersection according to the current version of Tree Pruning Guidelines, published by the International DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 47a 347
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Society of Arboriculture, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standards, or such other standards or methods as expressly authorized in writing by the Director. (b) Any person owning or occupying real property bordering on any street, park or other public property, on which there may be trees that are diseased or insect infested, shall remove, spray or treat any such trees in a manner that will not infect or damage nearby public vegetation or cause harm to the community or citizens therein. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.08 Protection of trees during building construction, repairs, or removal.
During the erection, repair, alteration, or removal of any building, house, or structure in the City no person in charge of such work shall leave any tree, shrub, or plant in any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place in the City in the vicinity of such building or structure without such good and sufficient guards or protectors as shall prevent injuries to such tree, shrub, or plant arising out of or by reason of such erection, repair, alteration, or removal. Protection and operation around existing trees during building construction, repairs, or removal shall adhere to the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) A300 Construction Management Standard (Part 5).
For the purpose of safeguarding trees during construction, the following conditions shall apply:
(a) Damage to any tree during construction shall be immediately reported to the Director by any person causing such damage, the responsible contractor, or the owner of the site and such persons shall be required to treat the tree for such damages as specified by the Director;
(b) Oil, gasoline, chemicals and other construction materials or equipment which might be harmful to trees shall not be stored under the drip line or upslope of the tree(s); ( c) Drains shall be installed according to City specifications so as to avoid harm to the tree due to excess watering; (d) Cutting and filling around the base of the tree shall be done only after consultation with the Director and then only to the extent authorized. The Director may require professional consultation, at the applicant's cost, to make appropriate determinations;
(e) No paint thinner, paint, plaster or other liquid or solid excess or waste construction materials or waste water shall be dumped on the ground or into any grate between the drip line and the base of the tree or uphill from any tree where such substance might reach the roots through a leaching process; (f) Tree protection fences (minimum three (3') foot high visibility fence with metal posts at minimum every ten (10') feet) shall be installed at the drip line to prevent compaction and injury to a tree's surface roots to prevent exposing the trees to disease causing organisms. Fences shall include signage stating the purpose of the fence is to delineate the tree protection zone;
(g) Wherever cuts are made in the ground near the roots of a tree, appropriate measures according to ANSI A300 - Part 8 2020 Root Management Standard shall be taken to prevent exposed soil from drying out and causing damage thereto. All cuts within the drip line of a tree are to be made by hand (no backhoes or graders); (h) Trimming cuts one inch in diameter and over must be covered at the time the cuts are made with a tree seal pruning compound approved by the Director. All root pruning is to be done by hand. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff.
December 5, 2008)
(i) If a person removes and/or damages a tree- as defined in this section (Sec. 10-1.08)-- without authorization, the person and the adjoining property owner shall be jointly and severally liable for restitution, as determined by the Public Works Director. The restitution required by this subsection shall be determined in accordance with the standards for mitigation below.
(1) Replacements for trees removed shall, ifreasonably possible, provide total beneficial attributes at least equivalent to those of the tree(s) to be replaced. For example, when replacing a tree whose principal beneficial attribute is aesthetic, the replacement tree(s) should provide equivalent aesthetic quality in terms of size, height, location and other beneficial aesthetic attributes. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection ( e) of this section, replacement trees shall generally be planted on the same lot as were the trees removed, and the species and location of the replacement tree(s) shall be approved by the Public Works Director.
Appendix F Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 48a
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(3) When the value of a tree must be established to apply the provisions of this section, such value shall be calculated by the Public Works Director in accordance with the latest edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal as prepared by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers or a similar successor resource. ( 4) When, because of lot size, configuration or development, or size, age or other characteristics of the tree to be replaced, it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree or trees, replacement equivalency may be established, at the discretion of the city, using one or a combination of the following standards:
(i) The total DBH of the replacement tree(s) is at least equal to the DBH of the tree(s) to be replaced, and the replacement tree(s) will at maturity be similar in size and character to the tree(s) to be replaced.
(ii) The total value of the replacement tree(s), or cash payment to the city in lieu ofreplacement, or a combination of the total value of the replacement tree(s) plus such cash payment is at least equal to the value of the tree(s) to be replaced.
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in the case ofremoval of a tree from a public street right-of-way or easement, the city may require mitigation to be made entirely by cash payment. (6) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file and available for review and/or as authorized by the Public Works Director. (7) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(i) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; (ii) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal; or
(iii) Following an unauthorized tree removal, the Public Works Director determines that removal would have been authorized had timely application been made. The burden of proving that removal would have been authorized is on the person(s) responsible for mitigation. (8) When a cash payment is received, the city shall use the proceeds as follows:
(i) To plant or upgrade street trees throughout the city; (ii) To beautify or enhance public places, including parks and open spaces, by the planting of trees; (iii) To fund any administrative activity directly related to the advertising, promotion and execution of the provisions of this chapter as well as any other activities that will benefit the city's urban forest; or
(iv) To proactively prune or remedy public street trees deemed a priority by the Public Works Director to maintain public safety and urban forest health and sustainability. (e) The administrative penalty amount that may be imposed for violation of Section Sec. 10-1.08 shall be as set forth in this subsection.
(1) A person damaging a street tree is subject to a fine in the amount of:
(2) Two hundred fifty dollars for the first offense;
(3) Seven hundred fifty dollars for the second offense; and (4) One thousand dollars for the third and subsequent offenses; or (5) A person who damages a street tree either knowingly or with intent to injure a tree is subject to a fine in the amount of $1,000 for each offense.
(6) The penalties listed above are separate from any costs, fees, or fines associated with tree replacements, tree mitigation, arborist reports, and fee in lieus (Sec. 10-1.08.i.iv.2).
Sec. 10-1.09 The designation and protection of heritage trees.
The following standards shall govern the treatment of Heritage Trees. (a) Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to protect certain trees in order to preserve cultural heritage, maintain and enhance the scenic beauty of the community, to provide shade, improve air quality, assist in abating soil and slope erosion and preserve and enhance property values, thus promoting the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) Applicability. These regulations regulate the maintenance and removal of trees that are sited on private property.
( c) Heritage Tree defined. As used in this section "Heritage Tree" means, upon nomination by any person and with the written consent of the property owner(s), any tree or group of trees recommended by the Parks and DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 4ga 349
Recreation Commission and identified by City Council resolution upon a finding that the tree or group of trees is:
(1) Of historic value because of its association with a place, building, natural feature or event oflocal, regional, national or historic significance; or
(2) Identified on any historic or cultural resources survey as a significant feature of a landmark, historic site or historic district; or
(3) Representative of a significant period of the City's growth or development and was the result of a planting dedicated by citizens, civic groups or the City; or
( 4) Identified because of its age, beauty, and/or uniqueness, especially if representative of a species that has significance in natural history and/or ecology; or
(5) The tree provides vital wildlife habitat for endangered or protected species; or (6) The tree is a native tree or a tree of exceptional adaptability to the Los Banos area which has a special significance to the community; or
(7) Any other factor causing the tree to have a special and important significance to the community as determined by the Public Works Director.
After City Council approval of a Heritage Tree designation, the City Clerk shall notify the property owner( s) in writing. A listing of trees so designated as a Heritage Tree, including the specific locations thereof, shall be kept by the Public Works and Planning Departments. Once designated, a Heritage Tree shall be subject to the provisions of this section unless removed from the list of Heritage Trees by action of the City Council. The City Council may remove a tree from the list upon its own motion or upon written request by the property owner. ( d) Maintenance and preservation of Heritage Trees. Any person who owns, controls, has custody or possession of any real property within the City shall use reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve all Heritage Trees located thereon in a state of good health pursuant to the provisions of this section. Failure to do so shall constitute a violation of this section. Any person who conducts any grading, excavation, demolition or construction activity on property shall do so in such a manner as to not threaten the health or viability or cause the removal of any Heritage Tree. Any work performed within a radius often (10) times the diameter of the tree from the center of the trunk (i.e., the tree protection zone) shall require submittal of a tree protection plan for review and approval by the Director of Public Works or designee prior to issuance of any permit for grading or construction. The tree protection plan shall be prepared by a certified arborist and shall address issues related to protective fencing and protective techniques to minimize impacts associated with grading, excavation, demolition and construction and shall be in alignment with the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) A300 Construction Management Standard (Part 5). The Director of Public Works or designee may impose conditions on any City permit to assure compliance with this section. (e) Removal and major pruning of Heritage Trees prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to remove, or cause to be removed any Herita-ge Tree from any parcel of property in the City, or prune more than one-fourth (1/4) of the branches or roots within a twelve (12) month period, without obtaining a permit; provided, that in case of emergency, when a tree is imminently hazardous or dangerous to life or property, it may be removed by order of the Police Chief, Fire Chief, the Director of Public Works or their respective designees. Any person who vandalizes, grievously mutilates, destroys or unbalances a Heritage Tree without a permit or beyond the scope of an approved permit shall be in violation of this section. (f) Tree permit required. Any person desiring to remove one or more Heritage Trees or perform major pruning shall apply for a permit pursuant to procedures established by the Director of Public Works and shall pay a fee established by the City Council. It is the joint responsibility of the property owner and party removing the Heritage Tree or trees, or portions thereof to obtain the permit. The Director of Public Works or designee may only issue a permit for the removal or major pruning of a Heritage Tree if he or she determines there is good cause for such action. In determining whether there is good cause, the Director of Public Works or designee shall give consideration to the following:
(1) The condition of the tree or trees with respect to disease, danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures and interference with utility services; Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Pagelsoa
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(2) The necessity to remove the tree or trees in order to construct proposed improvements to the property; (3) The topography of the land and the effect of the removal of the tree on erosion, soil retention and diversion or increased flow of surface waters;
(4) The long-term value of the species under consideration, particularly lifespan and growth rate; (5) The ecological value of the tree or group of trees, such as food, nesting, habitat, protection and shade for wildlife or other plant species;
( 6) The number, size, species, age distribution and location of existing trees in the area and the effect the removal would have upon shade, privacy impact and scenic beauty; (7) The number of trees the particular parcel can adequately support according to good arboricultural practices; (8) The availability of reasonable and feasible alternatives that would allow for the preservation of the tree(s). (g) Hearings and appeals. Hearings and appeals of the decision of the Public Works Director or designee shall be conducted in the same manner as provided by Sections 9-3.2226 through 9-3.2228. (h) Exceptions. Tree permits are not required and trees may be removed in compliance with the provisions of this section under the following provisions:
(1) Removal of any tree on private property not classified or listed as a Heritage Tree; (2) Routine maintenance, including trimming of street trees and trimming of trees on private property by a utility company licensed by the Public Utilities Commission to maintain required clearances around utility installations;
(3) Emergency circumstances, if personal injury or property damage is eminently threatened in the sole judgment of the Public Works Director, Planning Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief, or City Manager; ( 4) Removal of a Heritage Tree that is dead or so diseased or damaged that it is no longer viable, as determined by the Public Works Director.
(i) Heritage Tree protection guidelines. Development proposals shall protect and preserve Heritage Trees to the fullest extent possible. Care shall be exercised by all individuals, builders, contractors and others working near protected trees so that no damage occurs to such trees. the following measures shall be used to preserve and protect the health of trees to remain, relocated trees and new trees planted to replace those removed. (1) All trees to be saved shall be enclosed by a construction barrier placed around the protected zone of the tree as defined in the City's Landscape Standards and Specifications, including, but not limited to, chain link fencing or other material acceptable to the Public Works Director, prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit and prior to the commencement of work. Barriers are to remain intact until construction is complete and may not be removed without the written consent of the Planning Director. Fences shall include signage stating the purpose of the fence is to delineate the tree protection zone. (i) Protected zone of the tree shall be, at minimum, the extent of the tree's drip line. The drip line is the outer most location of the tree's branches perpendicular to the ground surface. Also referred to as tlreTree Protection Zone, the Root Protection Zone, or the Critical Root Zone. (2) When proposed development or other site work is to encroach into the protected zone of a tree, special measures shall be incorporated and approved by the Public Works Director to allow for safe and healthy conditions for protected trees.
