HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-09-11 - AGENDA REPORTS - OAK TREE GUIDELINES (2)I 1
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
PUBLIC HEARING Lynn M. Harris / L YTi�n2tn .
DATE: September 11, 1990
SUBJECT: Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines
Resolution Number: .90-177
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
BACKGROUND
The present oak tree ordinance was adopted by the City Council on April 25, 1989
by Ordinance No. 89-10. Sec. 22.56. 2070 of that ordinance requires the
adoption of guidelines to supplement the ordinance. The purpose of the
guidelines is to provide further policy and standards to implement the oak tree
ordinance.
The guidelines were drafted -by the City's Oak Tree Consultant, Susan Kelsey, and
reviewed by the Community Development staff. The Planning Commission held a
public hearing on the draft guidelines at its meeting of July 17, 1990. and
continued the hearing to August 21, 1990. As a result of the hearings, certain
revisions were requested by the Commission; these revisions are reflected in the
attached draft. The current draft guidelines were provided to the Council on
August 22, 1990 to give the Council an opportunity for an early review in
advance of the September 11th public hearing date. The draft guidelines are
typed in a "strikeover" format; the most recent revisions, as requested by the
Planning Commission, are shown with deletions struck over with a slash and
insertions indicated in bold type.
1. Pending public testimony, approve the Oak Tree Preservation and Protection
Guidelines.
2. Adopt the attached Resolution No. 90-177.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines
2. Planning Commission Staff Reports dated 'July 17, and August 21, 1990.
3. Resolution No. 90-177
Adopted: 9 — w
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Agenda Item:
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PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
1. Mayor Opens Hearing
a. States Purpose of Hearing
2. City Clerk Reports on Hearing Notice
3. Staff Report
(City Manager)
or
(City Attorney)
or
(RP Staff)
4. Proponent Argument (30 minutes)
5. Opponent Argument (30 minutes)
6. Five-minute Rebuttal (Proponent)
a. Proponent
7. Mayor Closes Public Testimony
8. Discussion by Council
9. Council Decision
lo. Mayor Announces Decision
0 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA •
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING PROPOSED OAK TREE PRESERVATION AND
PROTECTION GUIDELINES IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 22.56.2070 OF ORDINANCE NO. 89-12
ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
A Public Hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Santa,
Clarita regarding proposed oak tree preservation and protection guidelines in
accordance with Section 22.56.2070 of Ordinance No. 89-10 adopted by the City
of Santa Clarita.
The hearing will be heard by the City Council in the City Hall Council
Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd., let Floor, the 11th day of September 1990, at
or after 6:30 p.m..
Proponents, opponents, and any interested personsmay appear and be heard on
this matter at that time. Further information may be obtained by contacting
the City Clerk's Office, Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., 3rd
floor, Santa Clarita.
If you wish to challenge the adoption of the proposed guidelines in -court, you
may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the
public hearings described in this notice, or in written correspondence
delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearings.
Dated: August 22, 1990
Donna M.Grindey
City Clerk
Publish Date: August 27, 1990
u
RESOLUTION NO. 90-177
0
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL .OF
THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA APPROVING
OAK TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION GUIDELINES'
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find- and determine as
follows:
a. On April 25, 1989, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 89-10,
pertaining to oak tree preservation.
b. Section 22.56.2070 of Ordinance 89-10 requires that oak tree
preservation and protection guidelines be adopted by the City Council
to provide additional policy and standards beyond that provided in
the ordinance.
C. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on
July 17, 1990, and continued to August 21, 1990 in the City Council
Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m.
d. On August 21. .1990, the Planning Commission recommended approval to
the City Council of the Oak Tree Preservation and Protection
Guidelines by minute action of the Commission.
e. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on
September 11, 1990 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia,
Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m.
SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received at
the public hearing, and upon studies and investigation made .by the City
Council and on its behalf, the Council further finds and determines that the
City of Santa Clarita is proceeding in a timely fashion with the preparation
of a general plan. There is a reasonable probability that the adoption of the.
Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines will be consistent with the
general plan proposal currently being considered or studied, that there is
little or no probability of substantial detriment to or interference with. the
future adopted general plan if the proposed resolution is ultimately
inconsistent with that plan, and that the proposed guidelines comply with all
other applicable requirements of state law and local ordinances.
SECTION 3. The City of Santa Clarita City Council finds that in
accordance with the California. Environmental Quality Act, the adoption of the
Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines is categorically exempt under
sections 15307 and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of
Natural Resources and Protection of.. the Environment) of the State EIR
Guidelines. _
SECTION 4. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council. hereby
approves the Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines:
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SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this
Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of 1990.'
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly .adopted 'by the City
Council of. the City of Santa Clarita at a, regular, meeting thereof, held on
the day of , 1990, by the following vote of the Council:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
City Clerk
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City of Santa Clarita
Oak Tree
Preservation and
Protection
Guidelines
MR
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CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
OAR TREE PRESERVATION
AND
PROTECTION
0
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Required by Section 22.56.2070 of Ordinance No. 89-10
Guidelines adopted by the City. Council It 1990
• _ INTRODUCTION
Oak trees within the City of Santa Clarita.are a valuable
resource and are protected by the Oak Tree Preservation
Ordinance. These Guidelines have been promulgated in
furtherance of the Ordinance. They describe methods,
procedures and application materials required by the City to
ensure that proper consideration is given to oak trees and
their habitat in connection with development and other
requests. An oak tree permit is required for the moving,
removal or encroachment by development of an oak tree with
certain exceptions: as described below.
Certain work -on an oak tree may be performed without a permit
and therefore, the provisions of these Guidelines do not
apply. This includes (1) removal of trees that do not exceed
six inches in circumference when measured four feet six inches
(4'6") from the base, (2) removal of the portion of a limb that
does not exceed 6 inches in circumference, (3) removal of all
or part of an oak tree that poses a safety hazard due to damage
• caused by a natural disaster, (4) trees planted, grown and/or
held for sale as part of a licensed nurseiy business, (5)
pruning by a public service or utility for maintenance
purposes, (6) approved removal of a maximum of three scrub oaks
(shrubs), and (7) routine maintenance as permitted. Please
refer to the Oak Tree Ordinance and these guidelines for
details if in doubt.
It is generally advisable to contact the City's Community
Development Department at (805) 255-4330 prior to beginning any
construction or earthwork on property that.has.an oak tree on
the property or nearby. The City will be happy to answer your
questions and assist you with your oak trees.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
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Pave
ii
I.
PURPOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 1
II.
OAR TREE POLICY . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 1
III.
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . lA
IV.
OAR TREE PRESERVATION . . . . . .
. . .
. . 4
V.
CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 6
VI.
OAK TREE PERMIT - APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 10
A. Permit Required . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 10
B. Application Form . . . . . .
. . .
. . 10
C. Justification Statement . . .
. . .
. .10
D. Site Plan . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 11
E. Tagging. . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 13
F. Oak Tree Report . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 13
VII.
STANDARDS FOR PERFORMANCE OF
PERMITTED WORK . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 17
A. General Information. .
. . .
. . 17
B. Tree Maintenance and Pruning
Operations . . . .
. . .
. . 19
C. Phases of Construction . . .
. . .
. . 22
VIII.
ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . 30
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OAK TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION GUIDELINES
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The City lies in the Santa Clarita Valley, the beauty and
natural setting of which is greatly enhanced by the
presence of large numbers of majestic.oak trees. These
indigenous oak trees are recognized for their significant
historical, aesthetic and environmental value. They are
indicator species for the natural communities in which
they exist, supporting a broad spectrum of other native
plant and animal species. As one of the most picturesque
trees in the Southern California, area, they lend beauty
and charm to the natural and man-made landscape, enhance
the value of property and preserve the character of the
communities in which they exist.
Development within the Santa Clarita Valley has resulted
in the removal of a great number of oak trees. Further
uncontrolled and indiscriminate destruction of this
diminishing plant heritage would detrimentally affect the
general health, safety and welfare of the citizens of
. Santa Clarita. The preservation program and procedures
outlined in these guidelines contribute to the welfare
and aesthetics of the community and retain the.great
historical and environmental value of these trees.
