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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-25; City Council; 15594; Street & Sidewalk Policy Committee. . . r;lTY OF CARLSBAD -AGENDA BILL AB# TITLE: /53-9q PRESENTATION BY THE STREET TREE POLICY MTG . l/25/00 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON ON THE FINAL REPORT FOR AN UPDATED STREET TREE POLICY DEPT. PW/GS CITY MGR- RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Adopt Resolution No. &DO- 3% accepting the Street Tree Policy Committee’s Final Report. 2. Consider the Issues listed in the Accessory Recommendation List. 3. Direct staff to finalize the proposed Street Tree Policy and return to Council for adoption. ITEM EXPLANATION: On November 2, 1999, City Council appointed a fifteen member citizen committee to review the City’s 1970 tree policy (see Exhibit 2) and make recommendations to Council for revisions in that policy as it pertains to the portion of the City west of El Camino Real to the ocean, between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. The Committee held its first meeting on November 10, 1999. Since then, the Committee has met eleven times often twice a week (the Committee took a two week break during the holidays). During these meetings, the Committee used a variety of resources and invited numerous guest speakers to help guide the Committee in developing a new Street Tree Policy. Representatives from People for Trees, SDG&E and City staff from the Historic Preservation Commission gave insightful information to the Committee. In addition, sample policies from San Diego to Portland Oregon were obtained and reviewed by the Committee. The Committee also viewed a video tape by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy on saving trees. Even though the Committee received a minimal number of public comments (three oral and two written), the information was informative and useful. With the assistance from certified arborist consultant Stephen Holcomb, the Committee developed a mission statement, goals, a notification letter, a purpose statement and a comprehensive Street Tree Policy (see Exhibit 3). The policy addresses tree planting, removal, replacement, maintenance, as well as heritage trees and an appeals process within the area of El Camino Real to the ocean, between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. Staff from the City’s Departments/Divisions of General Services, Parks, Engineering, Planning, as well as the City Attorney’s Office all had an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed policy. PAGE 2 OF AGENDA BILL NO. /< 59L/ While the Committee was deliberating, a number of important issues were raised that the Committee felt the City should address. These issues are listed in the Accessory Recommendations List attached in the Final Report. The Committee is requesting that Council accept the Final Report attached hereto, and direct staff to pursue the implementation of the revised policy, as well as address the Accessory Recommendation List. FISCAL IMPACT: It is not known at this time of the fiscal impacts such a policy would have on the City of Carlsbad. A financial analysis will have to be conducted to confirm the amount of additional necessary funding to supplement and implement the new Street Tree Policy. Clearly, additional funding will be needed if Council decides to pursue some, if not all, of the issues listed in the Accessory Recommendation List. Upon the direction from Council, staff will return with a financial analysis to implement the Street Tree Policy, as drafted by the Street Tree Policy Committee. EXHIBITS: 1. Resolution No. Jobs -32 accepting the Street Tree Policy Committee’s Final Report. 2. Copy of existing Street Tree Policy, adopted October 20, 1970. 3. Street Tree Policy Committee Final Report 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 I? 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 RESOLUTION NO. 2000-32 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING THE FINAL REPORT BY THE STREET TREE POLICY COMMIT-I-EE. WHEREAS, on November 2, 1999, the City Council appointed a 15 member Citizens Committee to study street trees in the public right-of-way in the area west of El Camino Real to the Ocean, between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons; and WHEREAS, Council directed the Committee to consider all relevant issues in formulating its recommendations to the City Council including but not limited to, aesthetics, neighborhood compatibility and preferences, safety, liability, environmental impacts, and to consider all applicable laws, including but not limited to Americans with Disabilities Act, Clean Water Act and the like; and WHEREAS, the Committee was given until January 25, 2000 to make its report and recommendations to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the Committee has fulfilled its obligation by developing a policy for the planting, removal, replacement and maintenance of street trees in the public right-of-way; and WHEREAS, said policy is included in the Final Report submitted by the Committee for Council consideration and acceptance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad as follows: Ill I// Ill l/1 II/ Ill Ill 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 - 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the Final Report attached hereto is hereby accepted and filed in the Office of the City Clerk. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the 25th day of January , 2000 by the following vote, to witt: AYES: Council Members Lewis, Hall, Finnila, Nygaard and Kulchin NOES: None ABSENT: None ATTEST: r (SEAL) CITY -' CARLSBAD . . COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT enerdl Subject: Streets pecific Subj.ect: Street Trees * EXHIBQ 2 Policy No. 4 Date Issued 10-20-7‘6 Effective Date 10-20-70 Cancellation Date &Supersedes No. opies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File PURPOSE: . To state City policy regarding removal and replacement of street trees. STATEMENT OF POLICY: 1. 2. 3. 8. 5. The City will make every effort to trim and spray street trees according.to a regular schedule within the limits of available manpower. Dangerous street trees will be removed and replaced as expedi- tiously as possible. Dead trees will be removed and replaced, as work schedules permit, walks, as wilJ trees that are damaging side- curbs and gutters. Replacement street trees.wil'l be of the same species as those 'removed unlessanother species of street tree is designated on the master street tree plan. ' Individuals or neighborhoods may request replacement of street trees by another species due to excess leaf drop, blockage of View, medical allergies (a doctor's certification may be re- quested where allergies are cited) or other good and sufficient reasons. 1~ these cases the individual or neighborhqod must bear the cost of removal and replacement since no general public in- terest is served. Except where allergies are indicated, the re- placement trees must be uniform and of an improved species unless othervrise approved by the Parks and Recreatian Commission. . ; Any citizen or neighborhood may appeal to the Parks and Recrea-' tion Commission and subsequently to the City Council regarding a staff decision on street trees. However, official City policy is to discourage removaJ,of existing street trees simply on the basis of individual or group preference betwee.n species of.trees. . . '.. , . ,. -ic , l . . - EXHIBIT 3 City of Carlsbad January 25,200O The Honorable Claude A. “Bud” Lewis City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, California 92008 Dear Mayor Lewis: The Citizens Committee to Study the City’s Tree Policy respectfully submits the attached report in accordance with Resolution 99-484. The report and recommendations are the culmination of numerous meetings and contributions offered by each member of the committee. Please take note that staff members Doug Duncanson, Fred Bumell, Scott Carroll, Pauline Killingsworth, Barbara Kennedy and Mark Steyaert provided valuable assistance to the project. Consultant Stephen Holcomb furnished the committee with expert knowledge on the care and management of trees in the urban environment. The heart of the report is the recommended city policy regarding the management of street trees in that portion of Carlsbad west of El Camino Real to the ocean between Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Buena Vista Lagoon. However, during the committee’s deliberation it became obvious that there were a number of issues regarding trees throughout Carlsbad that should be addressed by the City. Although these issues fell somewhere outside the purview of the committee, the members of the Committee were unanimous in their resolve to bring these issues forward for your consideration. Those issues are identified in the attached report as the Accessory Recommendations. While most of the recommended policies deal with the care, planting, and removal of street trees in existing tree sites, the committee urges a change in development standards affecting the placement of street trees. For future development in the study area covered by the City of Carlsbad Street Tree Benefit Zone it is the Committee’s recommendation that street trees be planted within the right-of-way in order to maintain consistency with existing neighborhoods. Additional elements of the recommended policies include: + Tree planting. + Tree removal, including community noticing. + Tree replacement. + Heritage Trees. 