(3) Any excavation, cutting, filling, paving or construction of the existing ground surface within the protected zone of a tree shall be m.iHimi2edprevented by reasonable measures determined by the Public Works Director. No adverse significant change in existing ground level shall occur within the drip line of a protected tree.
(4) Development proposals shall be configured to retain as many Heritage and significant trees as possible. (5) Construction equipment and material shall not be stored within tree protection areas. No oil, gas, chemicals or other substances that may be harmful to trees shall be stored or dumped within the protected zone or any other location on the site from which such substances might enter the protected zone. (6) Trenching within the protected zone of trees shall be avoided wherever possible. Trenching for utilities shall avoid major roots and, if avoidance is impractical, tunnels shall be made below roots. Trenching is to DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 51a 351
be consolidated to serve as many units as possible. Trenching within the protected zone shall be done by hand to minimize impacts.
(7) Additional measures may be imposed by the Public Works Director to protect and preserve the health of the trees to remain, relocated trees and new trees planted to replace those that are removed. (j) Enforcement-Remedies for violation. In addition to all other remedies set forth in this code or otherwise provided by law, the following remedies shall be available to the City for violation of this section:
(1) Civil penalties.
(a) As part of a civil action brought by the City, a court may assess against any person who commits, allows, or maintains a violation of any provision of this section a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand and No/l00ths ($5,000.00) Dollars per violation. (b) Where the violation has resulted in damage, mutilation, disfigurement, or removal of a tree, whether through vandalism, improper pruning, or other actions, the civil penalty shall be in an amount not to exceed Fwe Ten Thousand and No/lO0ths ($ 1 ~ ,000.00) Dollars per tree, or the replacement value of each such tree, whichever amount is higher. Such amount shall be payable to the City. Replacement value for the purposes of this section shall be determined utilizing the most recent edition of the "Guide for Plant Appraisal," published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. (2) Injunctive relief. A civil action may be commenced to abate, enjoin, or otherwise compel the cessation of such violation.
(3) Costs. In any civil action brought pursuant to this section in which the City prevails, the court shall award to the City all costs of investigation and preparation for trial, the costs of trial, reasonable expenses including administrative costs incurred in prosecuting the action, and reasonable attorney fees. (§ 1, Ord. 1091, eff. May 21, 2010)
Sec. 10-1.10 Interference with City employees while conducting tree planting or maintenance.
No person shall interfere with the Public Works Director or persons acting under his/her authority while engaged in planting, mulching, pruning, trimming, spraying, treating, or removing any tree, shrub, or plant in any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place in the City or in the removal of any stone, cement, or other substance from about the trunk of any tree, shrub, or plant in any such street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.11 The placement of deleterious substances on or around trees in the public right-of-wav.
No person~shall cause, authorize, or procure any brine water, oil, liquid, dye, or other substance deleterious to tree life to lie, leak, pour, flow, or drip upon or into the soil about the base of any tree, shrub, or plant in any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place in the City or onto any sidewalk, road, or pavement within the City at a point from which such substance may be lying upon or flowing, dripping, or seeping into such soil to injure such tree, shrub, or plant or to otherwise harm or kill any such tree, shrub, or plant. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.12 Impeding free access of water to trees in the public right-of-wav.
No person without the approval of the Public Works Director shall place or maintain any stone, cement, or other substance so that it shall impede the free access of water or air to the roots of any tree, shrub, or plant in any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place in the City. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page j 52a
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Sec. 10-1.13 The attachment of wires, ropes, signs, and other devices to public trees.
No person, without the permission of the City Manager and Public Works Director, shall attach or keep attached to any tree, shrub, or plant in any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or other public place in the City, or to the guard or stake intended for the protection thereof, any wire, rope, sign, or other device whatsoever.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.14 Building construction necessitating trimming or removal: Permits required: Conditions:
Payment of costs.
When the erection, repair, alteration, or removal of any building, house, or structure necessitates the trimming, pruning, or removal of any tree, shrub, or plant on any street, park, pleasure ground, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or other public place in the City, except any trimming, pruning, or removal required by the construction of a residential driveway, it shall be within the discretion of the Public Works Director to refuse permission to do such work. Applications for permits to trim, prune, or remove any tree or plant on any of such places for such reasons shall be filed with the Public Works Director at least three (3) business days prior to the time of doing such work. The Public Works Director may stipulate the conditions upon which any trimming, pruning, or removal may be done and may require the applicant to enter into an agreement whereby the applicant shall agree to pay all costs incurred for any inspections, labor, equipment, or services deemed necessary by the Public Works Director.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Tree pruning shall adhere to the current version of Tree Pruning Guidelines, published by the International Society of Arboriculture, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standards, or such other standards or methods as expressly authorized in writing by the Director.
Protection and operation around existing trees during building construction, repairs, or removal shall adhere to the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) A300 Construction Management Standard (Part 5) or other standards or methods as expressly authorized in writing by the Director.
Sec. 10-1.15 Traffic visibility obstructions due to over erown foliage. (a) Inspections. The Public Works Director may inspect any tree, shrub, or plant upon any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place in the City or on any private property, which tree, shrub, or plant overhangs or projects into any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, or public place in the City, to determine whether the same, or any part thereof, is in such condition as to constitute a hazard or an impediment to the progress or vision of anyone traveling on such street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place. (b) Trimming or removal: Notices of intent. The Public Works Director may cause the same or such parts thereof, as are hazardous or an impediment to be trimmed or removed so as to remedy such condition. However, no such tree, shrub, or plant standing on any private property shall be cut down or removed unless ten (10) days' notice in writing of such intention shall be given by the Public Works Director to the owner, occupant, or agent of the property upon which such described condition exists. (c) Trimming or removal: Objections. If the owner, occupant, or agent of such private property, within seven (7) days after the receipt of such notice, files his objection to such removal with the Public Works Director, such tree, shrub, or plant shall not be cut down or removed unless the Public Works Director shall give such owner, occupant, or agent a reasonable opportunity to be heard in support of such objection. ( d) Trimming or removal: Objections: Overruling. If such objection shall not be sustained, the Public Works Director shall thereafter approve in writing the cutting down or removal of such hazardous tree, plant, or shrub. (e) Liability. The provisions of this section shall not be deemed to impose any liability upon the City or its officers or employees nor relieve the owner of any private property from the duty to keep any tree, shrub, or plant upon his/her property or under his/her control in such a condition as to prevent it from constituting a hazard or an DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page J 53a 353
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impediment to travel or vision upon any street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley, public right-of-way, street tree easement or public place within the City.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) (f) Procedure. Tree pruning to remediate visibility obstructions determined by Director inspection shall adhere to the current version of Tree Pruning Guidelines, published by the International Society of Arboriculture, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standards, or such other standards or methods as expressly authorized in writing by the Director.
Sec. 10-1.16 Public nuisances on public or private propertv: Declaration.
All trees or shrubs growing in the City, which trees or shrubs are infested or infected with parasites or insect pests and which, unless exterminated, may spread to and injure or destroy the trees and shrubs of an entire community or neighborhood, are hereby declared to be public nuisances.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.17 Public nuisances on public or private property: Abatement: Duty of property owners.
It shall be the duty of each and every owner of real property upon which such a nuisance exists, as set forth in Section 10-1.16 of this chapter, to abate, or cause the nuisance to be abated, without delay, by the extermination of such parasites or insect pests from all such infested trees or shrubs growing on such property. The duty of abating such public nuisances and exterminating such parasites and insect pests infecting trees or shrubs on or near the boundary line of adjoining private properties shall be upon the respective owners of such trees or shrubs; as such ownership is determined by the provisions of Sections 833 and 834 of the Civil Code of the State. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.18 Public nuisances on public or private property: Abatement b, property owners: Methods.
Such nuisances, as set forth in Section 10~1.16 of this chapter, shall be abated by spraying the infected trees or shrubs with an insecticide or fungicide or by other treatment, as the particular case may require, so as to completely exterminate such parasites or insect pests from the trees or shrubs affected; provided, however, whenever any tree or shrub is found to be in such bad condition from the infection of parasites or insect pests that, in the opinion of the Public Works Director, it is impossible to save the tree or shrub, the owner of the land on which such tree or shrub is growing shall completely destroy the same by removal.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.19 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement bv owners: Notices to abate.
Whenever the Public Works Director shall find any trees or shrubs growing upon private property, which-trees or shrubs are so infected or infested with parasites or insect pests that, unless they are exterminated, they may spread to and injure or destroy other trees or shrubs in the neighborhood, the Public Works Director shall give notice to the owner that unless such nuisance is abated without delay by the extermination of such parasites or insect pests, the exterminating work will be done by the City, and the expense thereof shall be assessed upon the lots and lands from which such parasites or insect pests are exterminated. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 54a
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Sec. 10-1.20 Public nuisances on private properly: Abatement bv owners: Notices to abate: Form.
The notice required by the provisions of Section 10-1.19 of this chapter shall be substantially in the following form:
Notice to Destroy Tree Pests
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Los Banos Municipal Code, that certain trees and shrubs on property assessed to you in the City of Los Banos are infested or infected with parasites or insect pests which should be exterminated by spraying them with a chemical solution to be designated by the Public Works Director of the City of Los Banos, or by trimming such trees and shrubs, or by otherwise exterminating such parasites or insect pests, as directed by the Public Works Director; otherwise such parasites or pests may spread to and injure or destroy other trees or shrubs in the neighborhood, and that such condition constitutes a public nuisance. You are hereby notified to exterminate such parasites or insect pests without delay; otherwise the work of exterminating them and abating such nuisance will be done by the undersigned, in which case the expense thereof will be assessed upon your property and will constitute a lien thereupon until paid, and, unless paid as provided in said Chapter 1 of Title 10, will be placed upon the next tax roll upon which general City taxes are collected and collected in the manner and form and under the applicable provisions of the tax laws. You are further notified to appear before the City Council of the City of Los Banos at its meeting on ___ ~ 20 ___ _, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the City Hall, Los Banos, California, and show cause, if any you have, why such nuisance should not be found to exist and the same ordered abated, as provided in said Chapter 1 of Title 10.
Dated 20 ---~ ----
Public Works Director of the City of Los Banos
(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.21 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement bv owners: Notices to abate: Service and posting.
The Public Works Director shall mail a copy of the notice required by the provisions of Section 10-1.19 of this chapter, with all blanks properly filled, to each and every owner of real property, on which such a nuisance exists, whose name and address appear on the last equalized assessment roll. If the name and address of such owner do not appear on the assessment roll or are not otherwise known to the Public Works Director he shall cause a copy of the notice to be conspicuously posted on the property affected. The notices so posted shall be substantially the same as the notices served by mail. The mailing or posting of such notices shall be done and completed at least ten (10) days before the time fixed for the hearing set forth in the notice. The failure of any property owner to receive such notice shall not deprive the City Council from proceedings nor affect in any manner the validity of any of the proceedings taken, or to be taken, or of any assessment levied pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.22 Public nuisances on private propern,·: Abatement b) owners: Notices to abate: Affidavits.
Upon giving the notice as set forth in Section 10-1.21 of this chapter, the Public Works Director shall make and file with the City Clerk his/her affidavit stating the existence of the nuisance and that in each and every case the owner of real property having trees or shrubs thereon infected with parasites or insect pests was notified by mail or by posting the notices required by the provisions of this chapter. A copy of the form of notice so mailed or posted DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 55a 355
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shall be annexed to the affidavit, together with a list of all properties on which such infested trees or shrubs have been declared to be a nuisance.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.23 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement by City: Council orders.