No person, partnership, firm, corporation, government
agency, or other legal entity shall cut, prune, remove,
relocate, endanger or damage any tree protected by the
City Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance on any public or
private land.located within the incorporated areas of the
City of Santa Clarita except in accordance with.the
conditions of a valid oak tree permit issued by the
Department of Community Development or the Planning
Commission.
II. OAK TREE POLICY
It shall be the policy of the City of Santa Clarita to
require the preservation of all healthy oak trees unless
compelling reasons_ justify the removal of such trees.
This policy shall apply to the removal, pruning, cutting
and/or encroachment into the protected zone of oak
trees. The City Manager or his designated representative
("Director"), in conjunction with an oak tree
preservation consultant as necessary, shall have the
primary and overall responsibility to administer,
evaluate and monitor this policy to assure strict
compliance.
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III. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of these guidelines, unless otherwise
apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used
in this resolution are defined in this section.
"Cutting" - The detaching or separating, either in whole
or in part, from a protected tree, any part of the tree
including but not limited to any limb, branch, root,.or
leaves. Cutting shall. include pruning and trimming.
"Damage" - Any action undertaken which causes or tends to
cause injury, death, or disfigurement to a tree. This
includes, but is not limited to, cutting, poisoning,
burning, overwatering, relocating or.transplanting a
protected tree, changing or compacting the natural grade
within the protected zone of a protected tree, changing
groundwater levels or drainage patterns, or trenching,
excavating or paving within the protected zone of an oak
tree.
"Deadwood" - Limbs or branches that contain no green
leaves or live tissue. A tree or limb may be considered
dead if it does not show evidenceof any green leaves or
live branches over the span of one (1) year, inclusive of
Prime growing weather. "
"Dripline" - The outermost edge of the trees canopy.
When depicted on a map or on the ground, the driplin
will appear as an irregularly shaped outline that follows
the contour of the farthest extension of the limbs and
leaf canopy.
"Encroachment" - Any intrusion into the protected zone of
an oak tree which includes, but isnotlimited to,
pruning, grading, excavating, trenching, dumping of
materials, animal corrals, storage of materials or
equipment, or the construction of structures, paving or
other improvements. For purposes of this section,
encroachment shall not include the action of a person
physically entering the protected.zone of an oak tree. .
"Heritage Oak Tree" - Any oak tree measuring one hundred
eight inches (108") or more in circumference or, in the
case of a multiple trunk oak tree, two.(2) or more trunks
measuring seventy-two (7211) each or greater in
circumference, measured four and one half feet (4 1/21)
above the natural grade surrounding such tree. In
addition, the Planning commission and/or City Council may
classify an oak tree, regardless of size, as a heritage
oak tree if it is determined by a majority vote thereof
that such tree has exceptional historic, aesthetic and/or
environmental qualities of major significance or
• prominence to the community.
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"Oak Tree" - Any oak tree of the genus Quercus including,
but not limited to, Valley Oak (Quercus lobata),
California Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Canyon Oak
(Quercus chrysoleois), Interior Live Oak (Quercus
wislizenii), and Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa), regardless
of size.
"Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines" or
"Guidelines" - The policy established by the City Council
and the administrative procedures and rules established
by the Director for the implementation of the Oak Tree
Preservation Ordinance.
"Person" -.Any natural person, partnership, firm,
corporation, governmental.agency or other legal entity,
but does not include the City of Santa Clarita.
"Protected Zone" - A specifically defined area totally
encompassing an oak tree within which work activities are
strictly controlled. Using the dripline as a point of
reference, the protected zone shall commence at a point
five (5) feet outside of the dripline and extend inwards
to the trunk of the tree. In no case shall the protected
zone be less than fifteen feet (151).from the trunk of an
oak tree.
. "Removal" - The physical removal of a tree or causing the
death of a tree through damaging, poisoning or other
direct or indirect action.
•
"Routine Maintenance" - Actions taken for the continued
health of an oak tree such as insect control spraying,
limited watering, fertilization, deadwooding and ground
aeration. For the purposes of the ordinance, routine
maintenance shall not include pruning.
"Certification -Letter" - A letter certifying that the
work was performed under the general or direct
supervision of an oak tree preservation consultant and
that said work fully complies with the conditions of the
development permit, the oak tree report or these Oak Tree
Preservation Guidelines, as appropriate.
"Dead Tree" - A tree that does not contain any live
tissue; i.e., green leaves or live limbs. Since Valley
Oaks (Quercus lobata) are deciduous trees and are dormant
in the winter, their status must be confirmed by the
City's oak tree consultant in the spring before being
declared dead.
"Deadwooding" - The process of trimming an oak tree of
its deadwood.
• •
"Fine Grading Permit" - An entitlement from the City
authorizing certain grading work that must be conducted
within the protected zone of an oak tree, and allows
proper drainage to occur as required.by the Santa Clarita
Municipal Code.
"Ground Plane Improvements" - Improvements that.do not
disturb the soil within the protected zone of an oak tree.
"Oak Tree Consultant" - An individual or firm with a
degree or 0$�000X�o acceptable and relevant experience in
landscape architecture and/or horticulture, including a
great deal of experience in monitoring and maintaining
the health of oak trees.
"Oak Tree Information Packet" - A packet containing
certain information handouts distributed to property
owners whose lots contain oak trees.
"Oak Tree Permit" - An entitlement from the City
authorizing specific work to be performed within the
protected zone of an oak.tree.
"Oak Tree Report" - A report prepared by an oak tree
consultant containing specific information on the
location, condition, potential impacts of development, "
recommended actions and mitigation measures regarding one
or more oak trees on an individual lot or project site.
"Pre -Application Conference" - A meeting between the
applicant and appropriate City representatives for the
purpose of discussing -the requirements for submitting an
application for an oak tree permit.
"Pre -Construction Conference" - A meeting with the
applicant, contractors, superintendent, engineers, oak
tree consultants, and City representative to delineate
special procedures, limits of work, lines of authority
and special conditions or procedures.
"Protected Tree" - The same as oak tree. Minimum of six
(6) inches in circumference. (See definition of Oak
Tree.)
"Pruning" - Any and all cutting performed upon the roots
or limbs of an oak tree.
•
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IV. OAA TREE PRESERVATION
• Any person who owns,.controls,
of any -real property within the
shall make a reasonable effort
tree(s) located thereon in a st
Failure to do so will constitut
ordinance.
0
has custody or possession
City of Santa Clarita
to maintain all oak
ate of good health.
e a violation of the
Permit Required - No person shall cut, prune, remove,
relocate, endanger, damage or encroach into the protected
zone of any oak tree on any public or private property
within the City except in accordance with the conditions
of a valid oak tree permit issued by the City. The
applicant:shall be required to furnish all necessary
information as determined by the Director together with
the appropriate fee as established by Council
Resolution. Application materials shall include, but not
be limited to, an oak tree report conforming to the
Director's specifications, a field instrument survey of
the tree, its dripline, and protected zone location,
illustrations and justifications of the proposal, tree
tagging and photograph of each tree unless waived by the
Director.
STEP ONE: Pre -Application Conference.
• The purpose of this meeting is to familiarize the
applicant with the City's permit process, to identify the
information and materials necessary to file an
application for an oak tree permit, and to discuss
applicable policies and procedures relative to the
project. A pre -application conference may be arranged by
calling the Department of Community Development.
STEP TROs Formal Application.
Once the applicant has completed all application forms
and prepared all of the information identified during the
pre -application conference, the applicant may formally
submit the project application together with the
applicable fee.
STEP THREE: Application Review
On receipt of an application for an oak tree permit, the
Department of Community Development shall review the
application for accuracy and completeness and make an
inspection of the project site.
The application will be reviewed by the City's oak tree
consultant. Those situations requiring consultant review
• include, but are not limited to, projects involving
significant numbers of protected trees, projects
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involving development activities in the immediate
vicinity of protected trees, and/or projects where
physical protective measures may be required for the
continued health of the remaining trees.
Upon completion of application review and on-site
inspections,. the City's oak tree consultant shall submit
a written report to the Department of Community
Development outlining the findings and recommendations.
Normally, this will occur within ten working days of
receipt of.the application materials from the City.
STEP FOUR: Environmental Review.
Pursuant to the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act, the City staff shall determine
the appropriate level of environmental review for the
project. If an initial study is required, an
Environmental Questionnaire and associated filing fee
shall be required.
STEP FIVE: Findings for.Approval.