4 Tree maintenance. + Appeals process for tree removal. The Committee succeeded in reaching consensus on virtually every issue; however, the recommendation to create a Tree Commission sparked some of the committee’s liveliest debate. Several members of the committee felt strongly that the recommended policies should not be put into place by the City without the oversight of a Tree Commission. Others felt the appropriate responsible party should be the Parks and Recreation Commission. Because of the immediate 6 405 Oak Avenue l Carlsbad, CA 92008-3009 - (760) 434-2980 - FAX (760) 720-9562 @ need for new tree policies, the Committee is suggesting adoption of the recommended policies followed closely by the City Council’s consideration on the formation of a Tree Commission. As with most any policy issue, program funding must be provided. The Committee hopes the City Council understands the need to sufficiently fund tree management and maintenance programs in order to secure their success. Each citizen in the community will benefit from well-managed and well-funded city tree program. The members of the Citizens Committee to Study the City’s Tree Policy are grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Carlsbad. Should there be any further need for service, the members of the Committee stand willing to help. Sincere , JA . I Eric Lgn Chairman Citizens Committee to Studv the Citv’s Tree Policv Ross Cirrincione Shirley Cole Eric Larson Tony Lawson Laura Little Jeanne McFadden Carl Miller Tom Mills Mario Monroy Doreen Naughton Guy Roney Linda Snyder Jim Stachoviak Nick Vessey Ruth Wheeler 7 CITY OF CARLSBAD STREET TREE POLICY COMMITTEE Final Report January 25,200O TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION.. .................................................................................................................. .l II. RESOLUTION NO. 99-484.. ................................................................................................... .2 III. MISSION STATEMENT.. ........................................................................................................ . IV. GOALS.. .................................................................................................................................... 7 V. STREET TREE POLICY.. ....................................................................................................... .8 A. Purpose Statement ......................................................................................................... 8 B. Glossary.. ..................................................................................................................... .9 C. Tree Planting.. .............................................................................................................. 10 D. Tree Removal ............................................................................................................... 10 E. Tree Replacement ....................................................................................................... .12 F. Tree Maintenance.. ..................................................................................................... -13 G. Heritage Trees.. ............................................................................................................ 14 H. Appeals ....................................................................................................................... .15 VI. NOTIFICATION LETTER .................................................................................................... .16 VII. MAP ....................................................................................................................................... 17 VIIl. ACCESSORY RECOMMENDATION LIST.. ................................................................. .18 INTRODUCTION On September 28, 1999 and October 19, 1999, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad heard testimony from the public claiming the City was removing too many of its older mature trees in Olde Carlsbad. The public argued these trees give their neighborhood its appealing charm. On November 2, 1999, the City Council determined that the 1970 tree policy needed review and further determined to appoint a fifteen member citizen’s committee to review it and make recommendations for appropriate changes. The policy recommended by the Committee would pertain to Olde Carlsbad that is bounded by El Camino Real to the ocean, between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. For two months (November 10, 1999 through January 10, 2000), the Street Tree Policy Committee met twice a week. During these meetings, the Committee used a variety of resources and invited numerous guest speakers to help guide them in developing a new Street Tree Policy. Representatives from People for Trees, SDG&E, and City staff from the Historic Preservation Commission gave insightful information to the Committee. In addition, sample policies from San Diego to Portland Oregon were obtained and reviewed by the Committee. The Committee also viewed a video tape by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy on saving trees. Even though the Committee received a minimal number of public comments (three oral and two written), the information was informative and useful. With the assistance from a certified arborist consultant, the Committee developed a mission statement, goals, a notification letter, a purpose statement and a comprehensive Street Tree Policy. The policy addresses tree planting, removal, replacement, maintenance, heritage trees and an appeals process. While the Committee was deliberating, a number of important issues were raised that the Committee felt the City should address. These issues are listed in the Accessory Recommendation List and is attached to this report. The Citizens Street Tree Policy Corm-n&tee is pleased to present to the City Council the Final Report for the management of street trees in the public right-of-way in the area of Carlsbad west of El Camino Real to the ocean between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. Citizens Street Tree Policv Committee Eric Larson, Chair Tony Lawson, Vice-Chair Ross Cirrincione Shirley Cole Laura Little Jeanne McFadden Carl Miller Tom Mills Mario Monroy Doreen Naughton Guy Roney Linda Snyder Jim Stachoviak Nick Vessey Ruth Wheeler Citv Staff Fred Burnell Scott Carroll Doug Duncanson Barbara Kennedy Pauline Killingsworth Mark Steyaert Citv Consultant Arborist Stephen Holcomb I : 1 I . f i t E 1C 11 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 RESOLUTION NO. 99-484 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, FORMING A CITIZENS COMMITTEE TO STUDY STREET TREES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY IN THE AREA WEST OF EL CAMINO REAL TO THE OCEAN BETWEEN AGUA HEDIONDA AND BUENA VISTA LAGOONS WHEREAS, the City Council adopted its Council Policy Statement on Street Trees on October 20,197O; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that that policy needs to be reviewed, updated and changed, as appropriate; and WHEREAS, the City Council held meetings on September 28,1999 and October 19,1999 receiving public input and staff recommendations; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that pending a study and report from this Committee, no street trees within the public right of way shall be removed without its permission; and WHEREAS, the Committee is directed to consider all relevant issues in formulating its recommendations to the City Council including but not limited to, aesthetics, neighborhood compatibility and preferences, safety, liability, environmental impacts, and to consider all applicable laws, including but not limited to Americans with Disabilities Act, Clean Water Act and the like, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitals are true and correct. 2. There is hereby formed a Citizens Committee to Study the City’s Tree Policy (attached as Exhibit A) not to exceed 15 members and after careful study and 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 9 10 11 12 iLJz !I?=- 13 %8 8 16 19 20’ 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 - consideration of all appropriate and relevant information including public input, it shall make its report and recommendations to the City Council. Its report shall recommend a 1 policy for the planting, maintenance and removal of trees in the public right of way. It is I expected that this process shall be completed early next year and after delivering its report and recommendations, the Committee’s work is completed and shall be automatically dissolved unless another Council resolution extends it. 3. The meetings of the Citizens Committee shall be open and public and any person may attend. The Committee shall select a chairperson from its members and shall conduct its meetings in general conformance to City Council procedures. It shall allow a reasonable comment period on each of its meetings for public comment. ’ 4. The Committee shall be given all necessary support, supplies, materials, assistance of experts, and other resources necessary for the expeditious completion of its work. The Public Works Director or his designee shall be an ex-offrcio member of the Committee and shall attend all of its meetings and assist it in the conduct of its business. 