The Public Works Director shall attend the hearing set by the Council pursuant to the provisions of Section 10-
1.20 of this chapter and report on any other matters desired by the Council concerning such nuisances. Thereupon, if satisfied that such nuisances exist, the Council shall by resolution find such nuisances to exist and order the Public Works Director to proceed with the work of abating the nuisances pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.24 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement by owners: Methods.
Any owner ofreal property on which any trees or shrubs are infected or infested may cause such parasites or insect pests to be exterminated; provided, however, in all such cases the work shall be done to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director and shall be undertaken prior to the time his/her assistants arrive to do the work. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.25 Public nuisances on private propertv: Abatement by Citv: Reports of costs.
When the work ordered by the Council pursuant to the provisions of Section 10-1.23 of this chapter is done by the Public Works Director, he shall keep an account of the costs of abating such nuisances upon each separate lot or parcel of land and shall embody such account in a report and assessment list to the Council which he shall file with the City Clerk. Such report and assessment list shall r~fer to each separate lot or parcel of land by a description sufficient to identify it and shall state separately the cost of exterminating such parasites or insect pests on each lot or parcel ofland. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.26 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement b, City: Reports of costs: Notices.
The Public Works Director shall post a copy of the report and assessment list required by the provisions of Section 10-1.25 of this chapter near the entrance door to the City Hall, together with a notice of filing the same and of the time and place when and where it will be submitted to the Council for hearing and confirmation at least ten (10) days before the day fixed therein. The Public Works Director shall also mail or post copies of such notice to all the owners of property on which such nuisance was abated in the manner, for the time, and with like effect, and file with the City Clerk an affidavit thereof as set forth in Sections 10-1.21 and 10-1.22 of this chapter. Such notices shall be substantially in the following form:
Notice of Filing Report and Assessment List For Exterminating Tree Pests and of Hearing Thereon Notice is hereby given that the Public Works Director of the City of Los Banos has filed with the City Clerk of said City a report and assessment.list covering the cost of exterminating parasites and insect pests from trees and shrubs growing on private property in said City, a copy of which is posted near the entrance door to the City Hall. Your property is assessed therein in the sum of$ _ __ _
Notice is further given that on the ____ Day of _ __ _, 20 _ __ _, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in said City Hall said report and assessment list will be presented to the City Council of said City for consideration and confirmation, and any and all persons interested having any objections to said report and assessment list, or to any other matter contained therein or relating thereto, may appear at said time and place and be heard. Notice is Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 56a
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further given that you may pay said assessment at the office of the City Clerk at any time before 5:00 p.m., August 31, 20 ____ , and, if not paid before that time, it will be entered against your property on the City tax roll.
Dated , 20 ----· ----
Public Works Director of the City of Los Banos
(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.27 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement by City: Reports of costs: Hearings.
The owners and all other persons interested in any work done pursuant to the provisions of Section 10-1.23 of this chapter, or in the assessment made for such work, who feel aggrieved by any act or determination of the Public Works Director in relation thereto, or who claim that the work was not performed in a good and workmanlike manner, or who claim that any portion of the work, for any reason, was omitted or illegally included, or who have any objections to the correctness of the assessment or other act or determination or proceeding of the Public Works Director, may appear before the Council at the time and place set forth in the notice required by the provisions of Section 10-1.26 of this chapter and be heard. Following such hearing the Council may remedy and correct any error and revise and correct any of the acts or determinations of the Public Works Director relating to such work, and may amend, alter, modify, or correct the assessment in such manner as to the Council shall seem just, and may require the work to be completed according to its directions. All the decisions and determinations of the Council following such hearing shall be final and conclusive. The assessment, when confirmed, shall become and remain a lien upon the properties stated therein until paid.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.28 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement by City: Assessments for costs: Payment.
Any property owner may, at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. of August 31, following the doing of the work pursuant to the provisions of Section l 0-1.23 of this chapter, pay the amount assessed against his/her property at the office of the Public Works Director, and the lien thereof against the property affected shall be released.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff.
December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.29 Public nuisances on private property: Abatement by City: Assessments for costs: Collection with taxes.
After August 31 following the completion of the work pursuant to the provisions of Section 10-1.23 of this chapter the Chief Financial Officer shall enter and extend the amounts of the assessments made for such work and remaining unpaid against the respective lots or parcels of land on the City tax roll, and the Tax Collector shall include the sums on the bills for such taxes. Thereafter such amounts shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as general City taxes are collected and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedure and sale in the event of delinquency. All laws applicable to the levy, collection, and enforcement of City taxes shall be applicable to such special assessments.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.30 Citv of Los Banos Standards of Landscape Desi2n and implementation.
The Public Works Director shall prepare and recommend, and the City Council shall adopt by resolution a comprehensive plan for the planting and maintaining of trees within public streets of the City, which plan shall be designated as the Standards of Landscape Design. Said plan shall include those public streets identified in Section 10-1.02 which, in the Commission's judgment, bear a relationship to the purposes of this chapter. The plan shall be DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page I 57a 357
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so prepared that all appropriate public streets may be included in the plan. The plan shall consist of a written statement, maps, and such detailed designs as may be appropriate, setting forth or depicting the following:
(a) The specific types of trees to be planted and maintained, including their desirable spacing and location; (b) The identification of those existing trees which should be retained; ( c) The identification of those trees which may constitute a hazard or public nuisance, and which may require substantial maintenance or removal. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.31 Cit)' of Los Banos master list of approved street trees for planting in the public right-of-wa\ and street tree easements.
The Parks and Recreation Department with the assistance of the Director of Public Works shall prepare, recommend and maintain a master street tree list enumerating the species of shade and ornamental trees permitted to be planted on public property. The master street tree list shall be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Commission which shall make a final recommendation to the City Council. The City Council shall adopt this by a resolution. A master list of trees that are suitable for implementing the, City of Los Banos Landscape Standards, and for the planting of trees within all other public streets not included in the comprehensive plan. The master list shall be prepared and adopted within three (3) months after the adoption of the ordinance codified in this section. In preparing and amending the master list, the Director shall consult with persons who, by reason of training and experience, have expertise in the selection, planning, planting, and maintenance of trees that are well suited to local climatic and soil conditions. Upon its adoption, the list shall be known as the master list of trees, and shall be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk and the offices of the Director of Public Works, and the Director of Planning, and shall thereafter be the official master list. Revisions or changes to the master list may be made in the same manner described hereinabove for the preparation, adoption, and filing of the original master list. The Master Street Tree List may be reviewed annually by the Director of Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Commission.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.32 Conformance.
All trees hereinafter planted within a public street within the City shall conform as to type, species, spacing, and location as prescribed by the comprehensive street tree plan, if applicable, or by the master list of trees. Projects requiring approval of the City Planning Department or City Planning Commission under provisions of site plan review as prescribed by the City's Zoning Ordinance shall conform to the requirements of this section. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.33 Liabilil).
Nothing contained in the ordinance codified in Sections 10-1.01 through 10-1.35 shall be deemed to impose any liability upon the City, its officers or employees, nor to relieve any private property owner from the duty to avoid violating any of the applicable provisions of the ordinance codified in Sections 10-1.01, 10-1.01.05 and 10-1.26 through 10-1.31. (§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.34 Enforcement.
The Director of Public Works is hereby charged with the responsibility for the enforcement of the ordinance codified in Sections 10-1.01 through 10-1.35, and may serve notice to any person in violation thereof or institute legal proceedings as may be required, and the City Attorney is hereby authorized to institute appropriate proceedings to that end.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff. December 5, 2008) Sec. 10-1.35 Trees in new developments.
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 58a
358
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(a) Residential subdivisions. Developers ofresidential dwelling units shall be required to plant two (2) street trees per every lot, and where this is not possible due to lot configuration, a separate location within the subdivision may be designated to allow compliance or an in-lieu fee established by City Council resolution paid by the developer to fulfill this requirement approved by the Director of Public Works, ( four ( 4) trees where space permits on comer lots) prior to the final inspection.
(b) Commercial and industrial developments shall comply with the standards set forth in the City of Los Banos Landscape Standards.
(c) A tree inspection fee is required for all residential and commercial developments. The fees shall be determined by City Council resolution.
(d) Tree mixture. Landscape plans shall encourage a mixture of tree types for street trees based on the City's Master Street Tree List (Sec. 10-1.31) and mixtures based on the Master Street Tree List are encouraged on private property.
( e) Planting of trees. Planting of trees in the City shall be in accordance with standards recommended by the City of Los Banos Landscape Standards [including tree species, minimum tree box size, minimum tree caliper, and tree nursery quality among others].
(f) Tree maintenance. Trees shall be maintained in good health, and shall not be trimmed or pruned to reduce the natural height or overall crown of the tree except as necessary for the health of the tree and public safety in accordance with accepted arboricultural practices, or as may otherwise be approved by the City of Los Banos Parks Department. Dead or seriously diseased trees shall be replaced with comparable and compatible specimen from the City approved tree list.
(g) Landscape for commercial projects shall be subject to annual inspections. Commercial Developments shall enter into an agreement with the City at the time of development that the landscape shall be maintained in substantial conformance with the approved landscape plan as determined by the Director of Public Works. It shall be the responsibility of the Public Works Director to enforce the agreement.(§ 1, Ord. 1085, eff.
December 5, 2008)
Sec. 10-1.36 Wildland Fuels Management Requirements (Wildland Urban Interface, WUI) (a) Pruning of dead limbs. In fire-prone zones, large trees shall not be allowed to have limbs overlap another tree and shall be pruned of dead limbs to a height ofup to ten feet (10') above the ground. Tree clusters may be allowed if sufficient clear area is provided and approved. (b) Clearance of tree branches to structures or appurtenances. In fire-prone zones, tree branches shall not extend over or under the roof or eaves, and shall not be within fifteen feet (15') of a deck or similar combustible projection, wood burning appliance or chimney.
(c) In fire-prone zones, no hazardous brush or trees shall be allowed within fifteen feet (15') efthe main structure or significant accessory structure. Conifers or other similarly combustible plants shall not be planted under soffit vents.
Exception: Designated historic or specimen trees are allowed to remain. This allowance is made regardless of the trees' proximity to structures or the roofline, provided the trees conform to the following:
(1) Trees are estimated to be a minimum of twenty (20) years old or have at least a six (6) inch caliper and, (2) Trees do not have any ladder fuel within ten (10) lateral feet of their canopy and, (3) Trees must be irrigated on an approved automatic irrigation system and, (4) Only one (1) tree is allowed in every thirty (30) feet oflateral distance between canopies. ( d) In fire-prone zones, existing trees and significant vegetation shall be maintained in open space areas unless an alternate landscaping plan for such areas is submitted and approved or unless planned active recreational activities would conflict with existing vegetation. In case of conflicts with planned activities, the design should maintain a balance, as determined by the city, where it maximizes active recreation opportunities while trying to maintain the most important elements of native vegetation. (e) Fire resistive plants are highly encouraged in fire-prone zones.
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TITLE 9 PLANNING AND ZONING
CHAPTER 3 ZONING
ARTICLE 4. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (P-D)
Sec. 9-3.412 Coverage and open space (P-D).
