Visalia’sValley Oak Trees
January 16, 2024
1 Welcome and Purpose
The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the current City of Visalia ordinance related to Valley Oak trees and to propose recommended modifications and possible changes to the Oak Tree Ordinance, particularly concerning the management of Oak trees on public and private property and the public safety of our community.
History of the Visalia Oak Tree
Overview of the current City of Visalia Oak Tree Ordinance Management of Visalia’s Oak Trees
Review and propose recommended modifications and changes to the Oak Tree Ordinance. 2 History
Valley Oaks once covered 400 square miles across the Valley.
Since 1922, Valley Oaks were planted in an effort to maintain the natural Oak forest.
In 1971, Visalia City Council adopted first oak tree preservation ordinance in an effort to preserve diminishing oaks as a result of urbanization.
Original ordinance required a permit to remove a Valley Oak and an Intent to Prune Form to trim the tree. 3 Purpose of Ordinance
Maintain a healthy, vigorous, safe, and well managed community forest.
Implement proper management and preservation of Valley Oaks.
Identify hazards and replant as needed to maintain the Valley Oak forest. 4 Misconceptions regarding the Ordinance
“Property owners are not allowed to prune or maintain the Oak trees.” “Permission to prune or remove is rarely granted.”
5 Reality of Valley Oak Trees regarding the Ordinance
A private property owner may hire a licensed tree trimming contractor to prune their tree after filing an “Intent to Prune” form with the City. Pruning applications are not turned down unless the tree service is not insured or does not have a valid license.
A private property owner may hire a licensed tree contractor to remove their tree if they submit an Oak Tree Removal application and it meets the required criteria. This section of the ordinance was updated in 2021 with additional findings that would warrant Valley Oak Tree removals.
Management
Even healthy Valley Oaks can fail.
Property owners should have Oaks evaluated and inspected periodically.
Reducing end weight, canopy mass, and dead weight may help.
Property owners are legally responsible for Valley Oaks on their property including trees in the right-of-way adjacent to their property.** 6 Private Valley Oak Tree
Property owners are legally responsible for the proper care of their Valley Oak trees.
Failing Valley Oak trees have the potential to cause property damage and personal injury and must be cared for properly.
Property owners need to be proactive identifying defects or emerging problems with their trees.
Many local tree services offer extensive knowledge in the proper maintenance and care of Valley Oaks. 7 Removal Standards 12.24.035
No removal permit shall be granted pursuant to this section unless City determines that substantial evidence supports one of the following findings… Section A. “The general health of the Oak tree warrants removal, or is causing damage to a dwelling, building, or structure…” Section B. “Removal of the Oak tree is necessary to allow new construction or expansion of existing improvements…” Section C. “Urban Forestry or land management practices warrant removal of the Oak tree. An Oak may be removed based on urban forestry or land management practices if one of the following exist…” 8 Removal and Pruning Permits Issued
* Oak tree removal added to assistance program in July 2021.
Citizens have the right to hire their own certified arborist to provide an opinion or recommendation when there is a question of removal of a Valley Oak tree on private property. 9 Mitigation Policy
Designed to specify in-kind mitigation to be allowed off site on city-owned property where appropriate.
Property owners are allowed to pay the mitigation fee to avoid planting more Valley Oak trees.
The mitigation fund currently has a balance of $274,229.
Funded by mitigation fees for removing Valley Oak trees.
Fees pay for pruning and removal of Valley Oak trees on private property for low-income residents. 10 Proposed Recommendations
Proposed Modification 1: Modify Section 12.24.030 "Oak tree removal permit required" Recommendation: Include the following permit exemption:
"No permit is required for public utilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission of the state of California to prune or remove a Valley Oak tree as necessary to maintain a safe operation for their facilities.“ Proposed Modifications 2: Sections 12.24.030 "Oak tree removal permit required" and 12.24.035 "Removal Standards" Recommendation: Explore possible modifications in the following areas:
1. Policies and Procedures on Public and Private Property:
Review and revise language in the aforementioned sections to address Oak tree management on public and private property.
Consider incorporating provisions that encourage responsible tree management practices, including pruning and removal, while ensuring the conservation of Valley Oak trees.
2. Community Engagement:
Introduce a framework for community engagement in the decision-making process regarding Oak tree management on private property.
Seek input from residents, local organizations, and stakeholders through public meetings, surveys, or other means to gather diverse perspectives.
3. Establishing Changes:
Use community feedback to inform potential changes to the Oak Tree Ordinance.
Present proposed modifications to the Council after thorough consideration of community input. 11 Next Steps
These recommended modifications aim to strike a balance between public safety, the operational needs of public utilities, and community engagement in the management of Valley Oak trees on private, public property. We believe that these changes will enhance the effectiveness and relevance of the Oak Tree Ordinance in the City of Visalia.
Conduct stakeholder meetings and community engagement sessions to gather input on Oak tree management.
Collaborate with relevant departments and experts to refine proposed modifications based on community feedback.
Present final proposed changes to the Council for approval in 90 days. 12 Questions?
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