HomeMy WebLinkAbout22 - 15th Street Sidewalk Conceptual Approval�EWPR CITY OF
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<,FoR�P City Council Staff Report
February 14, 2017
Agenda Item No. 22
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David A. Webb, Public Works Director - 949-644-3311,
dawebb@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Mark Vukojevic, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer,
mvukojevic@newportbeachca.gov
PHONE: 949-644-3319
TITLE: 15th Street Sidewalk Conceptual Approval -Newport Heights
ABSTRACT:
Parents, students and others in the Newport Heights area have asked for ways to improve
pedestrian and bike access to Newport Heights Elementary School. One request was for
a full sidewalk on the south side of 15th Street, between Irvine Avenue and Santa Ana
Avenue. 15th Street is currently designated as a "Significant Link" street requiring property
owners to install the sidewalk as redevelopment occurs. Portions of this sidewalk have
been installed over the years by developments. Staff is asking City Council to consider
accelerating the in -fill installation of this sidewalk by approving the concept and
incorporating it into the upcoming Newport Heights Concrete Alley Capital Improvement
Project.
RECOMMENDATION:
a) Determine that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential to
have a significant effect on the environment based on the sidewalk being constructed
within the improved right of way; and
b) Review the conceptual sidewalk layout and provide guidance on the concept; approve
the concept; waive City Council Policy G-1 and approve the removal of public trees to
accommodate the sidewalk, and direct staff to work with the Parks, Beaches, and
Recreation Commission on the selection of replacement trees; direct staff to bring
back a budget amendment for the project; and incorporate the sidewalk work into the
upcoming Newport Heights Concrete Alley Project.
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151h Street Sidewalk Conceptual Approval — Newport Heights
February 14, 2017
Page 2
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
The proposed project is not currently listed in the FY 16/17 Capital Improvement Program
Budget. A budget amendment will be required and would be brought forward for future
consideration. The project is currently estimated to cost $500,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
During Fall 2016, the Public Works Department reached out to the Newport Heights
community regarding a planned on -street bicycle lane striping improvement on 15th
Street. At that time, the City mailed approximately 240 letters to the surrounding
community explaining the proposed bicycle lane project and in turn received a variety of
feedback in support and opposition of the project.
Those who opposed it were most concerned about the loss of on -street parking in both
Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. From that outreach, many requests were made to
complete the sidewalk along the south side of 15th Street between Irvine Avenue and
Santa Ana Avenue rather than the on -street bicycle lane. Representatives from Newport
Heights Elementary School also requested that the City complete the missing sidewalk
segments. Representatives from Ensign Intermediate School have also requested that
the City install a missing sidewalk segment at the corner of Irvine Avenue and Cliff Drive
in front of Ensign.
Public Works is currently preparing to advertise Newport Heights Alley Project for
construction. Originally the project was broken up into two phases. After the
December 13, 2016 rejection of the bids, staff is proceeding to combine all of the alley
work into one large project with bidding to occur shortly. Taking this recent feedback for
sidewalks into consideration, staff is asking for City Council permission to incorporate
these sidewalk in -fill requests into the adjacent alley concrete pavement replacement
project.
Attachment A outlines the approximate location of the proposed sidewalk. Although
design details have not been prepared at this preliminary point, the concept is a 6 to 7 -
foot -wide sidewalk to be constructed against the existing curb within the 10'-12' public
parkway along the south side of 15th Street. Preliminary surveys indicate that the in -fill
sidewalk is needed along 10 properties and modifications may be needed to the existing
six properties which already have sidewalks. The sidewalk in front of Ensign Intermediate
School, as shown on the attachment, would also close the gap for the missing sidewalk
segments at the corner of Irvine Avenue and Cliff Drive.
Also, with in -fill sidewalks, come the consideration for existing trees. Along this stretch of
15th Street, approximately 35 trees of varying type and age will require removal within the
City right-of-way; 16 of these trees are designated as "special trees" under Council Policy
G-1. It is never easy to remove mature trees, as area residents can develop great
fondness for them, but the sidewalk cannot be completed without removing those that
would block the path of the sidewalk.
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151h Street Sidewalk Conceptual Approval — Newport Heights
February 14, 2017
Page 3
If Council agrees, staff believes that the City Council should review and approve the
removal of these trees to install the sidewalk. Typically, the Parks, Beaches, and
Recreation Commission (PB&R) would review the trees and make a recommendation as
an interim step. Respectfully, given that the sidewalk cannot be completed without
removing the trees, staff believes that it is appropriate to move this decision directly to the
City Council.
PB&R also has a role, though, in the reforestation of this area once the sidewalks are
complete. Staff suggests asking PB&R to work with property owners, our tree service,
and the Municipal Operations Department staff to select replacement trees at locations
where they can be placed behind the new sidewalk.
The public right-of-way behind the curb face is between 9 and 12 feet. Although this area
between the curb, in front of private properties is public, several private properties have
installed private improvements such as walkways, landscaping, fences, etc. As part of
this project's concept approval, Public Works staff would work with and coordinate with
the adjacent properties to integrate their frontage landscaping and new street trees into
the sidewalk design.