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The allowable coverage, including buildings, driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, and patios, in the Planned Development District shall be approved under the final development plan but shall not exceed the following, with the remaining area devoted to landscaped open areas, yards, and outdoor recreation, such as swimming pools and tennis courts:
(a) Residential coverage shall not exceed se¥Cftty sixty (-+G60%) percent. (b) Commercial and industrial coverage shall not exceed ninety (90%) percent.(§ 2, Ord. 673, eff. February 6, 1981, as amended by§ 16, Ord. 1095, eff. November 20, 2010) (c) Replacement trees shall be planted by the responsible party for the trees approved for removal by the Public Works Director. (The private property protected trees are part of a recommended ordinance per the 2022 Urban Forest Management Plan.) The replacement tree schedule and framework are as follows:
(1) For each authorized tree removed, a replacement tree shall be planted with appropriate and necessary soil volume at the planting site as determined by the Public Works Director (600 cubic feet for small trees, 1,000 cubic feet for medium trees, 1,500 cubic feet for large trees). The replacement tree box for each mitigation planting on all lots except for single-family lots less than 10,000 square feet shall be according to the following criteria:
o A tree 0-1 O" removed requires l (one) 24" box ( 1.25 - 2.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 11-14" removed requires l (one) 30'' box (l.5 - 2.5" caliper replacement) o A tree 15-20" removed requires l (one) 36" box (2.5 - 3.0'' caliper replacement) o A tree 21-24" removed requires I (one) 42" box (3.0 - 4.0" caliper replacement) o A tree greater than 24" removed requires l (one) 48" box (3.5 - 5.5" caliper replacement) • Source: ANSI 260. l
o If it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree(s) based on the Public Works Director's review and decision, an in-lieu fee shall be paid at the time of Building Permit issuance for the protected trees proposed to be removed. The in-lieu fee for each tree removed equals the per-unit cost to the City for the replacement tree box established by the City's last award of a contract following a competitive bid for such work, plus the City administrative and service cost as hours defined by the Public Works Director, and labor costs based on an approximate determined by the Public Works Director. Mitigation replacement trees are in addition to trees normally proposed for specific projects and do not include "street trees". Clearly indicate/identify "mitigation replacement trees" graphically on plan or indicate in Plant Palette.
For a single-family lot less than 10,000 square feet, a 24-inch tree box replacement tree shall be planted, of a species and in a location approved by the person or entity imposing mitigation requirements under this chapter. (2) Replacement requirements for trees removed from a lot which is the subject of a development project application shall be imposed in addition to any requirement for planting trees that would otherwise be imposed as a condition of project approval.
(3) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file with the city.
Specific attention should be given to utility encroachment. ( d) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(1) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; or (2) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal.
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 6oa
360
ARTICLE 6. LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-1)
Sec. 9-3.607 Building site coverage (R-1 ).
Not more than se•;eaty forty (-+G4-0%) percent of the total lot area shall be devoted to main and accessory building areas, parking areas, driveways and patios, the remaining thffiy sixty (~ 0%) percent shall be devoted to landscaping, lawns and outdoor recreational facilities (i.e., swimming pools). (§ 4.21, Ord. 342, as amended by § 32, Ord. 1095, eff. November 20, 2010)
(a) Replacement trees shall be planted by the responsible party for the trees approved for removal by the Public Works Director. (The private property protected trees are part of a recommended ordinance per the 2022 Urban Forest Management Plan.) The replacement tree schedule and framework are as follows:
(1) For each authorized tree removed, a replacement tree shall be planted with appropriate and necessary soil volume at the planting site as determined by the Public Works Director (600 cubic feet for small trees, 1,000 cubic feet for medium trees, 1,500 cubic feet for large trees). The replacement tree box for each mitigation planting on all lots except for single-family lots less than 10,000 square feet shall be according to the following criteria:
o A tree 0-10" removed requires 1 (one) 24" box (1.25 - 2.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 11-14" removed requires 1 (one) 30" box (1.5 - 2.5" caliper replacement) o A tree 15-20" removed requires 1 (one) 36" box (2.5 - 3.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 21-24" removed requires 1 (one) 42" box (3.0-4.0" caliper replacement) o A tree greater than 24" removed requires 1 (one) 48" box (3.5 - 5.5" caliper replacement) • Source: ANSI Z60. l
o If it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree(s) based on the Public Works Director's review and decision, an in-lieu fee shall be paid at the time of Building Permit issuance for the protected trees proposed to be removed. The in-lieu fee for each tree removed equals the per-unit cost to the City for the replacement tree box established by the City's last award of a contract following a competitive bid for such work, plus the City administrative and service cost as hours defined by the Public Works Director, and labor costs based on an approximate determined by the Public Works Director. Mitigation replacement trees are in addition to trees normally proposed for specific projects and do not include "street trees". Clearly indicate/identify "mitigation replacement trees" graphically on plan or indicate in Plant Palette.
For a single-family lot less than 10,000 square feet, a 24-inch tree box replacement a:ee shall be planted, of a species and in a location approved by the person or entity imposing mitigation requirements under this chapter. (2) Replacement requirements for trees removed from a lot which is the subject of a development project application shall be imposed in addition to any requirement for planting trees that would otherwise be imposed as a condition of project approval.
(3) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file with the city.
Specific attention should be given to utility encroachment. (b) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(1) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; or (2) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal.
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ARTICLE 7. MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-2)
Sec. 9-3.707 Lot coverage and densiU' (R-2).
Not more than se¥enty fifty (-+G50%) percent of the total lot area shall be devoted to main and accessory building areas, parking areas, driveways and patios, the remaining -thif:ty 50(¾50%) percent shall be devoted to landscaping, lawns and outdoor recreational facilities (i.e., swimming pools). (§ 4.22, Ord. 342, as amended by§ 2, Ord. 345; and§ 45, Ord. 1095, eff. November 20, 2010)
(a) Replacement trees shall be planted by the responsible party for the trees approved for removal by the Public Works Director. (The private property protected trees are part of a recommended ordinance per the 2022 Urban Forest Management Plan.) The replacement tree schedule and framework are as follows:
(1) For each authorized tree removed, a replacement tree shall be planted with appropriate and necessary soil volume at the planting site as determined by the Public Works Director (600 cubic feet for small trees, 1,000 cubic feet for medium trees, 1,500 cubic feet for large trees). The replacement tree box for each mitigation planting on all lots except for single-family lots less than 10,000 square feet shall be according to the following criteria:
o A tree 0-10" removed requires 1 (one) 24" box (1.25 - 2.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 11-14" removed requires 1 (one) 30" box (1.5-2.5" caliper replacement) o A tree 15-20" removed requires 1 (one) 36" box (2.5 - 3.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 21-24" removed requires 1 (one) 42" box (3.0-4.0'' caliper replacement) o A tree greater than 24" removed requires 1 (one) 48" box (3.5 - 5.5" caliper replacement) ■ Source: ANSI 260.1
o If it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree(s) based on the Public Works Director's review and decision, an in-lieu fee shall be paid at the time of Building Permit issuance for the protected trees proposed to be removed. The in-lieu fee for each tree removed equals the per-unit cost to the City for the replacement tree box established by the City's last award of a contract following a competitive bid for such work, plus the City administrative and service cost as hours defined by the Public Works Director, and labor costs based on an approximate determined by the Public Works Director. Mitigation replacement trees are in addition to trees normally proposed for specific projects and do not include "street trees". Clearly indicate/identify "mitigation replacement trees" graphically on plan or indicate in Plant Palette.
For a single-family lot less than 10,000 square feet, a 24-inch tree box replacement Hee shall be planted, of a species and in a location approved by the person or entity imposing mitigation requirements under this chapter. (2) Replacement requirements for trees removed from a lot which is the subject of a development project application shall be imposed in addition to any requirement for planting trees that would otherwise be imposed as a condition of project approval.
(3) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file with the city.
Specific attention should be given to utility encroachment. (b) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(1) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; or (2) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal.
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 62a
362
ARTICLE 8. HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-3)
Sec. 9-3.807 Lot coverage (R-3).
Not more than seventy 3ixty (.'.7G60%) percent of the total lot area of a lot in the High Density Residential District shall be devoted to main and accessory building areas, parking areas, driveways, and patios. The remaining~ forty (~ 0%) percent of the total lot area shall be devoted to landscaping, lawns, and outdoor recreational facilities incidental to residential developments, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, putting greens. (§ 4.23, Ord. 342, as amended by§ 57, Ord. 1095, eff. November 20, 2010)
Sec. 9-3.811 Development standards (R-3).
All developments in the High Density Residential District shall comply with the following standards:
(a) All required open areas shall be landscaped and maintained in accordance with an approved detailed landscape plan;
(b) Prior to the submission of the development plans to the Commission, the owner or representative shall confer with the Planning Department concerning the necessity for a runoff study of the area to be developed. If such a study is considered necessary, it shall be filed with the City Engineer for his or her approval; (c) All trash and garbage collection areas shall be surrounded on at least three (3) sides by a five (5') foot block wall and shall have adequate access for collection vehicles; and (d) All points of vehicular access to and from off-street parking areas, driveways, and public rights-of-way shall be approved by the Planning Department.(§ 4.23, Ord. 342, as amended by§ 62, Ord. 1095, eff. November 20, 2010)
(e) Replacement trees shall be planted by the responsible party for the trees approved for removal by the Public Works Director. (The private property protected trees are part of a recommended ordinance per the 2022 Urban Forest Management Plan.) The replacement tree schedule and framework are as follows:
(1) For each authorized tree removed, a replacement tree shall be planted with appropriate and necessary soil volume at the planting site as determined by the Public Works Director (600 cubic feet for small trees, 1,000 cubic feet for medium trees, 1,500 cubic feet for large trees). The replacement tree box for each mitigation planting on all lots except for single-family lots less than 10,000 square feet shall be according to the following criteria:
o A tree 0-10" removed requires 1 (one) 24'' box (1.25 - 2.0" caliper replacement) o A tree ll-14"removedrequires 1 (one)30"box(l.5-2.5"caliperreplacement) o A tree 15-20" removed requires 1 (one) 36" box (2.5 - 3.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 21-24" removed requires 1 (one) 42" box (3.0 -4.0" caliper replacement) o A tree greater than 24" removed requires I (one) 48" box (3.5 - 5.5" caliper replacement) • Source: ANSI Z60.l
o If it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree(s) based on the Public Works Director's review and decision, an in-lieu fee shall be paid at the time of Building Permit issuance for the protected trees proposed to be removed. The in-lieu fee for each tree removed equals the per-unit cost to the City for the replacement tree box established by the City's last award of a contract following a competitive bid for such work, plus the City administrative and service cost as hours defined by the Public Works Director, and labor costs based on an approximate determined by the Public Works Director. Mitigation replacement trees are in addition to trees normally proposed for specific projects and do not include "street trees". Clearly indicate/identify "mitigation replacement trees" graphically on plan or indicate in Plant Palette.
For a single-family lot less than 10,000 square feet, a 24-inch tree box replacement free shall be planted, of a species and in a location approved by the person or entity imposing mitigation requirements under this chapter. (2) Replacement requirements for trees removed from a lot which is the subject of a development project application shall be imposed in addition to any requirement for planting trees that would otherwise be imposed as a condition of project approval.
(3) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file with the city.
Specific attention should be given to utility encroachment.
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(f) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(1) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; or (2) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal.
