Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 6C
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: April 1, 2025
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Brad Raulston, Town Manager
PREPARED BY: Hilary Gaede, Communications Director/ Town Clerk
RECOMMENDATION
Discussion and direction for the Town of Yountville Tree Ordinance update.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 23-524 on October 3, 2023 in order to modernize current permit processes and municipal code. Key updates included:
1. Requiring a public notice to property owners within 300 feet of a tree removal application site prior to permit approval, with a 10-day public comment period.
2. Mandating that a Town Consulting Arborist conduct assessments related to tree removal applications to ensure impartiality and accuracy.
3. Utilizing the Town Consulting Arborist to provide expert advice on potential tree ordinance improvements.
While these updates have been made and are reflected in the attached ordinance (Ordinance No. 23-524), the Town Council has requested further analysis to continue improving tree preservation efforts and address community concerns. Staff is seeking direction to inform efforts to modernize the Ordinance to include a Statement of Intent and clarify definitions.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Exempt per California Environmental Act (CEQA) Guideline, Section 15061(b)(3)
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? No
Is it Currently Budgeted? N/A
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? No
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? Yes
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. Visionary Leadership: The Town's leadership maintains an openminded, forward-thinking decision-making process. We value engagement and participation from all members of the community as we work together to create policies and plan for the future.
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. Discussion regarding updates to the Ordinance reflect visionary leadership by proactively enhancing tree preservation practices, fostering community engagement, and prioritizing transparency in environmental stewardship.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 23-524