Administrative
Report
N.3., File # 22-5215 Meeting Date: 2/21/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE TREE AND NATIVE SPECIES
PLANTING REGULATIONS MAINTAINED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON FOR
PROPERTIES LICENSED BY THE CITY IN SCE RIGHT OF WAY AREAS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Goal 3 of the City Council’s recently revised Strategic Plan is to “Increase Environmental Sustainability.” Objective number 6, Native Plantings is to provide a report on the regulations associated with planting trees and native species in Southern California Edison (SCE) right of way areas.
Currently the City has license agreements with SCE to use property owned by the utility for public purposes, subject to the terms of those Agreements. An area that has been under license for some time is referred to by the City as the “SCE right of way,” which supports the North Redondo Beach Bikeway. This license Agreement concerns a collection of 21 parcels under SCE transmission lines.
The most recent update to the License Agreement extends a five-year term beginning in March 2022.
A second area under a License Agreement, approved by the Council in May 2022, is referred to as the “SCE parcel west of PCH.” This area will soon support a curated open space supporting foot trails and interactive points of interest.
The specific terms regarding planting and landscaping improvements for each of these areas are essentially identical and included in the respective agreements (Sections 6, 17 and 18), in the Appendix and in several Addenda. A copy of the most recent License Agreement from May 2022 is included as an attachment. Cacti and potentially dangerous plantings are not allowed. Tree or plant species that are protected or listed by federal or state law are not allowed. Trees and shrubs are to be slow growing and cannot exceed a fully mature height of 15 feet (see Tree/Landscaping Addendum). Additionally, trees are prohibited under the transmission “drip line.” The Agreements also include the provision that any plans for new planting and landscaping must be approved by SCE personnel prior to being installed. Based on past experience, staff is aware that SCE personnel will not permit certain plantings that could be considered habitat for other environmentally sensitive species, and that these requests are routinely rejected. Native species, in particular, are not addressed in the License Agreement, but, subject to these practical limitations, are likely to be welcomed by SCE.
The City is preparing landscaping plans for the SCE parcel west of PCH that include use of several
N.3., File # 22-5215 Meeting Date: 2/21/2023
The City is preparing landscaping plans for the SCE parcel west of PCH that include use of several native species. A conceptual plan for this area was presented to the City Council on September 6, 2022, resulting in a unanimous motion to continue with final design.
BACKGROUND
Park space and open space in the City is in short supply and the City appreciates the opportunity to license the SCE right of way and the parcel west of PCH for passive open space and bike path use.
The SCE right of way parcels have been licensed for many years, with the licenses being renewed every five years, most recently in early 2022. The City pays an escalating annual fee that averages about $5,000 per year for the current Agreement. The City is also required to maintain worker’s compensation and liability insurance and to indemnify SCE from and against all claims arising from loss or damage on the property.
Allowed uses and approved improvements on the SCE right of way parcels includes the bikeway, landscaping and irrigation improvements, and on the parcel just north of Artesia Blvd., overnight public parking. The City is interested in the installation of more trees along the bikeway and, while recent submittals by the City for tree planting along the bikeway have been rejected by SCE personnel, staff continues to explore potential options with the company.
Use of the SCE parcel west of PCH is licensed for a five-year term, beginning June 1, 2022, with a one-time payment made by the City of just over $15,000. The City’s vision for this parcel is to construct a nature park and passive landscaped area that may one day have unobstructed ocean views. The City’s plan to improve this parcel is now anticipated in two phases due to funding limitations and includes three native plant communities, improved and pervious trails, bioswales for stormwater quality and interpretive educational signage. A copy of the approved conceptual design is included as an attachment.
SCE published a short informative leaflet regarding tree selection in and around overhead power lines but does not have similar programming regarding native plant species. Due to the need for public safety, and unobstructed access to their facilities, SCE does not allow sharp or prickly plant material, nor any environmentally protected species or support species to be installed. However, there is a wide range of available native plant material that can be used, as depicted in the conceptual plan prepared by the City’s design consultant along with a similar document provided by the South Bay Parkland Conservancy (see attachments).
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated within the Public Works Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
N.3., File # 22-5215 Meeting Date: 2/21/2023
ATTACHMENTS
· Conceptual Exhibits - Architerra
· Herondo Area Pallet - South Bay Parkland Conservancy
· Right Tree, Right Place Brochure - SCE
· License Agreement - SCE