After receiving all of the required information, the
request may be approved when one of the following
findings can be made:
A. The condition of the protected tree(s) requires
cutting to.preserve its health or maintain its
balance.
B. The condition of the protected tree(s) general health
with respect to the perceived danger of falling over
or dropping limbs and its proximity to: existing
structures, high pedestrian areas such as roadways,
pedestrian walkways, parking lots or interference
with public utility lines cannot be controlled or
remedied through reasonable preservation and/or
preventive measures.
C. The approval of this request will not be contrary to
or in conflict with the general purpose and intent of
the oak tree ordinance.
D. In'°evaluating requests for removal or encroachments
based on the reasonable and conforming use section,
the City shall take into consideration: comparison
of proposed building(s) gross floor area and other
on-site design features with other conforming
developments in the same vicinity and zone, and any
other factors that are unique to the property such as
topographic constraints and other physical
limitations. The applicant shall be responsible for
submitting adequate information to demonstrate that
reasonable and conforming use cannot be made of the
• subject property without removal(s) or
endYoachment(s) into the protected zone of an oak
tree.
STEP SIX: Approval Procedure.
A. The Director may approve, deny, or conditionally
approve a request for the removal of three (3) or
fewer oak trees on a single parcel except for
Heritage Oak Trees as provided herein. The Director
may also approve, deny, or conditionally approve a
request for pruning or encroachment involving an
unlimited number of oak trees.
B. The Director may refer any request for an oak tree
permit directly to the Planning.Commission if the
Director determines that special circumstances may
exist with regard to the status of the tree(s),
special community interest, or exceptional aesthetic,
environmental or historical value.
C. The decision of the Director may be appealed to the
Planning Commission and the Commission's decision may.
be appealed to the City Council pursuant to the
provisions of the Municipal Code.
D. Any request for removal of four (4) or more oak trees
or one (1) or more Heritage Oak Trees on a single
parcel shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission
who may approve, deny or conditionally approve such
request. The decision of the Planning Commission may
be appealed to the City Council pursuant to the
provisions of the Municipal Code.
E. Notwithstanding the Director's authority under the
preceding paragraphs to act on requests relating to
oak trees, whenever the request involves another
entitlement requiring a recommendation or approval by
the Planning Commission, the Director shall refer the
request to the Planning Commission.
V. CONDITIONS
Conditions may be imposed on the permit at the discretion
of the decision -maker including, but not limited to, any
of the following:
A. A condition requiring the replacement or placement of
additional trees on the subject property to offset
the impacts associated with the loss of a tree, limbs
• or encroachment into the protected zone of an oak
tree.
B. The relocating of trees on-site or off-site, or the
planting of new trees on-site or off-site to offset
the loss of a tree. The applicant shall be
responsible for periodic submission of affidavits by
a certified oak tree expert at the conclusion of
grading and construction, one (1) year after the
planting of replacement or relocated trees, and two
years after the planting of replacement or relocated
trees for on-site trees only. Such affidavit shall
certify compliance with all conditions of the permit
and the health of all replacement or relocated
trees. This requirement shall be supplemented by
random inspections by the City of Santa Clarita. The
applicant's acceptance of an approved permit and the
exercise of rights thereunder shall be deemed consent
toallowingCity officials reasonable access to the
property for the purpose of conducting such
inspections. A written proposal from a qualified
transplantation company must be submitted stating the
validity of transplanting any tree.
C. A condition requiringa
maintenance and care program, as described -by the Oak
Tree Consultant, shall be required. fo/00 This
program shall be initiated to insure the continued,
health and care of oak trees on the property.
D. Payment of a fee or donation of boxed trees to the
City or other approved public agency to be used
.elsewhere in the City. Such fee or boxed trees shall
be of equivalent value to any and all oak trees
removed from the property as defined by the
International Society of Arboriculture's (ISA)
current edition of "Guide to Establishing Values for
Trees and Shrubs", a copy of which shall be kept on
file in the City's Department of'Community
Development. The applicant shall be credited with
the value of any replacement.oak trees which may be
required. Such fees shall be utilized for the
purpose of furthering the preservation and
regeneration of oak trees, the identification of
official designation of Heritage Oaks, the purchase,
monitoring and ongoing maintenance of oak trees,
landscaping and other habitat refurbishment, and for
educational informational programs related to oak
trees and their preservation. As an alternative to
the payment of all or a portion of the fees described
above, an applicant may also be credited with the
value of any accepted dedications of property within
the City which are suitable for the planting and
survival of oak trees. Fees imposed under this
section maybe reduced as mitigated by specific
circumstances and corrective measures undertaken by
the property owner.
1. Relocations
• In certain limited cases the City may consider
the relocation of oak trees from one area in the
project to another. The guidelines and
limitations of this program are as follows:
1.1 Oak trees which are approved for relocation
will be considered by the City as removals.
1.2.The.tree(s) being recommended for relocation
must be approved by the City's oak tree
consultant whose decision will be based upon
factors relating to health, typer size, time
of year and proposed location.
1.3 The diameter of any relocated tree may not
exceed 37.68 inches in circumference or
twelve inches (1211) in diameter. Exceptions
to this policy may be made if a larger
diameter,nursery grown oak tree is available
and can be reserved for a period of one year
in the event the relocation tree does not
survive for one year.
1.4 An inspection of relocated trees shall be
• made at the conclusion of grading and
construction, at one year and two year
intervals after the planting of replacement
or relocated trees. This pertains to onsite
trees only (in accordance with Section
.22.56.2150(b) of the oak Tree Ordinance).
1.5 A refundable cash security deposit, WO
000 Zshall be' made with the Department of
Community Development. The amount shall be
determined by The International Society of
Arboriculture Valuation, plus cost of
planting. The deposit will be refunded after
24 months if, in the opinion of the City's
oak tree consultant, the relocated tree has
survived and is considered to be in good
health. If the health of the tree is
unchanged or has declined, the applicant will
remove the relocated tree and -replace it with
an equivalent nursery grown oak tree or trees.
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1.6 Trees of replaceable size may be considered
for removal so that the new nursery tree can
be planted on site in a more appropriate
location relative to the new construction.
2. Replacement Tree - Types and Sizes
2.1 Types
In all cases, replacement trees must be
approved in advance by the City's oak tree
consultant yX11)5j6.as follows: Quercus
acrifolia (Live Oak), Quercus lobata (Valley
Oak), Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Oak),
Ouercus wislizenii (Interior Live Oak).
Other oak tree varieties -must be approved in
advance by the City's oak tree consultant.
8A
Note: In some cases, where it is not
possible to obtain nursery grown trees in the
. sizes required, an equivalent number of large
and small container oak trees shall be
planted in an amount equal to the cost of.the
larger but unavailable trees.
2.2 Sizes
While it is recognized that tree sizes may
vary somewhat, the following table taken from
the Keeline-Wilcox 1985 Wholesale catalog
will serve as the basis for what the City
expects in terms of size. Consultants will
be expected to make every attempt to obtain
oak trees whose specifications most nearly
approach the following:
FAM
Size
Container" Height' Spreall 7aligern
15 Gal. -
24" Box 8-10' 5-6' 2-
30,, Box 10-12' 6-8' 2 1/2"
36" Box 12-14' 8-10' 3"
42" Box 14-16' 10-12' 3 1/2-
48" Box 16-18' 12-13' 4"
54" Box 18' + 13-14' 4 1/2"
60" Box 20' +5-6"
14-15
72" Box 22' + 15' + 6" +
3, Location of Replacement Trees
In
determining the location of replacement trees,
the
Director shall consider, but is not limited
to,
the following factors:
_3.1
The vegetative character of the surrounding
area near the project site.
3.2
The number of oak trees subject to this
ordinance which are proposed to be removed in -
relation to the number of such trees
currently existing on the project site.
FAM
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3.3 The anticipated effectiveness of the
replacement oak trees as determined by the
oak tree report submitted by the applicant.
3.4 The development plans submitted by the
applicant for the proposed construction or
the proposed use of the project site.
In cases where conditions preclude the project
site for planting the replacement trees, the
Director may consider other options as follows:
3.5 Planting oak trees on public property such as
designated open space areas, public parks,
etc.
VI. OAR TREE PERMIT - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The materials required to complete an application are
described below. The Department of Community Development
may waive the filing of one or more of the items listed
when deemed unnecessary to process the application.