The following shalJ apply to:
ARTICLE 9. MIXED USE (M-X)
ARTICLE 10. PROFESSIONAL OFFICE (P-O)
ARTICLE 11. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C-N)
ARTICLE 12. GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C-1)
ARTICLE 14. LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (L-1)
ARTICLE 15. GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (I)
ARTICLE 17. MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISIONS: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (a) Replacement trees shall be planted by the responsible party for the trees approved for removal by the Public Works Director. (The private property protected trees are part of a recommended ordinance per the 2022 Urban Forest Management Plan.) The replacement tree schedule and framework are as follows:
(1) For each authorized tree removed, a replacement tree shall be planted with appropriate and necessary soil volume at the planting site as determined by the Public Works Director (600 cubic feet for small trees, 1,000 cubic feet for medium trees, 1,500 cubic feet for large trees). The replacement tree box for each mitigation planting on all lots except for single-family lots less than I 0,000 square feet shall be according to the following criteria:
o A tree 0-10" removed requires l (one) 24'' box (1.25 -2.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 11-14" removed requires l (one) 30" box ( 1.5 - 2.5" caliper replacement) o A tree 15-20" removed requires l (one) 36" box (2.5 - 3.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 21-24" removed requires I (one) 42" box (3.0 - 4.0" caliper replacement) o A tree greater than 24" removed requires 1 (one) 48" box (3.5 - 5.5" caliper replacement) • Source: ANS[ 260. l
o If it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree(s) based on the Public Works Director's review and decision, an in-lieu fee shall be paid at the time of Building Permit issuance for the protected trees proposed to be removed. The in-lieu fee for each tree removed equals the per-unit cost to the City for the replacement tree box established by the City's last award of a contract following a competitive bid for such work, plus the City administrative and service cost as hours d_~fined by the Public Works Director, and labor costs based on an approximate determined by the Public Works Director. Mitigation replacement trees are in addition to trees normally proposed for specific projects and do not include "street trees". Clearly indicate/identify "mitigation replacement trees" graphically on plan or indicate in Plant Palette.
For a single-family lot less than 10,000 square feet, a 24-inch tree box replacement tree shall be planted, of a species and in a location approved by the person or entity imposing mitigation requirements under this chapter. (2) Replacement requirements for trees removed from a lot which is the subject of a development project application shall be imposed in addition to any requirement for planting trees that would otherwise be imposed as a condition of project approval.
(3) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file with the city.
Specific attention should be given to utility encroachment. (b) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(1) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; or (2) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal.
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 64a
364
ARTICLE 44. ACCESSORY STRUCTURES IN RESIDENTIAL R-1 AND R-2 ZONING
DISTRICTS
Sec. 9-3.4404 General requirements.
Except as otherwise specifically set forth in Section 9-3.4405 all accessory buildings or structures in the R-1 and R-2 residential zoning districts within the City are subject to the following standards. (a) Lot coverage. A single accessory building or structure shall not occupy more than thirty (30%) percent of the required rear yard area, nor shall all such accessory buildings or structures collectively occupy more than fifty (50%) percent of the required rear yard area. The required rear yard area is defined as that area of the property between the rear property line and the required rear yard setback line for the principal residential dwelling. The total coverage for all buildings, including the principal residential dwelling, and all accessory buildings or structures, parking areas, driveways and patios shall not exceed se't•eftl:y forty to sixty (+940-60%) percent of the entire lot depending on the residential district density level described in Sec. 9-3.607, Sec. 9-3.707, Sec. 9-3.807, respectively. Back and side yard patio covers, front yard and back yard landscape features, swimming pools, and play equipment, shall not be included in the lot coverage calculations.
ARTICLE 20. OFF-STREET PARKING
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Nonresidential (commercial, industrial, assembly, church, and other nonresidential uses) developments shall provide as part of the overall site landscape plan a minimum fifty (50%) percent shade tree canopy coverage as counted entirely on the subject site for designated parking lots and related areas, to be installed prior to occupancy.
Parking lots and related areas shall be shaded at fifty (50%) percent shade coverage with tree canopies within five (5) years of issuance of building permit. (Do the Landscape Standards provide the guidance on the trees and canopy coverage? The Landscape Plan Review Procedure document states on page I, #5: "An inspection by the City will be performed after a 1-year maintenance period from the date of the final inspection. Landscape maintenance assessments will be conducted each year thereafter, or as considered necessary, by the City." Who completes/approves the inspections (arborist, landscape architect, engineer, etc.)? How effective are they (how often do they result in new plantings)? Is the canopy measured at the 5-year mark to determine if additional plantings are required to meet the 50% shade tree canopy coverage requirement?) Development of such canopies shall be in accordance with City of Los Banos parking lot shading standards defined in the (amended) City of Los Banos Landscape Standards and Specifications and master parking lot shade tree list. Parking lot shading standards and master parking lot shade tree list shall be adopted by the Los Banos Parks and Recreation Commission and approved by the Los Banos City Council. Such changes and/or modifications to the parking lot shading standards and master parking lot shade tree list may be implemented through a resolution by the Los Banos City Council, as recommended by the Los Banos Parks and Recreation Commission.(§ 3, Ord. 916, eff. April 19, 1997, as amended by§ 1, Ord. 1049, eff. October 20, 2006, and§ 180, Ord. 1095, eff. November 20, 2010).
ARTICLE 23. APPLICATION PROCESSING, SITE PLAN REVIEW PROCEDURE,
ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS, USE PERMITS, VARIANCES AND APPEALS PART 2. SITE PLAN REVIEW
Sec. 9-3.2319 Project submittals.
(b) Plans and drawings to be submitted. In addition to meeting all of the other application requirements of this Code, projects subject to site plan review shall be required to have the following materials submitted to the Community Development Department:
(1) A site plan, drawn to scale, showing the parcel dimensions, proposed location, size and height of proposed and existing structures and other improvements including, where appropriate, driveways, fences and walls (their DRAFT Los Banos, CA Urban Forest Management Plan Apr2022 Page\ 65a 365
location, height and materials), landscaped areas, off-street parking and loading areas, pedestrian walks, signing, lighting, storage areas, loading spaces. The site plan shall indicate the locations of off-street parking areas, including entrances and exits, and the direction of traffic flow into and out of off-street parking areas. The site plan shall indicate street dedication and improvements.
(2) A landscape plan, drawn to scale, showing the locations of existing trees proposed to be removed and proposed to be retained on the site and showing conformance to the City's shade canopy requirements; the location and design oflandscaped areas and the varieties and siz.es of plant materials to be planted therein; and other landscape features, including sprinkler and irrigation systems in compliance with the City's applicable landscaping codes and regulations.
(i) Arborist Report Requirements: An assessment and report of existing trees on the proposed site shall be reviewed and completed by a Certified Arborist accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to include the following:
a. An assessment of trees within the proposed project area. b. Identification of trees to be preserved and removed based on the plans provided by the developer. c. Calculation of the Appraisal Value (Guide for Plan Appraisal, JO'h Edition, Revised from the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers) and replacement mitigation, per the City of Los Banos ordinance. d. Guidelines for tree preservation during the design, construction, and maintenance phases of development. e. A Tree Preservation Plan for trees to be preserved.
Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 66a
366
PROPOSED TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE
##.### Trees subject to or exempt from permit requirements. (a) Permit or Other Authorization Required for Protected Trees on Private Property and Private Street Trees Other Than Heritage Trees. A protected tree is a native tree, and/or a tree of exceptional adaptability to the Los Banos area, and/or as determined by the Public Works Director, and/or having a DBH of sixteen (16) inches or more (unless it is a native tree, a tree on a vacant or undeveloped lot, and/or located on a developed lot which is the subject of a contemplated or pending application for a development project). (1) Trees of exceptional adaptability to the Los Banos area as defined by the Public Works Director based on current implications of climate change.
(b) A permit is required for any tree that is located on a City-approved development where the tree was required, or the tree was preserved.
(c) A permit or other authorization conferred in accordance with this chapter is required to remove, damage or relocate a protected tree on any type of private property in any location (i.e., forward and back/rear facing lines) tree-if it is:
(I) A tree having a DBH of six ( 6) inches or more and located on a vacant or underdeveloped lot; (2) A tree having a DBH of six (6) inches or more and located on a developed lot which is the subject of a contemplated or pending application for a development project; (3) A native tree or tree of exceptional adaptability to the Los Banos area having a DBH of six ( 6) inches or more;
(4) A tree having a DBH of sixteen (16) inches or more (includes private backyard, rear-facing, and backfacing trees); (5) A tree that was required by the city to be planted or retained as mitigation for the removal of a tree; (6) A tree planted or retained as a condition of any city-conferred development project approval, including approvals conferred prior to adoption of this chapter; or (7) One of six or more trees of the same species that are located on the same lot and that each have six ( 6) or more inches in DBH.
( d) Permit or Other Authorization Required for All Heritage Trees. Authorization conferred in accordance with this chapter is required to remove, damage or relocate any landmark tree, whether privately or publicly owned. (e) Trees Exempt from Permit Requirements. Except as provided in this subsection (c), no permit or other authorization conferred in accordance with this chapter and no mitigation is required to remove, damage or relocate a private tree if it is:
(I) A container tree;
(2) A fruit or nut tree of a species grown for commercial food production, except a black walnut or olive tree; or
(3) A private tree or a heritage tree removed or damaged under emergency circumstances as follows:
(A) The tree has been damaged by storms, floods, earthquakes, or by any other cause; and a city official has determined that its immediate removal or further damage is necessary to protect persons from imminent personal injury or to prevent imminent and substantial damage to property; (B) When immediate removal or damage is determined to be necessary by fire department personnel actively engaged in fighting a fire; or
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(C) When immediate removal or damage is determined by the Public Works Director to be necessary to protect persons from imminent personal injury or to prevent imminent and substantial damage to property; or
(4) A tree, other than a heritage tree, removed or damaged by a public utility to the extent that such removal or damage is necessary for building or maintaining the public utility's facilities. ##.## Standards for mitigation of authorized removal of private protected trees. (a) When a private protected tree's removal is authorized in accordance with this chapter, mitigation shall be required as follows:
(1) For each authorized tree removed, a replacement tree shall be planted with appropriate and necessary soil volume at the planting site as determined by the Public Works Director (600 cubic feet for small trees, 1,000 cubic feet for medium trees, 1,500 cubic feet for large trees). The replacement tree box for each mitigation planting on all lots except for single-family lots less than 10,000 square feet shall be according to the following criteria:
o A tree 0-10" removed requires I (one) 24" box (1.25 -2.0" caliper replacement) o A tree 11-14" removed requires l (one) 30" box (1.5 - 2.5" caliper replacement) o A tree 15-20" removed requires 1 (one) 36" box (2.5 - 3.0'' caliper replacement) o A tree 21-24" removed requires 1 (one) 42" box (3.0 -4.0'' caliper replacement) o A tree greater than 24" removed requires I (one) 48" box (3.5 - 5.5" caliper replacement) • Source: ANSI Z60. l
o If it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree(s) based on the Public Works Director's review and decision, an in-lieu fee shall be paid at the time of Building Permit issuance for the protected trees proposed to be removed. The in-lieu fee for each tree removed equals the per-unit cost to the City for the replacement tree box established by the City's last award of a contract fol lowing a competitive bid for such work, plus the City administrative and service cost as hours defined by the Public Works Director, and labor costs based on an approximate determined by the Public Works Director. Mitigation replacement trees are in addition to trees nonnally proposed for specific projects and do not include "street trees". Clearly indicate/identify "mitigation replacement trees" graphically on plan or indicate in Plant Palette.
For a single-family lot less than 10,000 square feet, a 24-inch tree box replacement tree shall be planted, of a species and in a location approved by the person or entity imposing mitigation requirements under this chapter. (2) Replacement requirements for trees removed from a lot which is the subject of a development project application shall be imposed in addition to any requirement for planting trees that would otherwise be imposed as a condition of project approval.
(3) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file with the city.
Specific attention should be given to utility encroachment. (b) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(1) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; or (2) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal.
##.## Standards for mitigation of unauthorized removal of private protected trees.
Requirements for mitigation of unauthorized removal of private protected trees shall be imposed in accordance with the following policies and standards:
(a) Replacements for trees removed shall, if reasonably possible, provide total beneficial attributes at least equivalent to those of the tree(s) to be replaced. For example, when replacing a tree whose principal beneficial Appendix F. Tree Ordinance Recommendations Page I 68a
368
~ ! J..: -.'!".-. -- -,I-• .::;;;;;
- - Appe~8$ . . I -
attribute is aesthetic, the replacement tree(s) should provide equivalent aesthetic quality in terms of size, height, location and other beneficial aesthetic attributes.