5. The Committee shall make its report to the City Council by December 15,1999 unless at the request of the Committee it is impractical to do so and the Council has determined a different date. 6. The initial members of the Committee shall be: Tony Lawson Ross Clrrincione Shirley Cole Eric Larson Nick Vessey Doreen Naughton Jeanne McFadden Guy Roney Linda Snyder Laura Little Tom Mills Jim Stachoviak Carl Miller Mario Monroy Ruth Wheeler 3 1% - 1 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City 2 Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the 2nd 3 day of November 3 4 1999 by the fol!owing vote, to wit: 5 6 7 6 9 10 11 12 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 AYES: Council Members Lewis, Hall, Finnila, Nygaard and Kulchin NOES: None ABSENT: None nt City Clerk (SEAL) CITY Q" CARLSBAD . COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT seneral Subject: Streets specific Subj,ect: Street Trees . LUXLIAYLL cl L” I.YY.” a/ -sYT Policy No. 4 Date Issued 10-20-7; Effective Date 10-20-7 Cancellation Da.te . ‘Supersedes No. Zopie‘s to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File PURPOSE: To state City policy regarding removai and replacement of street trees. STAT.EMEHT Of POLICY; 1. The City will make every effort to trim and spray street trees according.to a regular schedule within the limits of available manpower. 2. Dangerou;, street trees wSl1 be removed and replaced as expedi- tiously as possible. Dead trees will be removed and replaced, as work schedules permit, as will trees that are damaging side- walks, curbs and gutters. 3. Replacement street trees -will be of the same species as those removed unless‘an.other species of street tree is designated on the master street tree plan. 4. Individuals or neighborhoods may request replacement of street trees by snottier species due to excess leaf drop, blockage of. View, medical allergies (a doctor's certification may be re- quested where allergies are cited) or other good and sufficient reasons. In these cases the individual or neighborhood must bear the cost of removal and replacement since no general public in- terest is served. Except where allergies are indicated, the re- placement trees must be uniform and of an improved species unless otherwise approved .by the Parks and Recreati'on Commission. . . ; 5.' Any citizen or neighborhood may appeal to the Parks and Recrea-' tion Commission and subsequently to the City Council regarding h staff decision on street trees. However, official City policy is to discourage' reyoval.of exijting street trees, simply on the basis of individual or group preference betwee.n species of tree-s. . . . t * . r . . 5 . l . . E E 0 u 6 CITY OF CARLSBAD STREET TREE POLICY GOALS STATEMENT The Street Tree Goals for the area of the City of Carlsbad west of El Camino Real to the Ocean between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons shall be: 1. To assure the resolution of tree related conflicts between citizens and between citizens and City tree policy. 2. To establish a maximum tree cover by maintaining a minimum tree density of 90% of all valid tree sites. 3. To establish and maintain a healthy tree population by having the City’s tree maintenance staff appropriately maintain all trees planted within the City’s right-of-way. 4. To establish and maintain appropriate tree species diversity and age diversity to provide for a stable and sustainable community forest. 5. To promote tree resource conservation by restricting the indiscriminate removal of trees in all age classifications and by making provisions for adequate tree replacements and the development of a community forest management plan. 6. To select, situate, and maintain street trees appropriately to minimize hazard, nuisance, hardscape damage, and maintenance costs by establishing adequate planting site specifications and by avoiding undesirable tree species and inappropriate combination of tree species and tree-site combinations. 7. To centralize tree management under the Office of the Director of Public Works. 8. To promote the efficient and cost-effective management of the City Street Tree Program by assuring that resources are directed toward the most critical activities and by establishing a long range plan that sets priorities for the tree resource. 9. To foster community support for the street tree program and encourage good tree care for privately owned trees by providing information to the community on proper tree management and maintenance. 7 CITY OF CARLSBAD STREET TREE POLICY Final Draft PURPOSE: To state City policy regarding the planting, removal, replacement and maintenance of street trees within the public right of way in that portion of the City west of El Camino Real to the Ocean and between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. A copy of this policy will be available at all City Library branches in the City of Carlsbad and shall be made available to any citizen upon their request to the City of Carlsbad, General Services of the Public Works Department @ISA). The City of Carlsbad finds and declares that trees contribute greatly to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens living in the area west of El Camino Real to the Ocean between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons and that the preservation and proper maintenance of trees is a matter of city wide concern. The City of Carlsbad further finds and determines that it is necessary to enact regulations prohibiting unnecessary removal or destruction of trees. The City of Carlsbad recognizes and finds that trees: provide aesthetic benefits, windbreaks, summer shade, noise abatement, privacy screening, erosion control, filters airborne pollutants, release oxygen, and provide wildlife habitats. Trees of significant size and maturity perform these functions for all persons living in their vicinity. These functions also benefit the property where a specific tree site is located as well as benefit the community as a whole. Trees are key elements in a living system the boundaries of which do not conform to the arbitrary property lines of individual lots and parcels and upon which the continued health and welfare of this community depends. In addition, trees in the community a&in a neighborhood provide a sense of identity and tradition and enhance property values. The City of Carlsbad finds and declares that careless treatment, lack of appropriate management, improper maintenance and arbitrary removal of trees detracts from scenic beauty, causes erosion, increases risks of landslides, reduces property values, increases construction and drainage costs, and thereby further reduces the attractiveness of the community. Therefore, the City of Carlsbad enacts the following policies to protect trees growing in the public right-of-way within the area west of El Camino Real to the Ocean, between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. 8 17 Glossarv ANSI - American National Standards Institute Tree Pruning Standards Citizen - “Citizen” shall mean any individual, or group of individuals, any partnership or corporation, or any unincorporated association. Certified Arborist - An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. Clear-Cut Tree Replacement Strategy - When all trees mature and are removed and replaced at the same time in a given area. Hazardous Tree - Any tree or tree condition which represents a clear and present danger to persons, property or to other healthy trees shall be considered a hazard. Heritage Tree - A heritage tree shall be defined as any tree which has been found by the City to be of notable historic interest because of its age, species, or historic association. At no time will Heritage Trees comprise more than 10% of the total tree population. Street Tree - Shall be any tree planted within a valid tree site within the public right-of-way whose intention is to provide benefits to the community at large. Short-Term Rotational Planting - Every tree is assign a given appropriate service life related to its species, and then the trees are rotated (removed/replaced) at the end of that service life. Tree Service Life - The number of years that the tree provides the most benefits with the least amount of costs. Valid Tree Site - A tree site is that area of the public right-of-way where a tree can be planted. The requirements shall be one tree per residence or 40 feet between trees for a large tree site, 30 feet for a medium tree site and 20 feet for a small tree site. All tree sites beneath a high-voltage electrical line shall be considered a small tree site. Tree sites shall be planted with a large, medium or small tree listed and approved by a City designated certified arborist. 9 STATEMENT OF POLICY: Tree Planting (reforestation) 1. It shall be the policy of the City of Carlsbad, hereinafter referred to as “City”, to maintain a tree population of not less than 90% of all qualified (valid) tree sites within the developed right-of-way of the City. 2. The City will maintain a tree population with an age and species diversity adequate to conserve the tree resource within the City of Carlsbad. 3. All tree plantings either for reforestation or replacement shall conform to applicable Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and City Future Improvement Agreement (FIA) provisions. 4. Citizens or City departments may request the planting of a tree, within a valid tree site, on public right-of-way by contacting in writing the City’s General Services of the Public Works Department @ISA). 5. All residents shall be encouraged to properly care for newly planted trees within the first two years after planting. Proper care shall include but not be limited to: proper irrigation, inspection of stakes and ties, and maintaining the area of the irrigation basin free from turf grass or other plants. 