However, additional information may be required when
determined necessary for permit processing. The accuracy.
of all information, maps and lists submitted shall be the,
responsibility of the applicant.
0 A. Permit Required
There shall be no removal of/or encroachment into the
protected zone of an oak tree measuring six inches
(611) in circumference or larger when measured at a
point 4 1/2 feet above the tree's natural grade
without first obtaining an oak tree permit.
B. Application Form
Application shall be made on the standard application
form supplied by the Department of Community
Development. The signature of the property owner
will be required in all cases.
C. Justification Statement
An application requirement, which may not be waived,
is a written statement by the applicant or his oak
tree preservation consultant stating the
Justification for planned actions involving oak.trees.
Statements should establish how the oak trees in the
vicinity of the project or construction site will be
protected; that any construction or use will be done
with approved preservation methods; and that one of
the following findings -can be made:
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1. That due to the condition of the protected
• tree(s), certain actions are required to maintain
its health, balance or structure.
2. That the retention or failure to.allow some
encroachment of the trees as described in the
application prohibits the reasonable and
conforming use of the property. (Refer to
Section 22.56.2100 for specific guidelines.)
3. That the condition of the tree(s) subject to this
ordinance with respect to disease, danger of
falling, proximity to existing or proposed
buildings and/or structures, parking lots or
interference with utility services cannot be
controlled or remedied through redesign of the
site elements, reasonable preservation procedures
and practices.
D. Site Plan
The requirement for a site plan may be waived in some
situations involving cutting or removal of hazardous
oak trees.
In those cases determined to require a site plan, the
following information should be included.
NOTE: Existing site plan may be used provided the
.information is both current and accurate.
1. Size: Maps should not exceed 30" x 42" in size.
2. Scale: The scale should not be -smaller than
1" = 20'.
NOTE: Map size and scale may be decreased with prior
approval.
3. Title Block: In one corner of the map, indicate
the name of the property owners, applicant,
appropriate consultants, (such as surveyor and
oak tree specialists) address(s) and phone
number(s) of those involved in preparing the
plans and application.
4. Physical Characteristics: The body of the map
should accurately portray the following existing
and proposed features:
a. property lines;
b. streets, access easements and/or public or
• private driveways and any other paved areas;
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c. buildings or structures;
d. setbacks of all buildings and structures from
_ property lines;
e. parking and other paved areas;
f. land.uses on parcel (existing and proposed as
applicable);
g. proposed grading and construction - including
utilities and subdrains.
5. Oak Tree Locations: Unless advised differently,
the map shall indicate the exact location of an
oak tree proposed to be encroached upon, removed
and/or relocated, and those oaks.within 200 feet
of the project or construction area. Surveying
the exact location(s) of the tree(s) both
horizontally and vertically is very important and
must be accomplished by obtaining the services of
a professional engineer or a licensed land
surveyor whose signature shall be affixed to the
site plan and oak tree location map as
appropriate.
6. Dripline(s) of the Tree(s):. The exact location
of the dripline of an oak tree is crucial in
order to evaluate any impacts resulting from
construction. Consequently, aerial photographs
• and rough approximations will not be acceptable.
The dripline must be plotted in the following
manner:
a. Obtain and record eight compass readings: N,
NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW plus any directions
which have greater dripline dimensions.
b. Perform a measurement of the dripline in the
field at each compass reading.
c. Sketch in any variations as observed in the
field.
40
Where site improvements come within 20 feet of
any trees dripline; physically stake the surveyed
corners of building(s) or related improvements in
the field in order to assess the potential
impacts upon the trees. The determination for
this requirement will be made during the
pre -application conference.
In anticipation of a field inspection, each tree
shall be assigned a number on the plan and
physically tagged in the field as described in
Section IV. E. of this resolution:
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E. Tagging
is In the process of preparing oak tree reports each
tree is required to be numbered. In order to
standardize the system so that everyone may easily
locate the tree number the following procedure is
hereby established:
1. A permanent tag, a minimum of one and one-quarter
inches (1 1/411) to two inches (2") is to be used
for this purpose. The tag must be made from a
non -corrosive, all-weather material and be
permanently attached to the tree.
2. The tag shall be affixed to the north side of the
tree at a height of three and one-half feet (3
1/21)•above the natural elevation.
3. Except for trees whose number has become
obliterated, trees that were previously tagged
need not be retagged.
4. Trees whose numbers have become obliterated shall
be retagged using the new method described in
Section II. 1, above.
F. Oak Tree Report
1. General
a. No Report Necessary:
The determination on the requirement for an oak
tree report will be made during the
pre -application conference and will be predicated
on the scope of the project and the nature of its
impact on the surrounding trees. In general, the
requirements for an oak tree report may be waived
only in situations involving the removal of
hazardous trees, subject to verification by the
City's oak tree consultant. An oak tree report
may also be waived by the City's oak tree
consultant should all of the trees on the
property be a sufficient distance from
construction so as not to be impacted by
construction or grading, photographs and
protective fencing shall be required.
b. New Report Necessary:
In situations requiring the submission of an oak
tree report, the document shall be certified by
• the applicant's oak tree preservation consultant
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to be true and correct and must be acceptable to
the Director. Questions concerning the extent of
the report's content or the acceptability of the
report's preparer should be cleared with the
Community Development staff in advance.
c. Use of Existing Report:
In cases where there is an existing oak tree
report on a project that was not approved and/or
constructed, the applicant may be required to
provide a supplementary report rather than a new
report. In addition to any design changes, the
report will retain the original numbering system
and include the current health and dripline of
each oak tree on the project. This addendum
would usually occur after the original report is
approximately 2 years old.
2. Criteria
The oak tree report shall describe and evaluate
the health and condition of the subject oak trees
with respect to such factors as danger; existence
of disease and danger of the tree falling.
Additionally, each tree shall be rated on a scale
of A to F. (The rating system is described in
Section VI.F.3.)
A tree evaluation form shall be completed for
each affected tree.showing the location, spread,
trunk circumference (as measured [4 1/21] above
the average ground level at the base of the tree)
and species name of each oak tree. (Sample tree
evaluation forms are included in attachments.)
Additionally, the report shall discuss all
grading and structures, required cutting, paving
or trenching in and around the trees on the
project and shall evaluate, to the extent
possible, the impact of such activity on the
tree, as well as any mitigating measures
proposed, and the.anticipated effectiveness
thereof.
In addition, the oak tree report shall contain
the following information:
2.1 Physical Evaluation
The physical evaluation of each tree
includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
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a. Location of the tree - accomplished by a
professional.engineer or a licensed land
surveyor; for individual lots,.
consultants may accurately plot the
actual tree location utilizing property
line hubs.
b. Circumference of trunk at four feet, six
inches (41611) above grade;
c. Diameter of canopy and accurate plotting
of the protected zone and mean natural
grade at base;
d. Height of tree;
e. Appearance rating on an "A -F" scale based
on standard tree of same species ("A"
would be a nearly symmetrical, healthy
tree, "F" would be a dead tree);
f. Existing tree environment including type
of terrain;
g. Physical structure - excessive horizontal.
branching unbalanced crown, broken
branches, etc.; and any mitigation
measures proposed to correct any problems.
h. The minimum clearance from the present
grade to the bottom of the canopy on each
of the compass points.
i. Drawn sections shall be submitted showing
tree and all impacts to protected zone
above and below natural grade.. Sections
shall be to scale.
2.2 Horticultural Evaluation
Horticultural evaluation information
requires; including but not limited to:
a. Physical evidence of disease,
exfoliation, leaf scorch, exudations;
etc. It is required that each identified
disease symptom be accompanied with a
statement as to the probable effect of
the disease upon the life or structure of
the tree.
b. Identification of pests,.twig
girdler-borers, termites, pit scale,
plant parasites; etc.
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c. Evaluation of tree's vigor -- ex.: new
• tip growth, good leaf color, poor leaf
color, abnormal bark, deadwood, thinning
of crown; and recommended mitigation
measures necessary to correct any.
problems.
3. Oak Tree Rating System
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In rating oak trees, the following system will be
used to describe their condition.
a. "A" = Outstanding:
A healthy and vigorous tree characteristic of
its species and reasonably free of any
visible signs of stress, disease or pest
infestation.
b. "B" = Above Average:
A healthy and vigorous tree with minor
visible signs of stress, disease and/or pest
infestation.
