HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-20; Parks & Recreation Commission; 300-4; Final Report: Updated Street Tree Policy~ PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB# 300-4
FINAL REPORT FOR AN UPDATED MTG. DATE: 3/20/00
TITLE :
STAFF: Carroll
RECOMMENDED ACTION :
Receive and accept the Final Report from the Citizen Street Tree Policy Committee and make
appropriate comments.
INFO
STREET TREE POLICY 0 ACTION
ITEM EXPLANATION :
On November 2, 1999, the City Council appointed a fifteen member citizen committee to review the
City’s 1970 tree policy (see Exhibit I), 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. For two months (November IO, 1999 - January 12, 2000) the
Committee met, often twice a week, using 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 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 2). 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.
On January 25, 2000, the Committee presented its final report to Council. During its presentation, the
Committee recommended Council to consider the issues listed in the Accessory Recommendation
List, which can be found in the last page of the Final Report. While the Committee was deliberating,
these issues were raised by the Committee in which they felt the City should address. At the end of
the Committee’s presentation, Council accepted the Final Report and directed staff to conduct a
financial analysis and pursue the implementation of the revised policy, as well as address the
Accessory Recommendation List.
Currently, staff is conducting a financial analysis to implement the Street Tree Policy, as drafted by
the Street Tree Policy Committee. It is anticipated staff will be presenting its analysis to Council by
the end of March, or the beginning of April, 2000. The attached Final Report is for the Commission’s
information and for an opportunity to comment and ask questions to staff regarding said policy.
EXHIBITS:
1. Copy of existing Street Tree Policy, adopted October 20, 1970
2. Street Tree Policy Committee Final Report
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EXHIBIT 1 - CITY OF CARLSBAD policy No. 4
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. COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued 10-20-70
enera1 Subject: Streets
Cancellation Date pecific Subject: Street Trees
Effective Date 10-20-7
Supersedes No.
opigs to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and
PURPOSE: I
To state City policy regarding removai and replacement of street trees .
STAT-EMEIIT OF POL ICY:
Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
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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, as wi 11 trees that are damaging side- walks s curbs and gutters.
Replacement street trees .will be of the same species as those removed unless.another 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. 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.
Any citizen or neighborhood may appeal to the Parks and Recrea- tion Commission and subsequently to the City Council regardinq a staff decision on street trees. However, official City policy is to discourage reFoval.of existing street trees simply on the basis of individual or group preference betwee'n speci.es of. trees.
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.. EXHIBIT I
CITY OF CARLSBAD
STREET TREE POLICY COMMITTEE
Final Report
rc January 25,2000
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rc TABLE OF CONTENTS
I INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................
I1 . RESOLUTION NO . 99-484 ...................................................................................................... 2
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I11 . MISSION STATEMENT .......................................................................................................... 6
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 ..................................................................................................... 1 .. 12
F . Tree Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 13
G . Heritage Trees .............................................................................................................. 14
H . Appeals ......................................................................................................................... 15
VI . NOTIFICATION LETTER ..................................................................................................... 16
VI1 . MAP ....................................................................................................................................... 17
VI11 . ACCESSORY RECOMMENDATION LIST 18 ....................................................................
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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 fiom the Historic Preservation
Commission gave insightful information to the Committee. In addition, sample policies fiom
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
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.
- Tree Policy. The policy addresses tree planting, removal, replacement, maintenance, heritage
The Citizens Street Tree Policy Committee 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
Jim Stachoviak
Nick Vessey
Ruth Wheeler
” Linda Snyder
Citv Staff
Fred Burnell
Scott Carroll
Doug Duncanson
Barbara Kennedy
Pauline Killingsworth
Mark Steyaert
Citv Consultant
Arborist Stephen Holcomb
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RESOLUTION NO. 99484
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, FORMING A CITIZENS COMMllTEE
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 20,1970; 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
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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
policy for the planting, maintenance and removal of trees in the public right of way. It is
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-officio
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 Linda Snyder
Ross Cirrincione Laura Little
Shirley Cole
Eric Larson
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Nick Vessey
Doreen Nauehton
Jeanne McFadden
Guy Roney
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Tom Mills
Jim Stachoviak
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Carl Miller
Mario Monroy
Ruth Wheeler
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the 2nd day of November w
1999 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Hall, Finnila, Nygaard and Kulchin
(SEAL)
CITY OF CARLSBAD Policy No. 4
. COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
- Date Issued 10-20-70
Effective Date 10-20-70 I
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No.
copies to: City Council , City Nanager, City Attorney, Department and
i Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
i
J.PURP0SE: I To state City policy regarding removai and replacement of street trees . I S1AT.EMEtlT OF POL ICY:
1, The City will make every effort fo trim and spray street trees according,to a regular schedule within the limits of available manpower.
2, Dangerous, street trees ni'll 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 1' the master street tree plan.
4. 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. 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 Recreatibn Commission.
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5 , 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 reyoval.of existing street trees simply on the basjs of individual or group preference betwee-n species of trees.
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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.
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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 (MSA).
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 fi.uther 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 hctions also benefit the
property where a specific tree site is located as well as benefit +e 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 and 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.
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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 ail 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 bpcause 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 beany 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 (removedreplaced) at the end of that service life.
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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 bee 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.
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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
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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 (MSA).
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 fkom 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.
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2. The City will not remove any tree solely for the cause of damage to hardscape or for the
e 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.
;c 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.
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10. All trees recommended for removal shall be posted by attachng 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 infiaction 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.
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1 1. It shall be an infiaction punishable under law for any person to remove or damage any City-
maintained street tree without first obtaining a permit f?om 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 Reulacement:
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. -
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 “Uniform Street PZanting Map ” approved by the City.
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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.
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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
I scheduled tree maintenance, including but not limited to pruning, fertilization, imgation and
pest-control based on tree age, species, size and location to assure the proper maintenance of
all street trees.
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rc 4. All tree pruning shall conform to ANSI A-300 standards except for the pruning of interim
trees in short-term rotational platings.
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
(1 0’) of a high voltage electrical line. Staff will notifjr SDG&E and the resident of the need
for pruning of a tree in such proximity to a high voltage electrical line.
Heritaee 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.
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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:
0 on the location or species of any street tree selected by City staff for planting at a
specific location; andlor
0 a staff recommendation for the removal of any non-hazardous street tree.
Any citizen, neighborhood or City department may request a formal appeal to the City and
subsequently to the City Council regarding:
.: the removal of a street tree which is not dead, dying or diseased; and/or
the removal of a street tree that is listed as a Heritage Tree; and/or
0 the removal of a street tree that is causing damage to hardscape or for the cause of
routing underground or overhead utilities.
Appeals will be made by submitting a Tree Appeals Form available from General Services of
the Public Works Department (MSA).
There shall be no fees assessed in connection with either the appeal to the City, or
subsequently to the City Council.
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- City of Carlsbad
January 25,2000
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:
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The removal of the stump and replanting of a new tree will be scheduled at a later date. A
minimum 15-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 25,2000).
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
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405 Oak Avenue - Carlsbad, CA 92008-3009 - (760) 434-2980 FAX (760) 720-9562 @
City of Carlsbad
Citizens Committee to Study the City’s Tree Policy
Accessory Recommendations
During the process of studying street trees as assigned by the Carisbad 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 Ci Tree Commission.
0 Ci Council appointed commission.
0 Commission to sunset after a maximum of seven years.
0 Deal with all issues relating to city tree policies.
0 Hear citizen appeals on tree removals.
0 Oversee Community Forest Management Plan.
2. Designate Responsible City Staff Member to Oversee Tree Policies.
3. Create a Community Forest Management Plan for the City of Carlsbad.
4. Update City of Carlsbad Street Tree List
0 Identify trees suitable for small, medium and large tree sites.
0 Include use of native California species.
0 Include use of drought tolerant species where appropriate.
0 Reconcile tree list with San Diego Gas and Electric for sites adjacent to high
0 Reconcile tree list with the Ci of Carlsbad Fire Department.
0 Guarantee update on an ongoing basis.
0 Review by Ci every five years.
0 Quadrant by quadrant review and policy development.
0 Establish policies that apply to particular neighborhoods.
Establish policies that apply citywide.
0 Develop easy to understand flyers for the public with tree care instructions.
0 Inform residents about existing tree policies (e.g. planting under transmission
Encourage residents to plant new trees in appropriate locations.
0 Plant replacement trees prior to loss of old age trees.
voltage utility lines.
5. Update Uniform Street Tree Planting Map.
6. Review Street Tree Standards for Entire City
7. Initiate a Street Tree Education Program.
lines).
8. Institute a Program to Replace Old Age Trees.
9. Determine Policy for Removal of City Trees Not in Right-of-way.
-~. .~.*&” .t- 10. Establish a Heritage Tree Policy/Program.
Protect trees with historical significance.
Identify and protect trees with horticultural interest because of size, age,
distinctive structure, rare or unusual species for the area, or outstanding nature of the specimen.
Included privately owned trees on a voluntary basis.
Coordinate with Historic Preservation Commission.
Establish and implement a management plan.
Establish an immediate means of securing appropriate fines and damages from
11. Hosp Grove.
12. Fines and Damages.
individuals who purposely remove or damage street trees.
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