6. All trees will be planted in valid tree sites within the public right-of-way in the portion of the City west of El Camino Real to the Ocean and between Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. Tree Removal 1. The City will not remove any tree for the purpose of installation of a new sidewalk, or for street widening, until viable alternatives to tree removal have been investigated. Alternatives to tree removal will be referred to the City to allow for such alternatives to be considered prior to the removal of such a tree. 10 2. The City will not remove any tree solely for the cause of damage to hardscape or for the cause of routing underground or overhead utility lines. Trees causing damage to sidewalks, curbs, gutters or pavement shall be inspected by a City designated certified arborist. Alternatives to tree removal, if any, will be included in a written report by the City designated certified arborist. 3. The City will not remove existing street trees on the basis of individual or group preference for a specific species of tree. 4. Citizens or City departments may request the removal of a street tree which is not dead, dying, hazardous or in such a condition that the City would not normally remove the tree by making a formal appeal to the City. Such a request shall include the reason for the request for removal. 5. Potentially hazardous street trees shall be inspected by a City designated certified arborist. 6. Potentially dead, dying or diseased trees shall be inspected by City designated certified arborist. Upon the written recommendation of the inspector for the removal of dead, dying or diseased trees, a Letter of Notification will be posted in accordance with paragraph 10. 7. The City will not remove any tree or tree-part solely for the cause of view restoration. 8. Consideration for tree removal will be given a priority rating depending on the following factors: 1) Service Life; 2) Damage to utilities and/or sewer lines; 3) Damage to hardscape; 4) Conformity of the existing tree to recommended species listing. The highest priority removal shall be given to trees meeting all four factors. The second priority will be given to trees meeting three factors, etc. 9. All tree removals, whether by the City, contractor, resident, or SDG&E, shall include the removal of the tree stump and the removal of all stump grinding chips and the back-filling of the hole created by stump removal with a good quality top soil suitable for the replanting of a replacement tree. 11 - 10. All trees recommended for removal shall be posted by attaching the Letter of Notification and a non-removable marking upon the subject trees a minimum of 30 days prior to their removal. It shall be an infraction to remove a City posted Letter of Notification identifying a tree recommended for removal. In addition, notification in the form of a written notice shall be given to the owner of the property where the tree will be removed, and to the owners on the adjacent properties and the owners on the property directly opposite and the owners of the properties adjacent to the opposite property. Notification shall include, but not be limited to, the following information: 1) The location of the tree; 2) The reason for the tree’s removal; 3) The date of the scheduled removal; 4) The species of tree to be replanted; 5) The size of tree to be replanted; and 6) The date by which an appeal must be made to the City; and 7) a description of the appeal’s process. 11. It shall be an infraction punishable under law for any person to remove or damage any City- maintained street tree without first obtaining a permit from the City, and at hearing to all provisions of this policy. 12. The City will not use a clear-cut tree replacement strategy for the management of street trees. Where practicable, and when adequately planned, alternative tree sites will be planted a minimum of five years prior to the removal of a street tree for the purpose of reforestation. 13. Where practicable, tree relocation shall be considered as an alternative for any tree removal. Tree Redacement: 1. The City will replace all removed street trees. The species, size and approximate date of the replanting shall be included on the notice of tree removal as specified in Tree Removal (paragraph 10 above). 2. Trees that have been removed shall be replaced within 45 days of their removal if the tree site meets the minimum specifications for a valid tree site. 3. Tree sites not meeting the minimum specifications for a valid tree site will not be replanted. 12 4. All removed trees shall be replaced with a tree of the same species as removed, except where the removed species does not conform to the recommended species approved by the City, or the conditions existing at the valid site. No tree shall be planted into the public right-of-way that does not comply with the “&iform Street Planting Map ” approved by the City. 5. Trees adjacent to high-voltage utility lines shall be replaced with a species recommended by SDG&E and the “Uniform Street Planting Map ” shall be amended to reflect these recommendations. 6. All tree replanting shall be with a minimum 15-gallon container tree except, when the resident agrees to pay the difference in cost of a larger replacement tree size and any additional costs associated with the planting of a larger tree, 7. Individuals or neighborhoods may request replacement of a street tree species specified by the Uniform Street Planting Map, with another species, only when there is a medical allergy certified by a medical doctor. The replacement tree will be approved by the City designated certified arborist. All trees removed for this reason must be replaced with a tree listed as an approved species by the City. 8. The City will allow short-term rotational plantings. 9. The City will review the approved species list annually and to add and delete tree species which are proven to be adaptable to street tree sites in Carlsbad. Tree Maintenance 1. City trees shall be maintained to keep them in a safe and healthy condition. 2. Citizen or City department requests for tree maintenance will first be reviewed by a City designated certified arborist and then appropriate maintenance will be scheduled. 3. It shall be the obligation of the Director of Public Works or his designee to assign appropriate scheduled tree maintenance, including but not limited to pruning, fertilization, irrigation and pest-control based on tree age, species, size and location to assure the proper maintenance of all street trees. 13 4. All tree pruning shall conform to ANSI A-300 standards except for the pruning of interim trees in short-term rotational plantings. 5. The standard pruning practice for mature and over-mature trees having no over-head or side growth site restrictions shall be to the ANSI A-300 “Crown Cleaning” standard. 6. Where over-head or side growth site restrictions are present the standard pruning practice for mature and over mature trees may be to the ANSI A-300 “Crown Reduction” standard. 7. Where minimum clearance requirements for sidewalks or roadways reduce the over-head growing space of mature or over-mature trees ANSI A-300 “Crown Raising” may be used. 8. Immature trees shall be pruned for good branch structure using the appropriate ANSI A-300 pruning type required. 9. Newly planted trees shall receive their first pruning to improve branch structure not less than 12 or greater than 18 months after planting. The appropriate ANSI A-300 pruning type shall be used assure proper branch structure of newly planted trees. 10. City tree maintenance staff will not prune trees where any part of the tree is within ten feet (10’) of a high voltage electrical line. Staff will notify SDG&E and the resident of the need for pruning of a tree in such proximity to a high voltage electrical line. Heritape Trees 1. The City will develop a Heritage Tree list showing all trees which currently hold some historic value to the City. 2. No Heritage Tree shall be removed by the City except if it is determined by a City designated certified arborist that such a tree is creating a hazard, or by formal appeals process. 3. The Heritage Tree list shall be available to the public upon request. 14 23 - Aweals 1. Any Citizen or neighborhood may request a formal appeal to the City within 30 days of the posting of a City Tree and subsequently to the City Council regarding a staff decision: l on the location or species of any street tree selected by City staff for planting at a specific location; and/or l a staff recommendation for the removal of any non-hazardous street tree. 2. Any citizen, neighborhood or City department may request a formal appeal to the City and subsequently to the City Council regarding: l the removal of a street tree which is not dead, dying or diseased; and/or l the removal of a street tree that is listed as a Heritage Tree; and/or l the removal of a street tree that is causing damage to hardscape or for the cause of routing underground or overhead utilities. 3. Appeals will be made by submitting a Tree Appeals Form available from General Services of the Public Works Department (MSA). 4. There shall be no fees assessed in connection with either the appeal to the City, or subsequently to the City Council. 15 City of Carlsbad January 25,200O SAMPLE NOTICE Dear Resident: This letter will notify you that a City street tree located at will be tagged for removal on . This street tree is scheduled for removal on, or shortly after, Species: Reason for removal: The removal of the stump and replanting of a new tree will be scheduled at a later date. A minimum 1 5-gallon tree will be planted in accordance with the City’s Street Tree Master Plan. Larger trees are available on special request, but at the requester’s expense. The new tree will be planted near or adjacent to the tree that is scheduled for removal. If you disagree with the City’s decision to remove the designated tree (or have any specific questions), please contact the City’s Tree Maintenance Division at 434-2824. After you have discussed this matter with City staff and you are still not in agreement, you may appeal the decision to the City and subsequently to the City Council. The deadline to submit an appeal to the City is thirty days from the date of this letter (February 25,200O). If you want to appeal the City’s decision, contact the City’s Tree Maintenance Division at 434- 2824 to schedule an appeal. There is no fee to appeal the decision to the City or to the City Council. A copy of the City’s Street Tree Policy is also available at your request. Sincerely, FRED BURNELL Public Works Street Tree Supervisor 16 405 Oak Avenue - Carlsbad, CA 92008-3009 l (760) 434-2980 * FAX (760) 720-9562 @ L J ._. 