C. "C" = Average:
Although healthy in overall appearance there
is an abnormal amount of stress or disease
and/or pest infestation.
d. "D" = Below Average/Poor:
This tree is characterized by exhibiting a
greater degree of stress, disease and/or
pest infestation than normal and appears to
be in a state -of rapid decline. The degree
of decline may vary greatly in signs of
dieback, disease and pest infestation and
appears to be.in an advanced state of
decline.
e. "F" = Dead:
.This tree exhibits no signs of life
whatsoever.
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VII. STANDARDS FOR PERFORMAN
• A. 'General Information
1. Scope of Work
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All work shall be performed as specified in the
approved oak tree report, oak tree permit and the
requirements contained in these guidelines and
the accompanying standards and details.
Additional work such as spraying, watering,
fertilization, cabling, bracing, etc., may be.
required as determined by the City's oak tree
consultant. It must be remembered that these
trees are living organisms and that the necessity
for such additional work may be required due to a
change in their condition since the original oak -
tree report was prepared.
2. Oak Tree Preservation Consultants
Generally, the services of an oak tree consultant
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are made necessary by conditions of approval of
various permits issued by the City of Santa
Clarita. The importance of the consultant to th„
applicant/property owner is clear from the
various requirements listed in this resolution.
•
From the City's perspective it is both necessary
and critical that the applicant/property owner
identify the consultant.of record and allow he or
she to act independently to perform his/her
duties in a manner whereby he/she will be able to
certify work as required by these guidelines.
Where major cuts
(over 6" circumference) have been approved, the
applicant/property owner must��/#�(//�#�S�ig(
notify the consultant(s) with a 48hour advance
written notice before commencing any authorized
work within the protected zone of oak trees.
Moreover, it is mandatory that the
applicant/property owner -notify the Department of
Community Development in writing within five (5)
days of any changes of their oak tree
preservation consultant(s) of record.
3. inspections
All work shall be conducted in accordance with
applicable ordinances and procedures detailed in
this resolution. It is the applicant's
responsibility to call for and secure all
.
inspections required to approve all such work.
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4. work Within the Protected Zone
Because of the high sensitivity of oak trees,
great care must be taken when work is being
conducted within the protected zone. For this
reason, the.City has established specific
procedures to ensure that the trees receive
maximum protection. The procedures are as
follows:
a. On-site Supervision
All work conducted within the protected zone
of the oak tree shall be performed in the
presence of the applicant's oak tree
consultant, and verified by the City's oak
tree consultant.
b. Forty -Eight Hour Notice
Except for deadwooding and pruning of limbs
which.are six.inches (6")or less in
circumference, the applicant shall provide a
48 hour notice to the Department of Community,
Development and the_appropriate.oak tree
consultant before beginning any work within
the protected zone.
c. Hand Tools
Unless otherwise approved, all work conducted
within the protected zone shall be
accomplished using hand tools only. Use of
tractors and other vehicles is prohibited.
d. Certification Letter
Certification letters are required for all
work conducted upon oak trees. In -this
regard, the applicant's oak.tree consultant.
shall submit a certification letter to the
Department of Community Development within
JX'0 /1%j ten (10) working days after
completion of such work certifying that all
of the work was conducted in accordance with
the appropriate permits and the requirements
of this resolution.
5. New Plants Within the•Protected Zone
Although any planting within the protected zone
® is discouraged, only drought tolerant plantings
will be permitted. Moreover, if such plants are
allowed, no spray -type irrigation systems will be
permitted. Each request to plant within the
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protected zone.of.an oak tree will be judged on
its own merits. Paramount in the consideration
of a request will be the compatibility of the
plantings to the intent to preserve the oak.
Plants should be selected from those normally
found beneath an oak tree in its natural
setting. Use caution to avoid plants which are
susceptible to either Phvtoohthora cinnamomi
(Avocado Root Rot) or Armillaria mellea (Oak Root
Fungus). A three inch (311) layer of organic
mulch will be installed within the protected zone
of all oak trees.
B. Tree Maintenance and Pruning Operations
1. Ornamental or Aesthetic Pruning
IT IS THE POLICY OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Q
TO ALLOW THE REMOVAL OF LIVE TISSUE FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ALTERING THE APPEARANCE OF AN OAK
TREE. THEREFORE, ORNAMENTAL PRUNING, THINNING
OUT, HEADING UP, OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR PRUNING
WHICH INVOLVES THE REMOVAL OF LIVE TISSUE IS
DISCOURAGED. THESE PROCESSES CONTRIBUTE TO THE
ONSET OF INSECTS AND DISEASES.
. 2. Deadwooding
is permitted. This
activity is exempt from the requirement to obtain
a permit. See definition of deadwood. If
uncertain as to whether it is deadwood or not,
contact the City's Oak Tree Consultant.
3. Structurally Unsafe Limbs and Branches
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Live limbs or branches that do not exceed six
inches (611) in circumference and are considered
to be unsafe because of decay, rot, cavities,
cracks or splitting can be removed without
obtaining an oak tree permit. However, the
decision to remove such limbs must be made by the
applicant's oak tree consultant. Any remedial
actions on limbs larger than six inches (61') in
circumference will be subject to City approval.
Such request shall include a brief written report
from the applicant's oak tree consultant
detailing the conditions that exist and any
remedial work recommended to correct the
situation.
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4. Unbalanced, Trees
Trees that are suspected of being physically
unbalanced because of broken limbs or which may
become unbalanced as a result -of the deadwooding
process will require an oak tree report.and an
oak tree permit before any work can be
performed. The report shall contain an analysis
of .the problem and a recommendation for whatever
remedial work may be necessary to correct the
situation.
5. Pruning Live Tissue (Encroachments)
Generally, the removal of live growth must be
approved by the Department of Community
Development through an oak tree permit
application. However, a property owner may
remove limited live tissue when the limbs do not
exceed six inches (6") in circumference without
obtaining an oak tree permit. No live tissue
(roots or limbs) exceeding six inches (611) in
circumference can be removed, regardless of the
reason, without first obtaining an oak tree
permit. Exceptions to this requirement are cases,
where clearance is required for utilities or
public rights-of-way _which are made known to the
City. All pruning work shall follow proper
arboriculture practices as approved by the City's
oak -tree consultant. All diseased, dead or
improperly pruned limbs shall be removed from
each tree.
6. Fire Damaged Trees
Although fire is considered a serious threat to
oak trees, many trees can survive several
damaging fires. During their life span they can
continue to provide wildlife enhancement,
watershed protection, physical and aesthetic
value to the community.
Some.trees may begin to exhibit visible signs of
rejuvenation within a few weeks of a fire. It is
desirable to postpone the cutting of heavily
charred oak trees for at least 2 to 3 years..
Most trees will recuperate. Since there are many
factors that will determine the survival'of fire
damaged trees, a careful assessment of each
individual tree must be undertaken. Burned trees
• shall be assessed and rated either A, B, Cl D or
F immeditely after the fire and again one (1)
year later. Subsequent inspections may also be
required before deciding on a specific course of
action.
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POLICY: THEREFORE, IT IS THE POLICY OF THE CITY
• OF SANTA CLARITA TO REQUIRE A COMPLETE OAK TREE
REPORT ON ANY AND ALL OAR TREES THAT HAVE BEEN
FIRE -DAMAGED BEFORE ANY WORK CAN BE PERMITTED.
In preparing this -report, oak tree consultants
may assess the extent of the damage using visual
or other techniques as necessary. If the removal
of any live tissue is so indicated, an exception
may be made to prune the tree is such a manner so
as to permit the regeneration process to proceed
unhindered by dead or unhealthy limbs. When
cases such as these occur, the applicant's oak
tree preservation consultant will recommend a
program in the oak tree report to address the
problem.
7. Diseased Trees - Pests and Insects
Generally speaking, our native oak trees are a
hardy species. However, there are a variety of
diseases and pests that can severely affect trees
that are in a state of general decline. This may
create a safety hazard. Since the entire subject
of diseases, pests and insects is a highly
technical matter, no diseased tissue may be
removed, unless it is unsafe, without submitting
an oak tree report and obtaining an oak tree
permit.
