Administrative
Report
N.2., File # 22-3751 Meeting Date: 3/15/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING INPUT FROM THE RECREATION AND
PARKS COMMISSION, PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION, AND PLANNING COMMISSION ON THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A TREE ORDINANCE FOR THE REGULATION OF TREES ON PRIVATE
AND/OR PUBLIC PROPERTY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Per City Council direction, staff has solicited input from the Public Works Commission, Planning Commission, and Recreation and Parks Commission regarding four specific items that could be considered as part of a new tree ordinance. All three commissions are supportive of establishing a tree ordinance and have provided feedback per the Council’s request. Staff recommends that the City Council review the commission input and provide direction to staff regarding the preparation of a City ordinance.
BACKGROUND
On August 17, 2021, the City Council discussed the possibility of creating the City’s first tree ordinance. Concern has been expressed that the City’s urban forest is being compromised by the removal of trees from both private property and the public right of way. The City Council concluded the discussion by directing staff to obtain input from the Public Works Commission, Planning Commission, and Recreation and Parks Commission regarding four specific items that could be considered as part of a new tree ordinance:
· Definition of protected/heritage trees due to certain species and age of trees, as well as other relevant criteria
· Prohibiting removal of parkway trees to provide driveway access to private property as part of construction projects
· Prohibiting removal of protected/heritage trees located in front, rear and side yard setbacks on private property
· Types of trees that are recommended and discouraged from being planted on public and private property
A copy of the administrative report and other materials presented at the August 17, 2021 meeting are attached. Also included is a suggested tree ordinance drafted by Redondo Beach residents Laura
N.2., File # 22-3751 Meeting Date: 3/15/2022
attached. Also included is a suggested tree ordinance drafted by Redondo Beach residents Laura MacMoran and Mara Lang, which largely mirrors the one used by the City of Encinitas, California.
Per the Council’s direction, staff solicited input from the three commissions at their meetings on the following dates:
· Recreation and Parks Commission - November 11, 2021
· Public Works Commission - December 1, 2021
· Planning Commission - January 20, 2022
The minutes from each meeting are attached. A summary of the input provided by the Commissions is as follows:
Definition of Protected/Heritage Trees Due to Certain Species and Age of Trees, as well as Other Relevant Criteria
Recreation & Parks Commission
The Commission unanimously passed a motion (Commissioners Almeida and Varvarigos absent) supporting establishment of a heritage tree designation.
Public Works Commission
The Commission unanimously passed a motion (Commissioners Arata and Funabashi absent) supporting establishing a definition and procedure for heritage trees and a public process for removal of heritage trees.
Planning Commission
The Commission passed a motion (Commissioner Behrendt against) supporting creation of a tree ordinance that includes a protected/heritage tree designation.
Prohibiting Removal of Parkway Trees to Provide Driveway Access to Private Property as Part of Construction Projects
Recreation & Parks Commission
The Commission passed a motion (Commissioner McCauley against, Commissioners Almeida and Varvarigos absent) to protect parkway trees from driveway expansions.
Public Works Commission
The Commission unanimously passed a motion (Commissioners Arata and Funabashi absent) to maintain the current procedures used by the Public Works Department for evaluating driveway access-related tree removal requests, and to formally document the procedures in a tree ordinance.
Planning Commission
The Commission passed a motion (Commissioner Behrendt against) supporting creation of a tree ordinance that includes prohibiting removal of trees to provide driveway access as part of new construction projects.
Prohibiting Removal of Protected/Heritage Trees Located in Front, Rear and Side Yard
N.2., File # 22-3751 Meeting Date: 3/15/2022
Setbacks on Private Property
Recreation & Parks Commission
The Commission passed a motion (Commissioner McCauley against, Commissioners Almeida and Varvarigos absent) recommending that the City establish regulations regarding removal of trees on private property in certain situations.
Public Works Commission
The Commission unanimously passed a motion (Commissioners Arata and Funabashi absent) supporting the tree ordinance addressing certain trees on private property.
Planning Commission
The Commission passed a motion (Commissioners Behrendt, Hinsley and Lamb against) recommending that the City Council pursue a tree ordinance that prohibits removal of heritage trees on private property.
Types of Trees that are Recommended and Discouraged from Being Planted on Public and Private Property
Recreation & Parks Commission
The Commission passed a motion (Commissioners Almeida and Varvarigos absent) for the City to adopt a tree species list.
Public Works Commission
The Commission unanimously passed a motion (Commissioners Arata and Funabashi absent) supporting review and expansion of the acceptable tree species list.
Planning Commission
The Commission passed a motion (Commissioner Behrendt against) supporting creation of a tree ordinance that includes lists of tree species that are recommended and discouraged from being planted on public and private property.
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the input provided by the three commissions and provide staff with direction regarding the drafting and establishment of a tree ordinance.
COORDINATION
The Public Worts Department coordinated this item with the Community Development and Community Services Departments.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with the preparation of this item.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
N.2., File # 22-3751 Meeting Date: 3/15/2022
ATTACHMENTS
· Minutes extract from 11/11/21 Recreation and Parks Commission meeting · Minutes extract from 12/1/21 Public Works Commission meeting · Minutes extract from 1/20/22 Planning Commission meeting · Materials from 8/17/21 Council meeting