(b) Replacement requirements for trees removed from a lot that is the subject of a development project application shall be imposed in addition to any requirement for planting trees that would otherwise be required or imposed as a condition of project approval.
( c) Subject to the provisions of subsection ( e) of this section, replacement trees shall generally be planted on the same lot as were the trees removed, and the species and location of the replacement tree(s) shall be approved by the Public Works Director.
( d) When the value of a tree must be established to apply the provisions of this section, such value shall be calculated by the Public Works Director in accordance with the latest edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal as prepared by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers or a similar successor resource. ( e) When, because of lot size, configuration or development, or size, age or other characteristics of the tree to be replaced, it is not reasonably possible to provide an equivalent on-site replacement tree or trees, replacement equivalency may be established, at the discretion of the city, using one or a combination of the following standards:
(1) The total DBH of the replacement tree(s) is at least equal to the DBH of the tree(s) to be replaced, and the replacement tree(s) will at maturity be similar in size and character to the tree(s) to be replaced. (2) The total value of the replacement tree(s), or cash payment to the city in lieu ofreplacement, or a combination of the total value of the replacement tree(s) plus such cash payment is at least equal to the value of the tree(s) to be replaced.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in the case of removal of a tree from a vacant or underdeveloped lot, the city may require mitigation to be made entirely by cash payment. In such cases, if an application for a development project for the lot is filed within 120 days of the date of such payment and if the project is completed within two years of such date, the cash payment may be used to reimburse the project applicant for on-site tree replacement meeting the requirements of this section. (g) Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with standard details that are on file and available for review in the engineering division of the city and/or as authorized by the Public Works Director. (h) The mitigation required by this section may be waived or reduced in the following circumstances:
(1) Removal of the tree has a beneficial effect on the city's urban forest; (2) The cost of mitigation is disproportionately large when contrasted to the loss to the city's urban forest caused by tree removal; or
(3) Following an unauthorized tree removal, the Public Works Director determines that removal would have been authorized had timely application been made. The burden of proving that removal would have been authorized is on the person(s) responsible for mitigation.
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370
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
LOsBanos
t th ( rossroa,ls 01 C,tlifornia
Agenda Staff Report
Mayor Pro Tern Lambert and City Council Members
Stacy Souza Elms, Community and Economic Development Director ~ November 2, 2022
TYPE OF REPORT: Public Hearing
SUBJECT: Consideration to adopt an Annexation Ordinance and Related Amendments to Title 9, Chapter 3, of the Los Banos Municipal Code
Recommendation:
Staff is requesting the City Council consider the following action:
1. Waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1201 to Amend Title 9 of Chapter 3 of the Los Banos Municipal Code as it relates to Annexations.
Background:
On October 19, 2022, the Los Banos City Council held a duly noticed public hearing, received testimony, adopted Resolution No. 6569 approving and certifying the Final EIR and approving the Los Banos General Plan 2042, and waived the first reading and introduced by title Ordinance No. 1201 to adopt the Annexation Ordinance.
Discussion:
The purpose of the Annexation Ordinance is to implement General Plan policies related to annexation. The proposed new Annexation Ordinance would establish annexation application eligibility criteria and the findings necessary for annexation application approval by the City prior to submittal to Merced County LAFCO. The Annexation Ordinance also includes requirements for Specific Plan contents. Specific Plans will now 1 371
be required for significant new areas annexed to the City. The ordinance would not change the specific legal process for annexations, which requires input from residents or property owners and are subject to Merced County LAFCO review and approval.
The Annexation Ordinance would be an addition to and revision of Los Banos Municipal Code Title 9, Planning and Zoning (Attachment 2).
Public Comment:
A public hearing notice was published in the Westside Express on October 5, 2022.
Reviewed' by:
j
I
/4egWi, VL
Attach ents:
1. Proposed Annexation Ordinance
2. Public Hearing Notice - October 7, 2022
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LOS BANOS
ADOPTING AN ANNEXATION ORDINANCE AND RELATED
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 9, CHAPTER 3, OF THE LOS BANOS
MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on September 28, 2022, at which time all individuals desiring to comment on the Planning Commission Resolution No. 2022-36 - Recommending to the Los Banos City Council Adoption of an Ordinance to Amend Title 9, Chapter 3, of the Los Banos Municipal Code Relating to Annexations.
WHEREAS, on September 28, 2022, the Planning Commission approved Resolution No. 2022-36 - Recommending to the Los Banos City Council Adoption of an Ordinance to Amend Title 9, Chapter 3, of the Los Banos Municipal Code Relating to Annexations.
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the Adoption of an Ordinance to Amend Title 9, Chapter 3, of the Los Banos Municipal Code Relating to Annexations on October 19, 2022 and ________ , 2022 at which time all individuals desiring to comment on the proposed Ordinance were heard.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Los Banos does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. The above recitals and findings are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2. Section 9-3.201 is amended to delete the definition of "Area plan" in its entirety.
Section 3. Section 9-3.201 is amended to add the definition of "Specific plan" to read as follows:
Specific plan" means a plan used to facilitate an annexation into the City that includes zoning the property with specified land uses, describes and maps circulation and transportation systems and provides utility designs needed to serve the area.
Section 4. Section 9-3.2314(c) is amended to read as follows:
(c) The Planning Commission is the recommending body to the City Council.for zone change, ordinance amendment, general plan amendment, specific plan adoption and amendment, and annexation applications and for use permit applications for alcohol sales. The City Council is the final decision-making authority for said applications.
Section 5. Part 7 entitled Annexation, sections 9-3.2335 through 9-3.2337 is added to Title 9, Chapter 3, Article 23, to read as follows:
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Part 7. Annexation
Sec. 9-3.2335 Application eligibility criteria.
(a) Any land requested to be annexed must be contiguous with existing City limits, within the Urban Growth Boundary, and within the Sphere of Influence. (b) Annexation must be consistent with the policies of the City's general plan and all appropriate City development standards and must be processed under an application for a specific plan funded fully by the applicant that includes zoning for the subject area and that may also include a development agreement.
( c) Existing ground water infrastructure must remain with the land and be transferred to the City upon annexation; no new wells or septic systems shall be allowed. Water supplies controlled by special water districts will remain with the special district.
Sec. 9-3.2336 Findings necessary for approval.
(a) Adequate city utilities and public safety services must be able to be provided. (b) The new development must fully fund construction of all improvements needed both on- and off-site to mitigate its impacts on public safety services, utility and transportation infrastructure, and parks, recreation and educational facilities. ( c) Upon annexation, the land must be detached from a special water district according to the policies of that district.
Sec. 9-3.2337 Specific plan contents.
(a) All specific plans shall include:
(1) Location and extent of land uses, including standards for land use intensity, and transportation routes, including precise alignment of streets, bikeways and sidewalks. (2) Design standards for public arterials, collectors and local streets that address street widths and lane configurations, landscaping and street trees, and the location of sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian amenities, as well as bike routes and on-street parking. (3) Location and specifications for sewer, water and drainage facilities needed to serve new development consistent with City infrastructure master plans. (4) Location and financing of parks, trails, schools and other public and quasi-public facilities.
2 374
(5) Design standards for all new buildings and public and private improvements, including landscaping, park layout and improvement, neighborhood identification signs and monuments, and walls and fences.
( 6) Phasing plans that require areas closest to existing urban development to be developed first and include and timing of improvements needed to fully mitigate impacts to public services or facilities.
(7) Provisions for minimizing conflicts between new development and agricultural uses.
(8) Fiscal analysis of the effect of the development on the City's general fund and means for funding needed additional public services and facilities. (b) Specific plans for areas with residential uses shall also include:
(1) A range and locational mix of housing types that promotes social and economic integration.
(2) A connected street pattern.
(3) Drainage facilities that utilize green infrastructure or are designed as natural waterways wherever possible and consistent with public safety considerations. ( 4) A system of pedestrian trails or pathways and linear open-space corridors that link residents to parks, schools, downtown, shopping areas, and employment centers. (5) Sites and funding for school facilities needed to meet the demand created by the proposed development.
( c) Specific plans for areas with industrial and business park uses shall also include:
( 1) Provisions for services and amenities for employees including recreation, childcare, and dining.
Section 6. To the extent that the terms and provisions of this Ordinance may be inconsistent or in conflict with the terms or conditions of any prior city ordinance, motion, resolution, rule or regulation governing the same subject, the terms of this Ordinance shall prevail with the respect to the subject matter thereof and such inconsistent or conflicting provisions of prior ordinances, motions, resolutions, rules or regulations are hereby repealed.
Section 7. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase added by this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, 3 375
sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective.
Section 8. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15060(c)(2) states that a project is not subject to CEQA review where the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) states that a project is exempt from CEQA "where it can be seen with certainly that environment." The approval of the code amendments and adoptions set forth in this Ordinance does not approve any physical development project, and it would not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment. Therefore, these code amendments would not have the potential to result in individually or cumulatively significant effects on the environment and these code amendments are exempt from review under CEQA.
Section 9. This Ordinance shall go into effect and be in full force and operation thirty (30) days after its final passage and adoption. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted and published once within fifteen days after passage and adoption as may be required by law; or, in the alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and a certified copy of the text of this Ordinance shall be posted in this Office of the City Clerk five days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance; and, within fifteen days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published, and aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.
Introduced by Council Member ____ and seconded by Council Member _____ on the __ day of ____ , 2022.
Passed on the __ day of _____ _, 2022 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
By:
Mayor Pro Tern
ATTEST:
Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk
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LOsBanos
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Date: October 7, 2022
Regarding: Notice of Public Hearing
Proposal: Los Banos General Plan Update 2042
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a Public Hearing will be held by the Los Banos City Council to consider all public testimony and determine whether to adopt: 1) certification of the Final EIR; 2) adoption of mitigation monitoring and statement of overriding considerations; 3) adoption of the General Plan 2042; and 4) adoption of the Annexation Ordinance.
Project Description/Location: The City has prepared a Draft General Plan 2042 (Update) to comply with State law to guide land use and development in the City of Los Banos. Additionally, the City has prepared an Annexation Ordinance to establish the annexation application eligibility criteria and the findings necessary for annexation application approval by the City prior to submittal to the Local Agency Formation Commission of Merced County. The project encompasses the City of Los Banos and all land within the city limits, urban growth boundary, and adjacent land in the City's proposed 2042 Sphere of Influence boundary. The proposed General Plan 2042 is a targeted update to the current General Plan 2030 to bring the general plan up to date with the latest State and federal legislation around urban development, transportation, climate resilience, and safety and address the city's growth, economic development, sustainability, and conservation of open space and land resources. The proposed General Plan 2042 responds to local and regional housing needs, promotes economic growth, fosters local job creation, enhances quality of life, and protects natural and agricultural resources. In addition to citywide planning issues, General Plan 2042 provides goals and policies for enhancing downtown Los Banos as the vibrant center of the city and community.
Environmental Review: A Draft EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2022010254) was prepared and was previously made available for a 45-day public review and comment period. The Final EIR consists of the Draft EIR; comments and recommendations received on the Draft EIR and a list of commenters; and the City's responses to comments.
The Los Banos Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 28, 2022 for the purpose of considering the above mentioned project. At the completion of the public hearing, the Planning Commission duly considered all evidence presented and recommended approval of the project to the Los Banos City Council. 377
A PUBLIC HEARING on this matter will be held at the next scheduled meeting of the Los Banos City Council on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Los Banos City Hall located at 520 "J" Street. Questions regarding the above-referenced item may be directed to Stacy Souza Elms, Community and Economic Development Director, at City Hall or at (209) 827-7000, Ext. 2433. All City Council agendas and agenda packets are available on the City's website at https://losbanos.org/category/city-council/
All persons are invited to be present at the public hearing. Written and oral testimony is invited. Notice is hereby further given that if you challenge the above described item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this Notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing per Government Code Section 65009.