Staff requests that City Council review the new sidewalk concept and provide guidance
on the proposed project. If acceptable, provide approval of the sidewalk project concept,
approve the removal of any affected public trees to accommodate the sidewalk and direct
staff to work with the Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission on the selection of
replacement trees.
Staff would plan to accelerate the necessary design work by using the existing design
consultant for the Alley Project and incorporating it in the upcoming Newport Heights
Concrete Alley Project. A budget amendment from the undesignated General Fund for
the project will be included with the award of the Alley Project. Construction of the alley
and sidewalk project should begin in late spring and continue through the summer.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this project exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the
CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential to have a significant effect on the environment based on the sidewalk being
constructed within the improved right of way.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
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Attachment A — Conceptual Sidewalk Layout Plan
Attachment B — City Council Policy G-1
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11 10014006) 91410 VARKMI
GOAL OF POLICY
G-1
To establish and maintain appropriate diversity in tree species and age classes to provide a
stable and sustainable urban forest with an inventory that the City can reasonably maintain in
a healthy and safe condition. To require that in approving any tree removal or reforestation
request, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission ("Commission ") shall find that the
tree removal request will not adversely impact the overall inventory, diversity and age of the
City's Urban Forest.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish definitive standards for the retention, removal,
maintenance, reforestation, tree trimming standards, and supplemental trimming of City trees.
City trees are an important part of the character and charm of the entire City and provide
environmental benefits as well. Regular care, trimming, root pruning, maintenance, and
programmed replacement are necessary to preserve this charm while at the same time
protecting views consistent with City Council Policy G-3, providing personal safety, and
preventing public and private property damage.
The City classifies public trees in one of three categories: Special City Trees, Problem City
Trees, and Standard City Trees.
I. SPECIAL CITY TREES
It is the City's policy to retain Special City Trees ("Special Trees") categorized as Landmark,
Dedicated, or Neighborhood trees, because they have historical significance, and/or contribute
to, and give character to, a location or to an entire neighborhood. Landmark, Dedicated, and
Neighborhood trees are identified by species in Attachment 1, and shall hereinafter be
collectively referred to as Special Trees. Trees within these three categories shall be identified,
mapped, recorded and administered by staff for the Commission. The Commission shall
review the Special Tree list at a minimum on an annual basis and forward recommendations
for additions or deletions to the City Council for approval.
Landmark Trees are identified as those individual Special Trees that possess historical
significance by virtue of their size, age, location, or species.
Dedicated Trees are Special Trees donated for or in the memory of specific individuals or
organizations.
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Neighborhood Trees are Special Trees that by their unusual size, number, species, or location
lend a special character to a residential, commercial, or business area.
All Special Trees shall be retained, unless there are overriding problems which will require
their removal such as death, disease, interference with infrastructure, or the creation of a
hazardous situation. Prior to considering the removal of any Special Tree(s), the Municipal
Operations Director, or designee, shall prepare a report identifying and implementing specific
treatment to retain the tree(s). If specific treatment is unsuccessful or impractical in retaining a
tree(s) then a full staff report shall be made to the Commission before any further action
considering removal is taken. Prior to any removal of Special Tree(s), the City must comply
with the noticing provisions of the Removal of City Trees Section set forth in Section W.A. of
this Policy, unless a Special Tree is considered so hazardous as to necessitate an emergency
removal. In the case of emergency removals, the Landscape Manager or the City Arborist
shall have the authority to direct the removal of a hazardous tree.
Long term, most trees reach maturity and decline, and will be replaced one-for-one with the
same species or the closest equivalent wherever possible.
During normal sidewalk, curb, and street repair activity requiring root pruning, all steps shall
be taken to retain Special Trees. If tree roots are to be pruned in association with sidewalk,
curb, and gutter improvements, sufficient timing in advance must be planned to ensure that
pruning will not destabilize or kill the tree. If both sides of a Special Tree's roots are to be
pruned, one side should be pruned six months to a year in advance of the other side
depending upon the species and other related factors. If root pruning methods are not
practical and/or critical to the health of the tree, then alternate or special hardscape
improvements should be considered by the City in order to retain the tree providing that costs
are reasonable. All proposed root pruning or other tree treatment shall be evaluated and
approved by the City Arborist.
Special Trees may be considered for removal in conjunction with a City Council -approved
beautification project utilizing the Removal of City Trees procedures noted in Section W.A. of
this Policy.
II. PROBLEM CITY TREES
A Problem City Tree ("Problem Tree") is defined as a tree that by virtue of its species causes
excessive hardscape or utility damage due to its excessive root system. The following trees
are defined as Problem Trees:
• Ficus nitida (Indian Laurel Fig)
• Ficus rubiginosa (Rusty Leaf Fig)
• Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)
• Erythrina caffra (Kaffirboom Coral Tree)
• Fraxinus uhdei (Shamel Ash)
• Cupaniopsis anacardioides (Carrotwood)
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• Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum)
• Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian Pepper)
Problem Trees shall not be designated as City parkway trees on the Street Designation Tree
List of City Council Policy G-6, unless they are Special Trees.