1. City of Carlsbad -_ Citiaens Committee to Study the City’s Tree t’olicy Accessory Recommendations During the process of studying street trees as assigned by the Carlsbad City Council, the Citizens Committee to Study the City’s Tree Policy determined that a number of issues should be addressed by the City in order to create a comprehensive and functional tree policy for the entire City. The Committee strongly recommends that the City of Carlsbad establish a reasonable timeframe to pursue the following recommendations. 1. Create a City Tree Commimioa. l Cii Council appointed couuuissioa. 0 Commission ta sunset after a maximum of seven years. l Dealwithallissuesrelatiugtoeitytreepolicies. l Hear citizen appeals on tree removals. l Oversee Coumunlty Forest Management Plan. 2. Designate Responsible Cii Staff Member to Oversee Tree Policies. 3. Create a Commuaity Forest Maaagement Plan for the City of Carl&ad. 4. Update City of Carlsbad Street Tree List l Identify trees snltable for small, medium aad large tree sites. l Indude use of aative California species. l Indude use of drought toleraut species where appropriate l Recondle tree list with San Diego Gas aud Electric for sitts adjacent to bigb voltage!utilityliaea. l Reconcile tree list with the Cii of Carlsbad Fire Departmeut. 5. Update Uniform Street Tree Plaatiug Map. . Guarantee update on au ongoiug basis. . Reviewbycityevelyfiveyerrs. 6. Review Street Tree Staadards for Entire Cii . Quadrautbyquadrautreview aud policy development. l Establish policies tbat apply to particular neigbborhooda l Establish polides that apply citywide 7. Initiate a f&r& Tree Education Program. l Develop easy to understand flyers for the public witb tree care instructions. l Inform resider&s about existing tree policiw (e.g. plaatiug under trausmission JiMS). l Encourage residents to plaut new trees ia appropriate locatioas. 8. Insthta a Program to Replaee Old Age Trees. l Plant replacement treea prior to loss of old age trees. 9. Determine Policy for Removal of Cii Trees Not iu Right-of-Way. _ 10. Establish a Heritage Tree Policy/Program. l Protect tree with historical signi6cauee, l Identify aad protect trees with horticultural iuterest because of size, age, distinctive structure, rare or uuusual species for the are4 or outstanding nature of the specimen. l Iududed privately owned trees on a voluntary basis. l Coordinate with Historic Preservation Commission 11. Hasp Grove. l Establish aud implement a management plan. 12. Fines and Damages. l Establish au immediate means of securing appropriate finea and damages from individuals who purposely remove or damage street trees. 18 27 qtb MS-OG’ &w%d 8 7- .Fy+L CITY OF CARLSBAD STREET AND SIDEWALK POLICY COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 23,2000 FINAL REPORT FINAL REPORT CITlZENS COMMIITEE TO STUDY SIDEWALK AND STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary Report ................................................................................................. 1 Background ................................................................................................ 1 ................................................................................................ Introduction 1 Street Categories ....................................................................................... 2 Compatible Improvement Streets .......................................................... 3 Alternative Design Streets .......................................................................... 3 Alternative Street Design Approval Process ............................................. 3 Alternative Street Design Criteria ........................................................... 3 ....................................................................................... Recommendation 3 Compatible Improvement Streets (Table 1) ....................................................... 4 . Alternative Design Street (Table 2).. ............................................................... ....5 Alternative Street Design Approval Process ..................................................... I I ....................................................................... Alternative Street Design Criteria 13 ................................................................................................ Introduction 13 Roadway Widths .................................................................................... 13 ................................................................................. Parking Requirement -14 ................................................................................ Pedestrian Provisions 14 ....................................................................................... Edge Treatments 14 ............................................................................. General Considerations 15 ................................................................................... Mitigation Measures 15 Fiscal Analysis ........................................................................................... 15 Recommendation ................................................................................................. 16 General Plan Amendment .......................................................................... 16 Sound Walls ............................................................................................... 16 Underground Utilities ............................................................................... 16 ........................................................................................... Traffic Calming 17 ................................................................................................ Dedications 17 Future Improvement Agreements ............................................................... 18 Appendix (Separate Volume) A . Council Resolution B . Citizens for Preservation of Olde Carlsbad Petition C . Meeting Agendas D . Meeting Agendas and Summaries E . Committee Correspondence FINAL REPORT CITIZENS COMMlTrEE TO STUDY SIDEWALK AND STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS BACKGROUND In late September of 1999 a group of citizens living in the Northwest Quadrant of the City came together as the Citizens For The Preservation Of Olde Carlsbad (CPOC). This group presented a petition of over 700 signatures and testimony concerning a number of issues related to the preservation of the character of the "Olde Carisbad" area of the City. This area was defined as the area bounded by El Camino Real on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west between the Aqua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. Of particular concern to the CPOC group was the importance of trees to the community character and the value of less formal narrow streets in maintaining the character of many of the existing neighborhoods within the "Olde Carisbad" area. The CPOC group submitted evidence that narrow streets better protect trees, preserve cultural resources and enhance safety while protecting the Village feeling of these older established neighborhoods. Responding to the Citizen's concems, the City Council at its November 2, 1999 meeting adopted Resolution No. 99-485 forming the Citizens Committee to Study Sidewalks and Streets Improvements. The Committee was "directed to consider all relevant issues pertaining to street and sidewalk designs in formulating its recommendations to the City Council including but not limited to, aesthetics, neighborhood compatibility and preferences, safety, liability, environmental impacts, and to consider all applicable laws, including but not limited to Americans with Disabilities Act, Clean Water Act and the like." "After careful study and consideration of all appropriate and relevant information including public input, it shall make its report and recommendations to the City Council. Its report shall consider street categories and whether or not they should be standard or special character and recommend a process to petition for installation of improvements." The Committee began meeting on November 10, 1999 and concluded on February 23, 2000 following I 7 meetings. This report responds to the mandate of the Council and makes specific recommendation to the Council related to special concems of the Committee. INTRODUCTION Responding to the charge of the City Council, the Committee very early on established its Mission Statement to frame the tasks that it wished to accomplish. As the work progressed that Mission was adjusted to reflect the evolution of the study. The final Mission Statement is : Mission Statement Identify streets to be improved with curb, gutter and sidewalks compatible with existing improvements in the surrounding area and not in violation of state and federal law. ldentlfy Altemative Design Streets Recommend process and criteria to petition for the design and installation of improvements to Alternative Design Streets Review existing City plans, policies, and