Additional information may be obtained from Community & Economic Development Department at 520 J Street, Los Banos, California. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (209) 827-7000. Notification at least 72 hours prior to the public hearing will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to allow participation at this hearing
THE CITY OF LOS BANOS
Stacy Souza Elms
Community and Economic Development Director
378
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
LOsBanos
At th 1 ,tels of Cali}tn 11 ·a
Agenda Staff Report
Mayor Pro Tern Lambert and City Council Members
Stacy Souza Elms, Community and Economic Development Director~f November 2, 2022
TYPE OF REPORT: Public Hearing
SUBJECT: Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 to allow for the sale of alcohol under a Type 20 off-sale beer and wine license for Legacy Realty and Development to be located at the northeast corner of E. Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd.
Recommendation:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution approving a CEQA Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15332, In-Fill Development and approve Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 for the sale of alcohol under a Type 20 off-sale beer and wine license for Legacy Realty and Development to be located at the northeast corner of E. Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd.
Background:
On September 14, 2022, the Los Banos Planning Commission held a public hearing to review Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 for the use of a Type 20 alcohol license for the off-sale of beer and wine at a new convenience market proposed to be developed at the northeast corner of E. Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd. At the public hearing, the Planning Commission considered the application, including the staff report, presentation by staff, and public comment. As the recommending body, the Planning Commission recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 to the Los Banos City Council.
1 379
Discussion:
The applicant Legacy Realty and Development, is proposing to develop a 12-pump gasoline/service station with 4,280 square foot convenience market and attached drivethru window, a dog park, on an approximate 2.34-acre site generally located along the north side of E. Pacheco Blvd just east of Ward Rd. A Conditional Use Permit is required to be obtained for the allowance of alcohol sales, the proposed convenience market intends to sell alcohol through a Type 20 ABC for the off-sale of beer and wine only. The project site is surrounded by various commercial uses to the south and west, and residential uses to the east. The proposed commercial development is a permitted use by right within the Highway Commercial Zoning District (H-C).
PROJECT LOCATION:
The proposed project site is located at the northeast corner of E. Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd. The project site is outlined in yellow in the map below. 2 380
LAND USE:
The project site is undeveloped and not in agricultural production. The following table shows the adjacent land uses:
Property
Project site
North
South
East
West
Land Use
Highway Commercial
Highway Commercial
Highway Commercial
Highway Commercial
Highway Commercial
H-C = Highway Commercial
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Zone
H-C
H-C
H-C
H-C
H-C
C = Commercial
General Plan
C
C
C
C
C
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Los Banos Environmental Quality Guidelines, it has been determined that this project is found to be categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA - Article 19, Section 15332, In-Fill Development. The applicant's request for the off-sale of beer and wine involves the permitting and licensing of a project that meets the conditions and requirements of in-fill development of no more than 5 acres.
USE PERMIT ANALYSIS
Code Requirements
Pursuant to the Los Banos Municipal Code Section 9-3.2322, a Conditional Use Permit is required for any establishment dispensing for sale or other consideration alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, for on-sale or off-sale. The Planning Commission is the recommending body and the City Council is the decision-making body for Conditional Use Permits for the on-sale and off-sale of alcoholic beverages. A Conditional Use Permit may be granted if the proposed use is conforming to the following criteria:
General Use Permit Criteria:
1 . That the proposed use and project is consistent with the City of Los Banos General Plan, and Los Banos Municipal Code;
2. That the proposed use or project will not be a nuisance or detrimental to the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use;
3. That the proposed use is compatible with the adjacent uses, properties and neighborhoods and will not be detrimental or injurious to property and improvement in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the City. 3 381
Specific On-Sale and Off-Sale Alcoholic Beverages Criteria:
1. That the proposal will not contribute to undue proliferation of such uses in an area where additional ones would be undesirable with consideration given to the area's function and character, problems of crime and loitering, and traffic problems and capacity;
2. That the proposal will not adversely affect adjacent or nearby churches, temples, or synagogues; public, parochial, or private elementary, junior high, or high schools; public parks or recreation centers; or public or parochial playgrounds;
3. That the proposal will not interfere with the movement of people along an important pedestrian street; and
4. That where the proposed use is in close proximity to residential uses, and especially to bedroom windows, the use will be limited in hours of operation, or designed operated so as to avoid the disruption of residents' sleep between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Staff has evaluated the proposal pursuant to the above criteria set forth in the Municipal Code and offers the following observations:
1. The primary use of the proposed project will be a fuel station and convenience market.
2. The surrounding area, adjacent uses, and function are primarily commercial in nature with high density residential uses to the east. A fuel station and convenience market providing for the off-sale of beer and wine in this location is consistent with the commercial uses of the Highway Commercial Zoning District.
3. Staff is unaware of any significant problems related to crime and loitering, in the surrounding area which would be exacerbated by the off-sale of beer and wine at this location.
4. The approval of the off-sale of beer and wine will not contribute to the undue proliferation of alcohol sales in the area where that use would be undesirable considering the characteristics of the area. The entitlement will include conditions of approval which will regulate the operational characteristics of allowing the sale of beer and wine and are intended to preserve the public health, safety, or welfare of persons and property in the vicinity including crime prevention and loitering.
5. The proposed use is not located within the immediate vicinity to any churches, temples, or synagogues; public, parochial, or private elementary, junior high, or high schools; public parks or recreation centers; or public or parochial playgrounds. The nearest school would be Pacheco High School which is located approximately 2,888 feet north of the project site. The nearest place of worship is approximately 2,473 feet northwest of the project site. The project will include conditions of approval which regulate the operational characteristics of allowing the selling of alcohol which are intended to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare of persons and property in 4 382
the vicinity.
6. The project is located on the northeast corner of Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd. which is primarily zoned for commercial uses. Conditions of approval will regulate loitering and operational characteristics to ensure that the proposal will not interfere with the movement of people along the public right-of-way.
7. The nearest residence is located directly to the east of the project site. It is not anticipated that the proposed use would have a negative impact on the surrounding area. The applicant will be conditioned to operate the establishment in such a manner as to preserve the public safety, health and welfare, to prevent the use from becoming a nuisance and to operate the business in compliance with all laws, ordinances and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol. Furthermore, at all times the facility shall be operated and maintained to comply with State Laws, The City of Los Banos Municipal Code, adopted Building Codes and all other applicable laws and ordinances pertaining to the proposed use.
All sales of alcohol will be conducted inside the premises. In addition, the project will be subject to conditions which will mitigate any adverse effects on the surrounding neighborhood and are intended to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare of persons and property in the vicinity. The dine-in restaurant will also be subject to the Los Banos Municipal Code Noise Ordinance.
Alcoholic Beverage Control
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) is the issuing authority for a Type 20 alcohol license. The City's authority for the sale of alcohol is through its land use powers embodied within the Los Banos Municipal Code Title 9 Chapter 3, Zoning.
ABC has the authority according to Section 23801 of the Business and Professions Code to exercise certain conditions under the license, the personal qualifications of the licensee, the conduct of the business or the condition of the premises, which will protect the public welfare and morals, including, but not limited to, the following:
a) Restrictions as to hours of sale
b) Display of signs
c) Employment of designated persons
d) Types and strengths of alcoholic beverages to be served where such types or strengths are otherwise limited by law
e) The portion of the privileges to be exercised under the license f) The personal conduct of the licensee
ABC may also refuse to issue a license to any person who has violated the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, has a disqualifying criminal record, or is otherwise disqualified.
Census Tract
The project site is located within census tract 23.02.
5 383
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As of the date of this report there are eight (8) off-sale licenses currently in use in this specific census tract. The nearest active on-sale alcohol license to the project site within the same census tract is Fresh Fill (Chevron), located within the College Plaza Shopping Center directly at the northwest corner of Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd. and west of the project site. Approval of this off-sale license would increase the number of the off-sale license within the census tract to nine (9).
License Business Name Premises Address
Type
21 Food 4 Less 2000 E Pacheco Blvd.
20 Walgreens 1360 E. Pacheco Blvd.
21 Circle K Stores 410 N. Mercey Springs Rd.
20 Circle K #3621 17041 E. Pacheco Blvd.
21 Save Mart 1400 S. Mercev Springs Rd.
20 Fresh Fill (Chevron) 2270 E. Pacheco Blvd.
21 Village Liquor & More 2260 E. Pacheco Blvd., Ste. D & E 20 Arco AM/PM 2027 E. Pacheco Blvd.
Type 20 license = Off-sale beer and wine Type 21 license = Off-sale general The beer and wine will be kept in a specific location as shown on the attached floor plan at all times. The applicant has also provided a security plan showing the camera locations. 6 384
PUBLIC COMMENT:
A public hearing notice was published in the Merced Sun-Star and notices were mailed out to property owners within a 300' radius of the project site on Friday, October 21, 2022.
As of the date of this staff report, no comments were received.
Attachments:
1. Resolution
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
2. Floor Plan
3. Site Photos
CEQA Findings
Project Findings
Conditions of Approval
4. Public Hearing Notice - October 21, 2022
7 385
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
386
RESOLUTION NO. --
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LOS BANOS APPROVING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2022-06 TO ALLOW
FOR THE OFF-SALE OF BEER AND WINE UNDER
A TYPE 20 ALCOHOL LICENSE FOR LEGACY
REAL TY AND DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT THE
NORTHEAST CORNER OF E. PACHECO BLVD.
AND WARD RD., APN: 084-020-032
WHEREAS, the applicant, Legacy Realty and Development, has requested the City of Los Banos consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow the use of a Type 20 alcohol license for the off-sale of beer and wine for a proposed convenience market located at the northeast corner of E. Pacheco Blvd. and War Rd.; more specifically identified as Assessor's Parcel Number: 084-020-032; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Los Banos Environmental Quality Guidelines, Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 was adequately evaluated and determined to be Categorically Exempt per CEQA -Article 19, Section 15332 - In-Fill Development; and
WHEREAS, the Los Banos Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 14, 2022 for the purpose of considering Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 and at the completion of the public hearing, duly considered the evidence presented and recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 to the Los Banos City Council; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing notice was published in the Los Banos Enterprise on Friday, October 21, 2022, and notices were mailed to property owners within a 300-foot radius of the project site as required by the Los Banos Municipal Code and California Government Code Section 65091; and
WHEREAS, the Los Banos City Council has held a duly noticed public hearing on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, reviewed said Conditional Use Permit request and staff report, has studied the compatibility of the applicant's request with adjacent land uses and has considered this request in conformance with the Conditional Use Permit criteria established in Section 9-3.2322 of the Los Banos Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the request/proposed use satisfies the criteria of the Los Banos Municipal Code.
BASED UPON THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING, the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos hereby makes the appropriate findings set 1 387
forth in Exhibit A (California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings), and Exhibit B (Findings for Approval), attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Los Banos does hereby approve Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 to allow for the sale of alcohol under a Type 20 off-sale beer and wine license for Legacy Realty and Development to be located at the northeast corner of E. Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd.; Assessor's Parcel Number: 084-020-032, subject to the Conditions of Approval set forth in Exhibit C, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
The foregoing Resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Los Banos held on the 2nd day of November 2022, by Council Member ___ who moved its adoption, which motion was duly seconded by Council Member ___ and the Resolution adopted by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
Kenneth Lambert, Mayor Pro Tern
ATTEST:
Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk
2 388
EXHIBIT A
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FINDINGS FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2022-06 - LEGACY REAL TY AND DEVELOPMENT Pursuant to the requirements of California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. ("CEQA") and Title 14, California Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq. (the "CEQA Guidelines"), the City as Lead Agency under CEQA adopts the following findings required by CEQA, along with the facts and evidence upon which each finding is based.