8. Roots
All roots one inch (111) or larger shall be
treated as in paragraph 5 (Pruning). Where
structural footings are required and roots will
be impacted, the footings shall be bridged and
the roots protected. Cover all such roots with
two to four inches (4") of styrofoam matting
prior to pouring the footing.
Finally, all trees that have suffered root damage
shall be fed nutrients to encourage new growth.
The applicant's oak tree consultant shall make
recommendations as to the proper time of year and
type of fertilizer and its application method to
the City before proceeding with a nutrient
fertilization program.
9. Cavities
All cavities must be cleaned out of loose
debris. Some cavities must be cleaned out to
remove all decayed wood while protecting live'
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tissue from injury, provide for proper drainage
• and allow for new growth, as determined by the
City's oak tree consultant. Concrete or other
—similar materials shall not be used to seal or
fill cavities. Screening shall be applied over
remaining cavities to prevent debris buildup.
10. Tree Removals
Unless otherwise expressly approved in writing,
authorized removal of oak trees shall be
accomplished using the following guidelines.
a. All portions of the tree shall be completely
removed from the site and debris relocated to
a �000J$X�04 permitted refuse disposal site.
Additionally, the stump must be completely
removed and the hole or indentation filled
with soil.
b. All tree wells that .were created to preserve
the tree shall be completely filled with soil
to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and
Building official.
11. Tree Replacements
. a. Replacement trees shall be planted in
accordance with the procedures established in
Section v.5 of these guidelines.
b. Unless waived by the Department of Community
Development, a refundable security deposit in
an amount equal to the cost of the
replacement trees shall be deposited in trust
with the City of Santa Clarita to guarantee
the implementation of Section 10.3. The
deposit will be refunded upon satisfactory
completion of these conditions. The dollar
deposit shall be determined by using the
International Society of Arboriculture method
of determination.
c. A signed acceptance of the conditions of the
oak tree -permit for removal shall be executed
by the applicant or his representative and
the refundable security deposit shall be made
prior to the issuance of the oak tree permit.
C. Phases of Construction
The information contained in
. into the four phases normally
construction. Apart from the
conducted.during each phase,
22
this section is divided
associated with new
normal activities
there are certain
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conditions associated with work around oak.trees that
• are required to be completed during these phases.
This section addresses these conditions and, unless
warved by the Department of Community Development,
are expected to be completed for all residential,
commercial and industrial projects.
1. Pre -Construction Phase
This period is defined as -the time between the
approval of a development permit and the issuance
of a grading permit. No work .of any kind may
occur on an approved project unless a stage
grading permit, grading permit or oak tree permit
has been obtained from the City of Santa
Clarita. A grading plan for parcels with oak
trees on the property will not be approved until
the oak.tree consultant has reviewed and approved
the grading plan. Generally speaking, the
following activities will occur before the
commencement of grading operations.
1.1 Pre -Construction Conference
During the conduct of this meeting
representatives from the Departments of
• Community Development and Public Works will
address various issues relating to oak trees
on the project site. These issues include,
but shall not be limited to, the following
matters:
a. The Fencing Plan
The applicant or his representative shall
bring a copy of the fencing plan to the
pre -construction meeting. Using the
approved grading plan or the site plan,
the fencing plan should be designed along
the following guidelines:
b. A minimum five foot (5') high �0� chain
link fence in concrete footings with
posts installed every eight feet (8') and
000 two feet (21) deep into natural
grade will be required to be installed at
the outermost edge of the protected zone
of each oak tree or groups -of trees.
Exceptions.to this policy may occur in
cases where oak trees are located on
slopes that will not be grubbed or
graded, or are located on future phases
is where there is no activity
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planned or no currently approved grading
plan. The fences must be installed in
accordance with the approved fencing plan
prior to the commencement of any grading
operations. The applicant's
superintendent will be responsible to
call the Department of Community
Development for an inspection and
approval of the fencing prior to the
beginning of the grubbing or grading
operations.
C. Additionally, signs must be installed on
the fence in four locations (equidistant)
around each tree. The size of each sign
must be a minimum of two feet by two feet
square and must contain the following
language:
WARNING
THIS FENCE IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THIS TREE AND SHALL NOT.
BE REMOVED OR RELOCATED WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM
THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
On a grove of oak trees, signs shall be
placed at approximately 50 feet intervals
around the grove.
d. Once approval has been obtained; the
fences shall remain in place throughout
the entire construction period and may
not be removed without obtaining written
authorization from the Department of
Community Development.
2. Grading, Operations Phase
This period is defined as the time between the
commencement of grading operations and the
commencement of construction of the building
improvements. It is understood that the
construction phase may begin while grading
operations are continuing and that grading may
begin on a subsequent phase while construction is
still in.progress on a previous phase.
For purposes of this section, each phase is
considered separate and the conditions associated
with each phase will be required to be completed
at the start or during the operations of each
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phase. The inspector from the Department of
. Community Development will make that
determination in the field.
In addition to the normal grading operations
conducted during this phase, the applicant will
be required to complete or satisfy the following
tasks:
2.1 On -Site Documentation
The following information must be located and
permanently retained on the construction site
at the start of grading operations. The
superintendent will be required to call the
Department of Community Development to
request an inspection and to verify that the
following information is provided on site:
a. Oak Tree Permit - all 0004/400
proposed modifications.
b. Oak Tree Location Map.
c. Oak Tree Fencing Plan.
d. Approved Grading -Plans approved by the
City Engineer and Oak Tree Consultant.
Stamped set approved by the Community
Development Department.
e. Permit and Tract Conditions:
A copy of the approved permit and tract
conditions, and all current and future
modifications approved by the Community
Development Department.
f. Oak tree inspection card.
g. Oak tree ordinance.
h. Oak tree preservation guidelines.
i. Approved planting and irrigation drawings.
2.2 Oak Tree Removals, Deadwooding, Pruning, Pest
Control, Feeding, Fertilization
Unless otherwise approved, the applicant is
required to complete oak tree removals, pest
25
control, and fertilization, as approved by
• the oak tree permit for theentireproject of
the phase that is currently being graded.
Dead wooding or pruning is to be accomplished
after the .
construction phase of the project, unless
otherwise approved.
2.3 Retaining Walls within the Protected Zone
In cases where an oak tree permit has been
approved for, the construction of retaining
walls within the protected zone of the oak
tree, the applicant will be required to
complete these improvements before completion
of grading operations.and before
commencements of the construction phase.
2.4 Oak Tree Preservation Devices
If required by the oak tree report and the
oak -tree permit, preservation devices such as
air ventilation systems, oak.tree wells,
drains, special paving and cabling systems
will be required to be installed before the
completion of the grading phase and the
• commencement of the construction phase.
These devices must be installed under the
direct supervision of the applicant's oak
tree preservation consultant who will be
responsible to write a letter certifying all
such work and submit it to the Department of
Community Development.
2.5 Utility Trenching -Pathway Plan
In order to avoid unnecessary damage to the
root system, prior to the completion of the
grading operations and before the
commencement of the construction phase, the
applicant will be required -to submit a
utility trenching -pathway plan to the
Departments of Community Development and
Public Works for review and approval. The
plan shall use the best alternative to
trenching within the tree's protected zone.
The plan will depict all of the following
systems: Storm drains, sub -drains, sewers,
easements, area drains, gas.lines, electrical
service, cable TV, water mains, irrigation
mainlines, and any other underground
installations.
• Additionally, the plan must show all lateral
lines serving the residences. To be
completely effective, the plan must include
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the surveyed locations of all oak trees on
the project as well as an accurate plotting
of the protected zone.
The plan should be developed considering the
following general guidelines:
a. All systems in this subsection (2.5),
shall avoid going into the protected zone
of any oak tree.
b. Where it is not possible to avoid some
encroachment, the design shall minimize
the extent of such encroachment and a
report of.these encroachments and
mitigation measures will be made in a
supplemental oak tree report.
2.6 Parking Lots and Pedestrian Walkway
Improvement Location
Since the City's policy is to preserve all
healthy oak trees unless justifying the
removal, cutting or relocation of.an oak
tree, architects should design their projects,
with these requirements in mind. Therefore,
. for public safety reasons, parking lots and
pedestrian walkways must be designed so that
no unhealthy oak trees are proposed to remain
in high vehicular and pedestrian areas..