ordinances that affect street and sidewalk development and make relevant recommendations Report to Council March 7,2000 The Committee also identified the key work products that make up the body of this report. List of Compatible Improvement Streets List of Altemative Design Streets Alternative Streets Design Approval Process Alternative Street Design Criteria Recommendations related to City plans, policies and ordinances that affect street and sidewalk design Final Report STREET CATEGORIES The Committee began its task with an inventory of all streets within the study area which were not completed with curbs, gutters and sidewalks that conformed with standards at the time of development. These streets were field reviewed and evaluated against current City Standards. In order to evaluate and place various streets within logical categories for future development, the Committee reviewed and adopted relevant criteria to utilize in the sorting of the streets into the appropriate categories. It was the strong feeling of the Committee that many of these streets should not be improved but rather retain their current design in-lieu of categorization. Improvements should only be considered when appropriate triggers (Alternative Street Criteria) are met that compel improvements to be initiated. Once the trigger is reached the Council would then initiate the Altemative Design Approval Process. The process would be guided by the Altemative Design Criteria proposed by the Committee. The criteria utilized to determine the Altemative Design Streets and also the criteria to consider initiation of the design approval process are listed below. ALTERNATIVE STREET CRITERIA Documented safety issues Proximity to schools and other public facilities Resident/ownen request improvements Necessity for walkway/pedestrian access Average Daily Traffic Linkage corridor (roadway need for circulation continuity or connection to active land uses) Need for traffic calming strategies Land use changes Drainage problems Federal, State or local mandates The Committee gave a great deal of consideration to the establishment of a nonessential link or non-improvement category of street. This consideration reflected the desire to maintain many of the streets as they exist today. It was ultimately determined that the final decision on whether a street would receive improvements should be deferred to the neighborhood through the Altemative Design Approval process. It was recognized that initiation of the process should only be with a compelling reason related to the triggering criteria. COMPATIBLE IMPROVEMENT STREETS Compatible improvement streets listed in Table 1 and shown on Figure 1 are recommended to be completed with curbs, gutter and sidewalk consistent with current City standards or compatible in width and configuration with improvement already installed in the block. In most cases, the streets are already improved with conventional improvements and will be continued with consistent improvements. Where sidewalks are not curb adjacent, the parkway configuration should be continued. In some cases, significant improvement did not exist but it was deemed that because of location, pedestrian activity demand for parking and other factors. These streets should be completed to City Standards. ALTERNATIVE DESIGN STREETS Altemative Design Streets are listed in Table 2 and shown on Figure 1 are deemed to be of special character. These streets should remain in their current design unless one or more of the Alternative Street Criteria trigger the need to explore the Altemative Design Process. The process is designed to work with the neighborhood to develop an alternative street design that retains the neighborhood character while addressing the issue which initiated the process. ALTERNATIVE STREET DESIGN APPROVAL PROCESS The process outlined in the second part of this report is designed to guarantee full participation of the neighborhood in the street design process but also to not@ the City as a whole that the process is proceeding. It is important that the neighborhood be given notice as early as possible when their street is being considered for the design process and throughout the process. The Committee recognizes the need to maintain good engineering practices in the development of the design. ALTERNATIVE STREET DESIGN CRITERIA The Altemative Street Design Criteria is prepared to be distributed to the neighborhood as it begins to consider their design options. These criteria are intended to convey a range of alternative features that can be incorporated in the final street plan. These criteria give factors to be considered and operational minimums consistent with emergency access requirements and good engineering practices. RECOMMENDATION The final section of the report deals with recommendations suggested by the Committee for Council consideration. For discussion of all items, you are directed to the minutes of the February 7, 2000 meeting. TABLE I COMPATIBLE IMPROVEMENT STREETS STREETS TO HAVE CURB, GUlTER & SIDEWALKS COMPATIBLE WITH EXISTING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA AND NOT IN VIOLATION OF STATE AND FEDEW LAW I I r I n Grand Ave. I Hope Ave. 1 1-5 I STREET FromIAt I TO Jefferson St. Magnolia Ave. Chinquapin Ave. To Valley St. 1 I Park Dr. I Monroe St. I Tamarack Ave. I Magnolia Ave. Highland Ave. I a J Monroe St. Carlsbad Village Dr. Magnolia Ave. Adarns St. Park Dr. Chinquapin Ave. *Adams St. (section already improved) James Dr. I Lincoln St. I Oak Ave. I Chestnut Ave. I Carlsbad Blvd Chestnut Ave. South of Tamarack Ave. - Oak Ave. Pine Ave. Lincoln St. Carlsbad Blvd. Chestnut Ave. I Madison St. 1 Laguna Dr. I Grand Ave. 1 Washington St. SDNRR Juniper Ave. Hemlock Ave. Garfield, St. Laguna Dr. I Arbuckle PI. I I Madison St. I Jefferson St. I Carlsbad Blvd. Roosevelt St. Garfield St. Garfield St. Walnut Ave. State St. ( Falcon Dr 8 Donna Dr. ( N. 8 W. Approaches I - -1 SDNRR SDNRR past Olive Ave. Roosevelt St. Knowles Ave. I Canyon St. I at Oak Ave. I I Davis Ave. 1-5 L Monroe St. Las Flores Dr. I Jeanne PI. I End of cul de sac I I Oak Ave. I Althea Ln. 1 End of cul de sac I I I At cul de sac * Adams St. modified design per adopted plan at Park Dr. Pio Pico Dr. 2 lots west TABLE 2 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN STREETS I Street From To Adams St. l Basswood Ave. I Chestnut Ave. I Alder Ave. I Monroe/Sunnyhill i cui-de-sac I Ann Dr. l Gayle Wy. 2 Janis Wy. Arland Rd. 1 Highland Dr. I Buena Vista Wy. I Aura Cir IN. of Hillside Dr. I end I i Baldwin Ln. l Chinquapin Ave. I end I I Basswood Ave. l Eureka PI. I Highland Ave. I I Basswood Ave. IValley St. l Canyon St. Basswood Ave. I Monroe St. 1 Ridgecrest Dr. I Bayshore Dr. 1 Park Dr. /culde-sac I I Beech Ave. Lean St. 1 Garfield St. I I I Belle Ln. I Basswood Ave. /cul-de-sac I I I Buena PI. I Jefferson St. r culdesac I I I Buena Vista Cir. l Laguna Dr. end , i I Buena Vista Wy. i Jefferson St. I Davis Ave. I I I Buena Vista Wy. I Pio Pico Dr. I Crest Dr. I I I Butters Rd. I W. of Highland Dr. 1 culde-sac Camden Cir. 1 Ridgecrest Dr. I cul-de-sac Canyon PI. Canyon St. I cul-de-sac Canyon St. l Canyon PI. I Basswood Ave. Charleen Cir. l Donna Dr. I cul-de-sac Charter Oak Dr. : Seacrest Dr. I Ridgecrest Dr. Cipriano Ln. i Forest Ave. I cul-de-sac Citrus PI. c Jefferson St. I cul-de-sac I TABLE 2 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN STREETS Street From To I Clearview Dr. I MacAruthur Ave. IN. of cul-de-sac I I I Cove Dr. IS. of Park Dr. I cul-de-sac Crest Dr. 1 Forest Ave. l Buena Vista Wy . I Cynthia Ln. I cul-de-sac I cul-de-sac I Cypress Ave. IOcean St. l Carlsbad Blvd. I I Date Av. 1 Garfield St. I end I I Davis Ave. l Buena Vista Wy. l Laguna Dr. Davis PI. I Davis Ave. r cul-de-sac tat Nob Hill Dr. Donna Dr. I I Donna Dr. 1 Falcon Dr. IS. of Janis Wy. I Donna Dr. IN. of Sharleen Cir. / chestnut Ave. j I Elrnwood St. I Laguna Dr. I Buena Vista Wy. I I Eureka PI. IS. of Basswood Ave. /Chestnut Ave. I i Falcon Dr. I Donna Dr. I cul-de-sac I I Forest Ave. l Pio Pico Dr. l Highland Dr. Forest Ave. i Highland Dr. 1 Crest Dr. I Garfield St. l Ocean St. 1 Carlsbad Village Dr. Gayle Way IMonroe St. l Donna Dr. I Grand Ave. /ocean St. I Garfield St. Gregory Dr. I Knowles Ave. :Cynthia Ln. Guevara Rd. I Highland Dr. I cul-de-sac Harbor Dr. I Chinquapin Ave. : cul-de-sac Harrison St. ! Chinquapin Ave. Adams. St. ,Hibiscus Cir. l Tamarack Ave. I cul-de-sac J TABLE 2 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN STREETS Street From To I Highland Dr. I N . of Butters Rd. 1 Forest Ave . Highland Dr. I Forest Ave. l Arland Rd. Highland Dr. I Buena Vista Wy. I Oak Ave. Highland Dr. ,Oak Ave. I Basswood Ave. Highland Dr. i Basswood Ave. I Chestnut Ave. I I I Highland Dr. I Chestnut Ave. - --- - I Magnolia Ave. I I Highland Dr. I Magnolia Ave. l Tamarack Ave. Highland Dr. 1 ~amarack Ave . I Chinquapin Ave. , Highland Dr. l Chinquapin Ave. IAdams St. I I Hillcrest Cir 1 Seacrest Dr. I cul-de-sac I \ I Hillside Dr. I Highland Dr. I Park Dr. I I I I Holly Brae Ln. 1 Alder Ave. I cul-de-sac I I i Home Ave. I Hope Ave. I cul-de-sac I I I Hoover St. /~~ua Hedionda Lagoon 1 Highland Dr. I I I Janis Wy. l~nn Dr. I Donna Dr. I I I Jefferson St. l~as Flores Dr. 11-5 1 Jefferson St. 11-5 l Marron Rd. Karen Ln. I Monroe St. r cul-de-sac I I Knowies Ave. 1 Jefferson St. / Davis Ave. Knowles Ave. I Pio Pico Dr. 1 Elmwood St. Laguna Dr. I Roosevelt St. I East of Kremeyer Cir. I Laguna Dr. I E. of Davis Ave. 1 1-5 Laguna Dr. I Pio Pico Dr. I Elmwood St. Larkspur Wy. I Adams St. : cul-de-sac TABLE 2 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN STREETS From Street To Laurie Cir. lAnn Dr. I cul-de-sac Linmar Ln . l Tamarack Ave. I end I Locust St. 1 Harrison St. IAdams. St. Long PI. l Chinquapin Ave. I cul-de-sac MacArthur Ave. l Sunnyhill Dr. ]Skyline Rd. I I Madison St. I S. of Arbuckle PI. IN. of Grand Ave. I I Maezel Ln. l Basswood Ave. i end I Marina Dr. l Park Dr. I cul-de-sac Marjorie Ln. I Chestnut Ave. I cul-de-sac McCauley Ln. IValley St. I cul-de-sac I I I I McKinley St. I Pine Ave. 1 Basswood Ave. i Meadowlark Ln . 1 Ridgecrest Dr. I cul-de-sac I I I Monroe St. I East of Park Dr. l Sunnyhill Dr. I I I I Mountain View Dr. /ocean St. l Carlsbad Blvd. I Uormandie Lane l Garfield St. 1 Mountain View Dr. 3ak Ave. I Pio Pico Dr. I I IVallev St. I I I 3cean St. 1 Mountain View Dr. 1 ~hristiansen Wy. I 3cean St. 1 Grand Ave. I Pine Ave I 3live Av. 1 ~arfield St. I end 'acific Ave. l Ocean St. I Mountain View Dr. 'alisades Dr. (Tamarack Ave. I I N. of nuckle I 'aim Ave. i Pio Pico Dr. IAdams St. I - - - - -- - 'ark Dr. I Monroe St. l Westhaven Dr. 'ark Dr. 'Tamarack Ave. I Kellv Dr. TABLE 2 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN STREETS I Street From To Pine Ave. I Pio Pico Dr. i ~ighland Dr. Pio Pico Dr. 1 Las Flores Dr. IN. of Yourell Ave. * I Pio Pico Dr. I Tamarack Ave. lLas Flores Dr. I Polly Ln. l Tamarack Ave . I cul-de-sac : Ratcliff Rd. ! Highland Dr. 1 cul-de-sac I I Redwood Ave. l Garfield St. I cul-de-sac I I I Ridgecrest Dr. I Basswood Ave. l Charter Oak Dr. Sandy PI. 1 Canyon St. I cul-de-sac I , Seacrest Dr. f Ridgecrest Dr. I Ridgecrest Dr. I Sequoia Av. l Carlsbad Blvd. /Garfield St. I I I Skyline Rd. l Westhaven Dr. l Alder Ave . I I I i Skyline Rd. 1 Alder Ave. I N. of Telescope Ave. I I I Spruce St. 1 Forest Ave. 11 lot north i i Spruce St. !Yourell Ave. 11 lot north i I I [~unn~hill Dr. /Monroe St. 15 lots S. I I Sunnyhill Dr. I5 lots S. of Monroe St. I N. of Hillside Dr. I I I Tuttle St. 1 Las Flores Dr. 1 ~uena Vista Wy. ! I I~vler St. I Oak Ave. khestnut Ave. I I I Valley PI. IValley St. I cul-de-sac I ! Valley St. I Buena Vista Wy. l Carlsbad Village Dr. I I Via Hinton I end 1 washinnton St. I Pine Ave. I Walnut Ave. I - - - - - - Westhaven Dr. i N . of Park Dr. I Woodvale Dr. Wilson St. I Forest Ave. l Buena Vista Wy . I TABLE 2 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN STREETS Street From To Woodvale Dr. Park Dr. 1 Westhaven Dr. I Yourell Ave. I Pio Pico Dr. west of Highland Dr. ALTERNATIVE STREET DESIGN APPROVAL PROCESS I. Plan Initiation Alternative Design process may be initiated by Citizen petition (50% of block residents), development projects, staff identification of safety issue, staff identification of drainage or utility issues, State or Federal Mandates, or by any other means acceptable to the City Council. 2. Project inforrnation notice and posting The citizens and affected residents will be notified consistent with City codes prior to Council consideration of initiation of the Alternative Design process. To inform the general public, a large project information sign will be posted at the beginning and end of the project for the duration of the project and notices will be posted at City Hall and published in local newspapers. To ensure that the residents and neighbors are made aware of the issues, notices will be mailed to affected residents and neighbors within a 600 foot radius of the project. 3. Request Council authorization & funding alternatives for feasibility and preliminary engineering studies Council will consider authorizing and funding the project with public funds, private funds, combination of public and private funds and other available funding mechanisms. Prior to Council consideration of the project, the project information and meeting date will be posted at City Hall and notices will be published in local papers and mailed to affected residents and neighbon within a 600 foot radius of the project. A new project information sign will not be erected. 4. Develop alternatives with community involvement (engineering study) Staff, with input from the community, will begin to develop concept level alternatives and cost estimates. Topographic surveys of the project will be reviewed and special character resources and constraints will be identified. Staff will consult with the community, residents, Planning Department, Fire Department and landscape professionals (landscape architects and arborists, if appropriate) to consider options for roadway width, pedestrian provisions, edge treatments, and other roadway features. Public posting and notice will be given prior to the activities of this stage, as in item 3 above. 5. Community Workshop to review alternatives Public workshops will be held to present the findings of the engineering study (stage 4, above). Staff will present the preliminary design approaches, make preliminary recommendations for community review and comment and disclose economic impacts of potential costs to property owners. Future steps required to carry the project forward will be outlined. Public posting and notice will be given prior to the activities of this stage, as in item 3 above. 6. Develop recommended preferred plan Using the comments from the public workshops (stage 5, above), Staff will develop the preferred plan and cost estimate for review by the community and reviewing bodies. Additional workshops may be scheduled as appropriate. 7. Prepare Environmental Documentation and circulate for review Environmental Documentation such as CEQA (if required) and any other permit process will be initiated at this stage. Public posting and notice will be given prior to the activities of this stage, as in item 3 above. 8. Traffic Safety Commission review The Traffic Safety commission will review the project in regard to traffic safety, pedestrian safety and street design issues. The public is welcome to attend the Commission's meeting. Public posting and notice will be given prior to the activities of this stage, as in item 3 above. 10. Council hearing and approval Council will consider, and approve or reject the project. The public is welcome to attend Council's meeting. Public posting and notice will be given prior to the activities of this stage, as in item 3 above. 11. Plan implementation If Council approves the project, Staff will initiate final design stage for the preparation of construction plans and contract documents when funds are appropriated. StMlyk~~ocationMap Citiizens conwittee to Study the Si kandStreel~~R'ogram 625 0 625 Feet sIRErCLAXSERCATK)N COMPATIBLE: 1-slRE€rs ALTERNATIVE STREET DESIGN CRITERIA INTRODUCTION The Streets and Sidewalks Committee wish to maintain the current character of certain unique neighborhoods through alternative improvements consistent with a safe, effective street. These neighborhoods of "Olde Carlsbad" have developed under less formal standards than newer neighborhoods. These neighborhoods, over the years, have matured to create a character that is unique and of distinct value to the overall character of the community. These neighborhoods tend to have less formal street construction with mature trees and other unique cultural features. To encourage the protection of the character of these unique neighborhoods, flexible street design features are required to guide the Alternative Street Design process. The street criteria presented herein is intended to guide the future design process by providing minimum criteria related to: a ROADWAY WIDTHS a PARKING REQUIREMENTS a PEDESTRIAN PROVISIONS a ROADWAY EDGE TREATMENTS The utilization of these requirements will be highly dependent on the actual opportunities and constraints provided by the individual neighborhoods. Factors of particular importance in the design process will be: Street gradient Natural topography Drainage requirements Utility placement needs Location and nature of existing trees Important cultural and historical features Lot sizes Availability of off-street parking Pedestrian needs and activities Compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements ROADWAY WIDTHS The residential roadway widths are determined by travel lane requirements, emergency access needs, parking requirements, and drainage capacity requirements. The minimum emergency access shall be 24 feet of all weather surface unless it is impracticable and adequate mitigating measures are approved by the Fire Marshal. Drainage requirements are determined by hydrologic and hydraulic analysis. PARKING REQUIREMENT No parking or parking on one side only will be considered where an adequate enforcement plan is approved by the Police Department or where a finding can be made that adequate off-street parking exists to minimize potential parking enforcement issues. Provision of parking pockets is encouraged to enhance traffic calming features and to provide selective on-street parking to serve residential needs. Parking pockets could incorporate alternative materials to distinguish the parking areas from the traveled way. Tree and landscape planters can also be utilized to protect existing features or to enhance the neighborhood character through the appearance of narrow streets. Examples of alternative parking area surfaces include: a Turf block Stabilized earth materials a Pavers Colored asphalt Colored concrete Loose or erosive material with high ongoing maintenance costs are discouraged. Where possible, durable permeable materials may be considered. PEDESTRIAN PROVISIONS Where provided, pedestrian walkways shall be 4-foot minimum clear consistent with ADA requirement and be of a solid durable material. Walkway locations shall be located in such a manner as to preserve natural and cultural resources as determined through the design process. Proximity to the edge of pavement will depend on the design process. Alternative surfaces that further a natural .character and meet durability and ADA access requirements should be given serious consideration. Meandering walks are acceptable. EDGE TREATMENTS It is recognized that roadway edge treatments are important to stabilize the roadway pavement and to contain and divert drainage flows. The nature of the edge treatment also impacts the appearance and character of the roadway. Several options for roadway edge treatments exist within the San Diego Regional and City Standards. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Where desirable to protect neighborhood character and where adequate rights-of-way exist, a meandering street centerline can be considered. Street design needs to adequately address storm and nuisance flows within the street section. Unique design features introduce unique drainage and maintenance concerns which may require construction of storm drains or other unique roadway design configurations. When possible, all measures should be implemented to reduce sprinkler and which may require construction of storm drains or other unique roadway design configurations. When possible, all measures should be implemented to reduce sprinkler and storm runoff from properties. Where adequate rights-of-way exist, natural swales should be considered to convey runoff. Maintenance cost and procedures should be fully analyzed in the planning process. Tilted roadway sections may be considered when they will provide a more compatible interface with properties abutting the street. . MITIGATION MEASURES To assist in retaining the existing character of neighborhoods through narrower street section mitigation measures, such as increased lot sizes with provisions for off-street . parking, larger setbacks from the street, alternative drainage and utility systems and fire sprinkling of homes should be given consideration. FISCAL ANALYSIS All design alternatives should be reviewed for comparative construction cost and long-term maintenance costs. Where long-term maintenance costs are incurred, alternative funding for the added costs should be evaluated. SIDEWALK AND STREET COMMIlTEE RECOMMENDATIONS GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 1. The Committee recommends that a General Plan Amendment be considered to reflect a slowdown and management of growth in the Northwest Quadrant. Lot size and densities will be an element of this amendment. The Committee recommends an adoption of a philosophy distinguishing the Northwest Quadrant as a unique, quaint, and special community. This philosophy would recognize the necessity for the protection and preservation of the qualities unique to each area. These qualities to include, but not be exclusive of: tree-lined narrower meandering streets, alternative pedestrian pathways, traffic calming and parking options. Special attention to the quality of life the residents have come to expect as delineated in the Municipal Code current ordinance Section 1 8.40. Dedications and Improvements. Specifically section 18.40.100 waiver or modifications. "The street fronting on the subject property has already been improved to the maximum feasible and desirable state, recognizing there are some such streets which may have less than standard im~rovements when necessary to preserve the character of the neiahborhood and to avoid unreasonable interference with such things as trees, wall, yards and open space. VOTE: 8-6-0 AYES: Dwelley, Wickham, Piro, Gamache, McBane, Chartier, Leger, Lewis NOES: Mamaux, Schlehuber, Spano, Wischkaemper, Kubota, Gallagher ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Noble SOUND WALLS 2. The Committee recommends sound walls on freeways, 1) City should begin negotiating with Caltrans for construction of soundwalls as part of freeway widening, and 2) City (or Caltrans) should construct sound walls where no freeway widening is anticipated. VOTE: 1 3-1 -0 AYES: Dwelley, Wickham, Piro, Gamache, McBane, Chartier, Leger, Lewis, Mamaux, Schlehuber. Wischkaemper, Kubota, Gallagher NOES: Spano ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Noble UNDERGROUND UTILITIES 3. The Committee recommends that "The Council direct staff to explore altemative funding approaches to accelerate the undergrounding of overhead utilities". VOTE: 14-0-0 AYES: Dwelley, Wickham, Piro, Gamache, McBane, Chartier, Leger, Lewis, Mamaux, Schlehuber, Wischkaemper, Kubota, Gallagher, Spano NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Noble TRAFFIC CALMING 4. The Committee recommends: a) Based upon our review of the current state-of-the-art street design in other communities, the Committee recommends that instead of single-standard, the City of Carlsbad utilize different design methodologies committed to preserving the existing nature and character of each neighborhood. b) "Based upon the public testimony we have heard, the Committee has found that one of the most important concerns to the residents of "Olde Carlsbad" is excessive traffic speed. Vehicular traffic speed should be calmed using the state-of-the-art design methods, such as traffic land narrowing, pseudo-shoulders, improved signage, textured paving, rumble strips, Botts' Dots', Traffic-Circles, and Elephant Ears." VOTE: I 0-4-0 AYES: Dwelley, Wickham, Piro, Gamache, McBane, Chartier, Leger, Lewis, Wischkaemper. Gallagher NOES: Mamaux, Schlehuber, Spano, Kubota ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Noble 5. The Committee encourages the City Council to form a Traffic Calming Committee as a follow-up to this committee's efforts. VOTE: 13-14 AYES: Wickham, Piro, Gamache, McBane, Chartier, Leger, Lewis, Schlehuber, Wischkaemper, Kubota, Gallagher, Spano NOES: Mamaux ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Noble DEDICATIONS 6. The Committee recommends that the Council adjust the Municipal Code requirement to dedicate rights-of-way as a condition of a building permit exceeding $10.000 in building permit by indexing the threshold from 1992 to increases in the International Congress of Building Officials (ICBO) valuation amount. VOTE: 7-6-0 AYES: Piro, Leger, Schlehuber, Wischkaemper, Kubota, Gallagher, Spano, NOES: Gamache, Wickham, Chartier, Dwelley, McBane, Lewis ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble _- . .- .- 7. The Committee recommends that street right-of-way dedication be required only for building permits which create new residential dwelling units. Residential remodels would be exempt from the requirement. VOTE: 7-6-0 AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble Piro, Gamache, Wickham, McBane, Lewis, Dwelley, Chartier Schlehuber, Wischkaemper, Kubota, Gallagher, Spano, Leger 8. The Committee recommends that at such time as rights-of-way are found to be in excess of that required, the excess will be quitclaimed. VOTE: 12-1 -0 AYES: Piro, Gamache, Wickham, McBane, Lewis, Dwelley, Chartier, NOES: Spano ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble Schlehuber, Wischkaemper, Kubota, Gallagher, Leger FUTURE IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENTS 9. 10. 11. The Committee recommends that Future Improvement Agreements apply to only new construction. Remodeling of existing residential dwelling units would be exempt from improvement requirements. VOTE: 7-6-0 AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble Piro, Wickham, McBane, Lewis, Dwelley, Gallagher, Chartier Spano, Wischkaemper, Kubota, Schlehuber, Leger, Gamache The Committee recommends that building permit applicants be issued a notification of potential improvement or Future Improvement Agreement obligation at receipt of the building permit application. VOTE: 13-0-0 AYES: Wickham, McBane, Chartier, Spano, Wischkaemper, Kubota, NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble Schlehuber, Leger, Gamache, Piro, Lewis, Dwelley, Gallagher The Committee recommends Future Improvement Agreements be made subordinate to homeowner's mortgages or trust deed financing at present and in the future. Staff will review language with the City Attorney's office to make sure that the agreement is subordinate to trust deeds. VOTE: 13-0-0 AYES: Wickham, McBane, Chartier, Spano, Wischkaemper, Kubota, NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Schlehuber, Leger, Gamache, Piro, Lewis, Dwelley, Gallagher 18 ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble 12. The Committee recommends that property owners be given 90 days to respond to demands to comply with Future Improvement Agreements rather than 30 days as currently contained in the agreement. VOTE: 9-4-0 AYES: Wickham, McBane, Chartier, Wischkaemper, Gamache, Piro, Lewis, Dwelley, Gallagher NOES: Spano, Kubota, Schlehuber, Leger ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble 13. The Committee recommends the cost of all improvements be equitably allocated among all of the beneficiaries, and that no FIA exceed the property owner's fair share of the improvement cost. VOTE: 7-6-0 AYES: Wickham, McBane, Chartier, Gamache, Piro, Gallagher, Dwelley NOES: Spano, Kubota, Schlehuber, Leger, Wischkaemper, Lewis ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble 14. The Committee recommends that the City retain its current policy of not building isolated improvements to curbs and sidewalks. The Committee recommends that the portion of Section 18.400.70 as amended in November 1999 pertaining to the policy regarding the deferral of improvement requirements remain as the permanent policy after the building moratorium has been lifted. VOTE: 13-0-0 AYES: Wickham, McBane, Chartier, Garnache, Piro, Gallagher, Dwelley, Spano, Kubota, Schlehuber, Leger, Wischkaemper, Lewis NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Mamaux, Noble