The City of Los Banos City Council hereby finds as follows:
1. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Los Banos Environmental Quality Guidelines, it has been determined that this project is found to be categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA -Article 19, Section 15332, In-Fill Development. The applicant's request for the off-sale of beer and wine involves the permitting and licensing of a project that meets the conditions and requirements of in-fill development of no more than 5 acres.
2. Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 was adequately noticed and circulated for public review and comment on Friday, October 21, 2022 for consideration at a public meeting on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 in which no comments were received.
3. No further environmental documentation is required as the Conditional Use Permit was contemplated and adequately analyzed in the initial review. 3 389
EXHIBIT B
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2022-06 - LEGACY
REAL TY AND DEVELOPMENT
The City of Los Banos City Council hereby finds as follows:
1. General Findings:
a. The project is consistent with the City of Los Banos General Plan.
The existing General Plan land use designation for the project site is Commercial, which is intended for commercial development, located off of Pacheco Blvd, allowing for commercial uses.
The following specific General Plan Goals, Objectives, and Policies are applicable to the proposed project:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ED-G-7:
Seek and promote particular businesses or economic opportunities that provide needed local goods, services, employment, or those that enhance the City's physical and social well-being.
LAND USE POLICY LU-G-10:
Foster viable, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood centers and strong, visually attractive regional commercial centers with a mix of tenants to serve both local and regional needs.
Evidence/Analysis: The fuel station/ convenience market will have the ability to provide a wider range of service for customers and allows the fuel station/ convenience market to compete with similar type businesses. The proposed use would continue a commercial use that is compatible with and complementary of existing commercial uses adjacent to the project site. In addition, the project would also be consistent with General Plan land use policies as set forth above.
b. The zoning designation for the project site is Highway Commercial (HC). The purpose of the Highway Commercial District is to provide a district for commercial uses which do not specialize in serving the pedestrian shopper but rather, because of their character, are more appropriately located along a highway or major street and where drive-in operations are more feasible.
Evidence/Analysis: The proposed use complies with the Los Banos Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 3, Article 13 as the use will be consistent 4 390
with the surrounding area, adjacent uses, and function are primarily commercial in nature. A fuel station and convenience market with a dog park, providing for the off-sale of beer and wine is permitted in this location.
2. That the proposed use or project will not be a nuisance or detrimental to the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use.
Evidence/Analysis: The off-sale of beer and wine will be conducted in accordance with ABC regulations and therefore, will not be a nuisance or detrimental to the neighborhood in which the project is located. The project contains conditions of approval which regulate the operational characteristics of allowing the selling of alcohol and are intended to preserve the public health, safety, or welfare of persons and property in the vicinity.
3. That the proposed use is compatible with the adjacent uses, properties, and neighborhoods and will not be detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the City.
Evidence/Analysis: The proposed use will be conducted in a location in where such commercial uses are permitted and will not result in significant operational changes to the surrounding area. The areas function and character is Commercial, which includes uses that serve alcohol. The project would include conditions of approval which regulate the operational characteristics of allowing the selling of alcohol and are intended to preserve the public health, safety, or welfare of persons and property in the vicinity.
2. Specific Findings:
1. That the proposal will not contribute to undue proliferation of such uses in an area where additional ones would be undesirable with consideration given to the area's function and character, problems of crime and loitering, and traffic problems and capacity.
Evidence/Analysis: The primary use in conjunction with the selling of beer and wine is a fuel station and convenience market. As reflected in the staff report, the number of off-sale licenses in the Census Tract 23.02 is currently eight (8). The census tract area and function are primarily commercial in nature, and is entirely consistent with a fuel station and convenience market with the off-sale of beer and wine. The proposed off-sale of beer and wine is complementary to the fuel station and convenience market use that is compatible and complementary of existing commercial uses in the area. The project would include conditions of approval which regulate the operational characteristics of allowing the selling of alcohol and are intended to preserve the public health, safety, or welfare of persons and property in the vicinity including crime prevention and loitering. Staff is unaware of 5 391
any significant problems in the area related to crime and loitering, which would be negatively affected by the off-sale of beer and wine at this location.
2. That the proposal will not adversely affect adjacent or nearby churches, temples, or synagogues; public, parochial, or private elementary, junior high, or high schools; public parks or recreation centers; or public or parochial playgrounds.
Evidence/Analysis: Conditions of Approval have been incorporated into the project which regulate the operational characteristics of allowing the selling of alcohol and are intended to preserve the public health, safety, or welfare of persons and property in the vicinity. The project is not located within the immediate proximity of any sensitive uses.
3. That the proposal will not interfere with the movement of people along an important pedestrian street.
Evidence/Analysis: Alcohol will not be allowed to be consumed on the premises of the gas station/ convenience market at any time and it is not anticipated that persons will congregate on sidewalks or streets as a result of the proposed use.
Signage will also be provided on the property and building which prohibit loitering.
It is not anticipated that the off-sale of beer and wine at this location will adversely affect any important pedestrian right of ways.
4. That where the proposed use is in close proximity to residential uses, and especially to bedroom windows, the use will be limited in hours of operation, or designed operated so as to avoid the disruption of residents' sleep between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Evidence/Analysis: There are residential units in directly to the east of the project site. The project will include conditions of approval which regulate the operational characteristics of allowing the selling of alcohol and are intended to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare of persons and property in the vicinity. 6 392
EXHIBIT C
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2022-06 - LEGACY
REAL TY AND DEVELOPMENT
1. The following conditions of approval shall apply to and be applicable to the applicant, property owner, and/or operator. Reference to applicant, property owner, and/or operator shall be interpreted to include all.
2. Conditional Use Permit #2022-06 is for Legacy Realty and Development located at the northeast corner of E. Pacheco Blvd. and Ward Rd., Assessor's Parcel Number:
084-020-032 and the requested use shall automatically and without notice expire after one (1) year from date of approval by the Los Banos City Council unless commenced.
The City for cause may revoke this Conditional Use Permit. Any expansion, intensification, or significant change to the primary use and the uses approved under this Conditional Use Permit shall be permitted only upon modification of this Conditional Use Permit or approval of a separate Conditional Use Permit application.
The Conditional Use Permit shall automatically and without notice expire one year after discontinuance of the primary use and/or the uses approved under the Conditional Use Permit.
3. The applicant/operator shall comply with all other requirements, laws and policies of other governmental agencies in the conduct and operation of said business.
4. The applicant/operator shall obtain and maintain an active Type 20 "off-sale of beer and wine" license as defined by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and shall provide a copy of said license upon issuance by the Alcoholic Beverage Control to the Community and Economic Development Department prior to the sale of alcohol on the premises.
5. A copy of these Conditions of Approval and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license are required to be kept on the premises and presented to any law enforcement officer or authorized City official upon request.
6. The applicant/operator shall be responsible for maintaining the exterior of the premises free of litter and trash at all times including the parking lot areas in front of the premises. No storage of equipment, supplies, or merchandise of any kind shall be allowed in the front or rear exterior of the building. All deliveries shall be made from the rear of the building.
7. The Planning Commission reserves the right to review and/or revoke this permit should the applicant not adhere to the Conditions of Approval. The City may amend or impose new conditions to mitigate adverse effects in the neighborhood resulting from the use of alcohol on the premises.
7 393
8. The applicant/operator agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the City of Los Banos, its officers, agents and employees from any and all liability or claims that may be brought against the City of Los Banos arising out of its approval of this permit, or the environmental determination rendered in connection with the permit approval, or arising out of the operation of the use or uses allowed under the permit, save and except that caused solely by the City's active negligence.
9. The exterior of the premises, including parking lot areas (front and rear), shall be sufficiently illuminated, to the satisfaction of the Police Chief, during all hours of darkness when the premises are open for business in a manner so that persons accessing those areas at night are identifiable by law enforcement personnel.
10. The premises shall be operated primarily as a fuel station and convenience market as described in the application prepared by the applicant and filed with the Community and Economic Development Department. Any substantial or significant changes in use or operation of the premises from the Operational Statement may cause a review, amendment or revocation of the Conditional Use Permit. The applicant shall notify the Community and Economic Development Department of any substantial or significant changes in use or operation of the premises from the Operational Statement. The offsale of beer and wine shall be ancillary to the primary use as a gas station/ convenience market.
11. The use of the premises of the subject site shall be consistent with the Conditions of Approval and shall not be operated in a manner that deviates from the approved Conditional Use Permit filed application and operational statement, which shall constitute a violation and may result in the revocation or modification of the permit upon written notice to the owner of the subject site.
12. Authorization of a Conditional Use Permit granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-3.2322 of the Los Banos Municipal Code continue to be valid upon change of ownership of the site or structure which was the subject of the Conditional Use Permit application provided the use shall be subject to all provisions of the Municipal Code and all conditions placed on approval of the Conditional Use Permit are continually met. The applicant shall immediately notify the Community and Economic Development Department of any changes in ownership.
13. This Conditional Use Permit shall be subject to revocation by the Community and Economic Development Director or the Planning Commission upon a finding that:
a. Conditions of approval have not been fulfilled;
b. A significant change or intensification of the approved use; c. The use has resulted in a nuisance or detriment to the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the 8 394
neighborhood or is detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the City.
14. Consumption of alcohol shall not be allowed on the premises of the fuel station and convenience market.
15. No loud amplification of music or voice shall be allowed outside.
16. The applicant/operator shall have monitoring cameras in the exterior and interior of the fuel station and convenience market at all times to the satisfaction and approval of the Police Chief. The applicant shall always maintain the surveillance equipment in working order and keep the video recordings for 30 days to be made available to law enforcement upon request.
17. The premises shall be operated in accordance with the Los Banos Municipal Code Noise Ordinance.
18. The applicant shall acknowledge and execute receipt of a copy of the foregoing Conditions of Approval.
19. The applicant/operator shall provide signs prohibiting loitering on the property and/or building subject to the approval of the Community and Economic Development Director.
20. This approval is conditioned upon and shall be effective upon payment in full of all outstanding invoices pursuant to the Cost Recovery Contract. 9 395
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396
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KEYNOTE LEGEND
NORTH-EAST •~ CORNER
OF WARD AND
PACHECO BLVD
LOS BANOS,CA 93635
APN:084-020-032-000
CONSTRUCTION
DOCUMENTS
BACKGROUND
DRAWINGS
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Photo 2: View of northwest looking southeast.
PHOTOGRAPHS
PROPOSED FUEL STATION, CONVENIENCE STORE,
AND QUICK-SERVE RESTAURANT
NEC OF WARD RD. & EAST PACHECO BLVD.
LOS BANOS, CALIFORNIA
PROJECT NO.
1-421-0382
DATE:
May, 2021
PAGE:
Page I ofll
SALEM
engineering group, inc.
401
, ,
Photo 3: View of north looking south.
Photo 4: View of northeast looking south.
PHOTOGRAPHS
PROPOSED FUEL STATlON, CONVENIENCE STORE,
AND QUICK-SERVE RESTAURANT
NEC OF WARD RD. & EAST PACHECO BLVD.
LOS BANOS, CALIFORNIA
PROJECT NO.
1-421-0382
DATE:
May,2021
PAGE:
Page2 of 11
SALEM
engineering group. inc.
402
Photo 5: View of northeast looking west.
Photo 6: View of southeast looking no1thwest.
PHOTOGRAPHS
PROPOSED FUEL STATION, CONVENIENCE STORE,
AND QUICK-SERVE RESTAURANT
NEC OF WARD RD. & EAST PACHECO BLVD.
LOS BANOS, CALIFORNIA
PROJECT NO.
1-421-0382
DATE,
May, 2021
PAGE: