For models of effective tree ordinances, ABC looks to neighboring cities with demonstrated success in Urban Forest Management.
Below are some good role models:
Palo Alto:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pwd/trees/mgmt/ufmp.asp
“The sustainability of our urban forest and of the benefits it provides depends on how it is managed. The Urban Forest Master Plan will address topics such as the state of Palo Alto’s tree canopy, best management practices, interdepartmental coordination, and tree-related City regulations” From the Urban Forest Master Plan: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/36187
“Nationally, business districts with street trees were found to generate
9 to 12 percent more consumer spending than districts without trees.”
—(Wolf, K.L. 2005. “Business District Streetscapes, Trees and
Consumer Response.” Journal of Forestry 103, 8:396-400.)
“New tree plantings are associated with a 9 percent increase
in property values.”
—(Wachter & Gillen, Public Investment Strategies: How
They Matter for Neighborhoods in Philadelphia,” The
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (April 2006).)
Burlingame:
http://cares.ucdavis.edu/resource/burlingame-urban-forest-management-plan
“For new homes built in Burlingame, or when substantial construction is performed on existing homes, property owners may be required to increase (maximize) the planter strip width for the purpose of accommodating root systems of large canopy trees.” https://www.burlingame.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=4912
Los Altos:
http://www.losaltosca.gov/communitydevelopment/page/tree-removal
“As outlined in the City of Los Altos Tree Protection Ordinance (LAMC Chapter 11.08), all trees, regardless of species, that are 48-inches or larger in circumference (approx. 15-inches in diameter) are protected and require a Tree Removal Permit before they can be removed. The purpose of the Tree Protection Ordinance is to preserve and maintain the City’s urban forest and rural character by retaining and/or replacing large mature trees when possible and where appropriate.”
Menlo Park:
https://www.menlopark.org/205/Heritage-trees
· Any tree having a trunk with a circumference of 47.1 inches (diameter of 15 inches) or more measured at 54 inches above natural grade.
· Any oak tree native to California, with a circumference of 31.4 inches (diameter of 10 inches) or more measured at 54 inches above natural grade.
“The permit fee is $135 per tree for the first three trees and $90 for each additional tree on the property, applied for at the same time. This fee partially covers the cost of processing the permit. The application includes a form to be completed by a certified arborist hired by the applicant.” “Civil penalties may be assessed against any person who commits, allows or maintains a violation of any provision of the ordinance”
Portola Valley:
http://www.portolavalley.net/building-planning/tree-removal
“If you have one of the trees listed below that meets or exceeds either the circumference or diameter listed, it is considered a “significant tree”, and you are required to apply for a site development permit (tree removal permit), even if the tree appears to be dead (Portola Valley Municipal Code Section 15.12.070.A).
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) 11.5″
Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) 11.5″
Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) 11.5″
Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) 5.0″
Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) 17.2″
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 17.2″
California Bay Laurel (Umbrellularia californica) 11.5″
(if multiple trunk, measurements pertain to largest trunk)
Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) 7.6″
Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) 7.6
Atherton:
http://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/502
“Chapter 8.10 of the Atherton Municipal Code requires a Heritage Tree Removal Permit prior to the removal of certain trees located on private property.” Permit required with non-refundable $750 application fee EXCEPT: Species (other than Oak) smaller than 11.5” D, Species (other than Oak) within the building footprint, Acacia any size. No exclusion for dead or diseased trees and no exclusion for Oaks of any size.
Ask Belmont Citizens 