Trees whose ratings are confirmed to be a "D"
or less should be avoided in pre -design or
proposed for removal unless it is felt that
major surgery coupled with a -fertilizer
program will restore.the tree to a safe and
vigorous condition.
To the extent possible, parking spaces should
not be located directly under the canopy of
oak trees. When this is not possible,
pervious paving material shall be employed to
the satisfaction of the Department of
Community Development. The applicant's
licensed engineer will be required to certify
that such work was accomplished under his
personal supervision and in accordance with
the approved plans.
2.7 Cut and Fill Slopes
In general, every effort should be made to
avoid cut and/or.fill slopes within the
• protected zone of any oak tree. Where fill
slopes are proposed, the oak tree report must
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include a soils report indicating whether or
not it will be necessary to cut and recompact
the area prior to moving the fill material
into position.
3. Construction Phase
This period is - defined as the time during which
building improvements are under construction.
3.1 Ground Plane Improvements
The following improvements may be permitted
to be installed within the protected zone of
an oak tree subject to the approval of an oak
tree permit issued by the Department of
Community Development and the limitations and
guidelines contained in this sections Patio
covers, wood decks, garden walls, fences,
gazebos and other similar improvements. The
guidelines and limitations are as follows:
a. An oak tree permit shall be submitted and
approved by the Department of Community
Development.
b. Trenching under the dripline of -an oak
tree may be conducted with hand tools
only.
c. All of the work shall be conducted in the
presence of an oak tree preservation
consultant, subject to verification by
the City's oak tree consultant.
d. Minor roots under one inch in diameter
may be -cut but must be treated with an
approved compound before the improvements
are installed.
e. Roots over six inches (611) in
circumference may only be cut with City
approval.
f. All root pruning shall consist of clean
cuts at a 45 degree angle with the cut
surface facing downward.
3.2 Fine Grading Permit (Oak Tree Lots Only)
On most tracts, the drainage patterns for the
lots will have been designed into the
• original grading plan. However, this is not
the case with custom lots and custom lot
tracts. Therefore, in an effort to avoid
establishing_ drainage patterns that intrude
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into the protected zone of oak trees, the
following procedures have been established.
a. Custom Lots and Custom Lot Tracts
A fine:grading permit will need to be
obtained from the Public Works -Department
before any fine grading work may begin.
The landscape architect or engineer shall
design a pattern what will completely
avoid the protected zone utilizing
surface and/or subsurface drainage
devices. Additionally, the oak tree
consultant will be required to submit a
supplemental oak tree report to the
Department of Community Development for
review and approval prior to fine grading
the lot.
Following approval of the plan and the
completion of the work, the oak tree
consultant will submit a letter within
ten (10) working days of -certification to
the Department of Community Development.
b. Other Lots and Projects
On all other projects, grading plans will
be designed at the outset to avoid the
protected zone of. the oak trees.. The
procedure for these lots will be as
described in custom lots, above.
4. Post Construction Phase
This period is defined as the time following the
completion of all building improvements. In
residential projects, the construction phase and
the post -construction phase will overlap as
houses are completed and new houses are.still
being constructed. For. purposes of this section,
certain conditions will be required to be
completed prior to Community Development
Department approval.
4.1 Certification of Oak Tree Work
On all lots containing oak trees, the
inspector from the Department of Community
Development will require that all of the oak
tree work required by the conditions of the
development permit, the oak tree report and
the oak tree permit, as applicable, have been
completed and certified by the applicant's
oak tree preservation consultant prior to
Community Development Department approval.
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4.2 Oak Tree Information Packet
In cooperation with the sales agent, the
applicant will be required to provide and
certify that an oak tree information packet,
as approved by the Director,.has been
provided to the buyer of the property and the
homeowners' association. The information to
be included in this packet is as follows:
a. Oak Trees - Care and.Maintenance
b. Oak Tree Ordinance
c. Oak Tree Preservation Guidelines
d. Development Permit: Copy of the
City -approved conditions of approval of
the oak tree permit.
e.. Certification of receipt of the oak tree
information packet will be accomplished
as follows:
Applicant/sales agent shall prepare a
letter introducing the packet. The
letter and the packet shall then be sent
by certified mail to the property owner.
The applicant shall forward a copy of the
letter and a signed copy of the return
receipt card to the Department of
Community Development where it will be
recorded and stored.
VIII. ENFORCEMENT
A. General
The Department of Community Development, through its
Code Enforcement Officers, shall vigorously enforce
the provisions of the oak tree ordinance and the oak
tree preservation guidelines contained within this
ordinance. Additionally, inspectors from Building
and Safety and Public works, in the course of their
regular duties, will monitor activities on-site on a
daily basis. Any irregularities or suspected
violations will be immediately reported to the Code
Enforcement Section for -follow-up action.
B. Stop Work Orders
Whenever any construction or work is being performed
contrary to the provisions of the oak.tree ordinance,
oak tree preservation guidelines, oak tree permit or
conditions of the appropriate development permit, a
.City inspector may issue a written notice to the
responsible party to "stop work" on the project on
30 ��/
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which the violation has occurred or upon which the
danger exists. The notice shall state the nature of
the violation or danger and no work shall be allowed
until the violation has been rectified and approved
by the Code Enforcement Officer or the City's oak
tree consultant.
C. Citations
1. Additional Remedies
Any person who cuts, damages, moves or.removes
any oak tree within the City.or.encroaches into
the drip line of an oak tree in violation of
section 22.56.2100, of the City's zoning
ordinance shall be subject to the following
remedies in addition to any penalties provided by
the Municipal Code:
a. A suspension of any building permits until
all mitigation measures specified by the City
are satisfactorily completed.
b. Completion of all mitigation measures as
established by the City.
2. Restitution
It.has been determined that the oak trees within
the City are valuable assets to the citizens of
this community and to the citizens of'the State
of California and as a result of the loss or
damage to any of these trees, the public should
be recompensed.
Any person violating the.provisions of this
chapter.shall be responsible for proper
restitution and may be required to replace the
oak tree(s) so removed or damaged. Replacement
shall be made based on the value or the actual
replacement cost, whichever is -higher, plus the.
cost of vlantina the replacement trees. )6¢ OO
Ff+S�/ F�'F'F1 Sa9iS"WS9f'pI S°f� f'F'1'S°rS�Yr � •.,,c ..�,.,,o�, o��o
and location of said equivalent replacement.oak
trees shall be determined by the Director.
The value shall be established as provided in the
tree evaluation formula, as prepared by the
International Society of Arboriculture "Guide to
Establishing Values for Trees and Shrubs".
31
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171
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
• STAFF REPORT
OAK TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION GUIDELINES
DATE: July 17, 1990
TO: Chairwoman Garasi and Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Director of Community Development
%'�j1
�
` /,/ -a_
CASE PLANNER: Michael Rubin
APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita
LOCATION: Citywide
REQUEST: Adoption of guidelines in accordance with.0ak Tree Preservation
Ordinance (Ord. No. 89-10)
BACKGROUND:
The present oak tree ordinance was adopted by the City Council an April 25,
1989 by Ordinance No. 89-10. Sec. 22.56. 2070 of that ordinance requires the
adoption of guidelines to supplement the ordinance. The purpose of the
• guidelines is to provide further policy and standards to implement -the oak
tree ordinance.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Eight major sections comprise the guidelines:
I. Purpose, II. Oak Tree Policy, III. Definitions, IV. Oak Tree preservation,
V. Conditions, VI. Oak -Tree Permit - Application Requirements, VII. Standards
for Performance of Required Work, and VIII. Enforcement.
All eight of the sections are an expansion of the same subject described in
the ordinance. The last six of the above sections are described for the
Commission's conveniences
III. DEFINITIONS
Although 12 definitions are included in the ordinance, they are repeated
in the guidelines, as well as 13 additional definitions contained in the
guidelines, so that all of the definitions are contained in one place for
easy reference. New definitions provided in the guidelines are:.
"Certification Letter," "Dead Tree," 'Deadwooding,' "Fine Grading Permit,'
"Ground Plane Improvements" "Oak Tree Consultant,' 'Oak Tree Information
Packet," "Oak Tree.Permit, "Oak Tree Report," "Pre -Application
Conference," "Pre -construction Conference," "Protected Tree," and
"Pruning."
Oak Tree Guidelines - 2 - July 17, 1990
. IV. OAK TREE PRESERVATION
The preservation section describes when the need exists to apply for an
oak tree permit and the processing procedure.
V. CONDITIONS
Standard conditions are set forth in four common subject areas:
replacement of oak trees, relocation of oak trees, establishing a
maintenance program, and payment of a fee in -lieu of the above.
Provisions also exist for imposing other conditions as necessary.
VI. OAK TREE PERMIT - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
This section lists the requirements of the application, and discusses in
detail what is required to complete the application. The basic
requirements of an application will be a justification statement, a site
plan, tagging of trees in the field, and an oak tree report.
VII. STANDARDS FOR PERFORMANCE OF REQUIRED WORK
The purpose of this section is to establish how work around and near an
oak tree, as requested in an oak tree permit, shall be conducted.
Standards and procedures are set forth in the following areas to ensure
that work affecting an oak tree is appropriately conducted: use of the
City's oak tree consultant, inspections, work within the protected zone,
new plants within the protected zone, tree maintenance and pruning, tree
removals, and phases of construction.
VIII. ENFORCEMENT
Reasonable enforcement is necessary to ensure that work authorized by a
permit is properly completed. Conditions of approval of a permit may
require that certain ongoing provisions apply to protect the environment
of an oak tree following issuance of a permit. Subsequent enforcement of
the requirements of a permit is appropriate. The enforcement provisions
authorize the use of stop work orders, and citations. Should
inappropriate work be identified, a citation may require additional
remedies and restitution.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the adoption of
these guidelines is categorically exempt under Sections 15307 and 15308
(Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources and
Protection of the Environment) of the State CEQA.Guidelines. No further
environmental review is necessary.
INTER DEPARTMENT/AGENCY REVIEW:
The Oak Tree Guidelines were prepared by the City's oak tree consultant, and
reviewed by the Community Development Department staff.
5-5-
Oak Tree Guidelines - 3 - July 17, 1990
•
ANALYSIS:
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The Oak Tree Guidelines will assist applicants with oak tree permits.
Direction will be provided in how the City expects oak trees to be cared for
and how work near oak trees must be completed.
RECOMMENDATION:
Pending public testimony, recommend approval of the attached guidelines to the
City Council, by minute action.
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ID 49
. -5�-6
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
• STAFF REPORT
OAR TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION GUIDELINES
DATE: August 21, 1990
T0: C r Br thwaite nd Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Director mmunity Development
CASE PLANNER: Michael Rubin
APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita
LOCATION: Citywide
REQUEST: Adoption of guidelines in accordance with 0ak Tree Preservation
Ordinance (Ord. No. 89-10) (continued from July 17, 1990)
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting of July 17, 1990, the Planning Commission opened the public
hearing on the above matter; accepted public testimony, and continued the item
to its regular meeting of August 21, 1990. The purpose of the continuance was
to allow staff to make revisions to the guidelines as requested by the
Commission and to meet with Newhall Land and Farming Co. to discuss its
concerns. Both have now been completed.
Revisions requested by the Commission were entirely for clarification; no
substantive changes were requested. The major changes requested were as
follows:
1. Page ii - Introduction
An introduction was added. Its primary purpose is to restate the
exemptions so that the reader may quickly ascertain if any further reading
of the guidelines is necessary.
2. Page 8 - Sec. V-1-1.5 - Cash Security Deposit
The refundable cash security deposit was clarified to be determined by the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) valuation plus the cost of
planting.
3. Page 8A - Sec. V-2-2.1 - Replacement Trees
A clarification was added that the choice of the replacement tree must be
approved by the City's oak tree consultant.
. 4. Page 18 Sec VII 4 a b and c Work within Protected Zone
Paragraphs a and b were reversed. In paragraph c, the term •hand tools" .
was clarified by adding the last sentence, "Use of tractors and other
vehicles is prohibited."
4
Oak Tree Guidelines
- 2 -
• .5. Page 19 - Sec. VII -B-2 - Deadwooding
August 21, 1990
The first sentence was simplified to read,."Deadwooding is permitted."
Then the definition of deadwooding may be relied upon for further
explanation if necessary.
6. Page 20 - Sec. VII -B-6 - Fire Damaged Trees
How fire -damaged trees would be assessed needed clarification. In the
second sentence of the second paragraph the following language was added:
"Burned trees shall be assessed.and rated either A, B, C, D, or F
immediately after.the fire and again at least one (1) year later," before
deciding.....
7. Page 23 - Sec. VII -C -1-1.1-b - Fencine
Minor clarifications were made in the fencing requirements. The
requirement for a new fence was deleted and the depth of installation into
natural grade was changed.from three (3) feet to two (2) feet.
8. Page 26 - Sec. VII -C-2-2.5 - Utility Trenching
It was necessary to clarify that utility trenching through a protected
zone should be avoided wherever possible: After the first sentence, the '
following was added: "The plan shall use the best alternative to
trenching within the protected zone.'
9. Page 31 -,Sec. VIZI-C-2 - Restitution
The.second paragraph was clarified to explain that restitution would be
made based on either the I.S.A value or the actual replacement' cost of the
tree, whichever is higher, plus the cost of planting the tree.
10. Additional miscellaneous changes were made throughout the guidelines of a
minor nature such as grammatical changes, and single word substitutions,
that are not enumerated above.
After staff met with Newhall Land and Farming Co., only two actual requests
were made by NLF to change certain language in the code. The first request
can be supported by the staff, but the second cannot:
1. In two locations in the guidelines, page 18 (sec. VII -A -4-d), and page 29
(sec. VII -C -3-3.2-a) mention is made of a certification letter. This
letter is intended to show that work was conducted properly around, or
affecting an oak tree. The original draft guidelines required this letter
to be provided within five (5) working days of the work completed. This
has been requested to be changed to ten (10) working days, and is
acceptable to the staff.. The guidelines have now been changed to reflect
the 10 -day period.
• 2. In the section dealing with tree relocations, page 8 (sec. V -D-1-1.4), a
cash security deposit is required. The request wasmadeto change this
requirement to a system of inspections. Rather than provide a cash
deposit to insure the health of a transplanted tree, it was proposed that
002
Oak Tree Guidelines - 3 - August 21, 1990
• an inspection be made after two years. (This is already required by the
Oak Tree Ordinance and mention is now made in the guidelines to this
effect, preceding the security deposit paragraph ). Then, if the
relocated tree died, the City could require replacement. Also, if the
City desires, repeated inspections could be made at regular intervals
beyond the two-year point to monitor the health of a transplanted tree.
This.request is not acceptable to the staff. It would require additional
effort to monitor the trees in this fashion. Also, property could have
changed ownership since the tree was transplanted; without a security
deposit, it would be difficult to ensure that a dead or dying transplanted
tree would ever get replaced. Another solution could be a different form
of financial security, such as a letter of credit or a performance bond,
but this would be more tedious to administer than a cash deposit. Based
on the recommendation of the City's Director of Finance and General
Services, the staff would suggest that the form of security remain as
currently stated in the draft guidelines as a "refundable cash security
deposit."
Additionally, the Commission requested information on the viability of oak
tree transplantation. The following is provided by the City's Oak Tree
Consultant, Susan Kelsey:
Native oak trees can live for 1,000 years. How their survival is altered
. by transplantation is not yet known and will take many years to study.
This conclusion will sometimes conflict with the reasonable development of
a property. Once all alternatives have been researched and all fail,
transplantation can be considered. An Oak tree's roots extend 100' beyond
its trunk. Transplantation preserves only a fraction of this needed
system. The hair roots, smaller roots, are those which 'feed• the tree.
The larger roots support the tree, physically. Trees over 12 inches in
diameter should not be transplanted. The best candidates are between
three inches and six inches in diameter. Transplantation is best
accomplished in the winter months and the longer the process takes, six
months or longer, the more apt the tree is to survive. Transplanted trees
must be.monitored very closely. A period of five (S) years should be the
minimum.
The Commission also requested information on an oak tree outreach program.
Presently, no organized program exists, but will be considered for future
implementation. A.brochure entitled "Understanding Our Oak Trees" is
available to the public in the Community Development Department to help with
questions on the care of oak trees. Also, the'City's Oak Tree Consultant is
available for assistance.
RECOMENDATION
Pending public testimony, recommend approval of the attached guidelines to the
City Council by minute action.
•
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