Problem Trees that are not designated Special Trees may be removed for the following
reasons:
A. The Problem Tree has had a repeated history of damaging public or private sewers,
water mains, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, walls, fences, underground utilities, or
foundations based on City records or other competent and reliable authority. Water
or sewer blockage that results from tree roots and causes significant documented
private property damage (greater than $500.00) shall be sufficient criterion for tree
removal; or
B. The Problem Tree has had a repeated history of significant interference with street or
sidewalk drainage, despite specific treatment by the City to alleviate repeated
damage; or
C. The Problem Tree has created, in the opinion of the City Arborist, a view
impediment that cannot be resolved by normal nor alternative tree trimming
procedures.
Problem Trees may be proposed for removal by either staff or private property owners. The
Municipal Operations Director has the authority to remove Problem Trees. No more than 50
Problem Trees may be removed per year by staff under these criteria without special approval
of the Commission.
Replacement trees of a 36 -inch box size shall be planted if funding, availability and growth
space permits.
Staff is responsible for notifying the adjacent property owner, the legally established
homeowners association, if applicable, and the Councilperson of the district where the
removal is proposed, of the intent to remove a Problem Tree. The decision by the Municipal
Operations Director to remove a problem tree is final unless called up by at least one
Councilperson. The City Arborist shall report the removal of Problem Trees on a monthly
basis to the Commission. The cost to remove and replace Problem Trees will be the sole
responsibility of the City based on funding, availability and growth space, with the exception
of Category C (view), which is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
III. STANDARD CITY TREES
A City tree which is located on City real property (parkways, parks, other City -owned
property) and not designated as a Special or Problem Tree is designated as a Standard City
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Tree ("Standard Tree"). It is the City's policy to retain Standard Trees unless removal is
necessary for one of the following reasons:
A. The City tree has had a repeated history of damaging public or private sewers, water
mains, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, walls, fences, underground utilities, or
foundations based on City records or other competent and reliable authority. Water
or sewer blockage that results from tree roots and causes significant public or private
property damage (greater than $500.00) shall be sufficient criterion for tree removal; or
B. The City tree has had a repeated history of significant interference with street or
sidewalk drainage; or
C. The City tree is dead, diseased, dying, or hazardous, and presents a liability to the
City. A dead tree is one that has been assessed by the City Arborist and found to have
deceased. Diseased trees are defined as those trees that cannot be cured by current
arboricultural methods, are in an advanced state of decline, and have no prospect of
recovery. Dying trees are those that have no prospect of recovery. Hazardous trees
are defined as those that are defective, have a potential to fail, and would cause
damage to persons and property upon failure. The City Arborist will perform a
hazard assessment whenever a tree is identified as hazardous. The assessment will
identify: structural defects of the tree, parts of the tree most likely to fail, targets where
imminent personal injury or property damage may result with tree failure, and
procedures or actions necessary to abate the hazard. After assessment, the City
Arborist will expeditiously convey his written findings and recommendations to the
Municipal Operations Director for evaluation. If the Municipal Operations Director
agrees with the City Arborist findings to remove a tree, the hazardous tree will be
removed without further delay. In the case of imminent tree failure, the Landscape
Manager or the City Arborist shall have the authority to direct the removal of a
hazardous tree; or
D. The tree(s) have been requested to be removed in conjunction with a City Council -
approved City, commercial, neighborhood, or community association beautification
program; or
E. The City Manager, upon the advice of the Municipal Operations Director, City
Attorney, Risk Manager or the Traffic Engineer, shall have the authority to remove
individual Problem or Standard Trees to resolve claims or safety issues.
IV. REMOVAL OF CITY TREES
The initiation to remove City tree(s) may be made by the staff of the Municipal Operations
and/or Public Works Departments, a legally established community association, or a private
property owner by submitting an application to the Municipal Operations Director, utilizing
the City Tree Removal form available on the City's website: www.newportbeachca.gov.
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The City will replace all trees removed in accordance with the Standard Trees removal criteria
on a one for one basis, as funding, availability and growth space permits. Replacement trees
will be a minimum of a 36" boxed size. If 36" boxed trees are not available or funding or space
constraints prevent planting of a large tree, then a minimum of a 24" boxed tree will be
planted. The full costs of removal and replacement of all City Tree(s) will be the sole
responsibility of the City, unless an applicant voluntarily pays for a new tree(s), or desires to
upgrade to a box size larger than 36" planted as a replacement, then the resident will be
responsible for the difference in price.
A. Removal of Special City Trees
• Special Trees may be considered for removal under the same criteria as Standard
Trees in Section IV.C. (Removal of Standard Trees) if a special report, prepared by
the Municipal Operations Director and approved by the City Manager, is provided
to the Commission detailing the necessity of removal and any specific previous
treatment of the tree.
• Removal of a Special Tree(s) is initiated by submitting an application utilizing the
City Tree Removal form, which must be approved by the City Manager.
• After receipt of the application, a Tree Inspection Report shall be prepared by the
City Arborist to determine if the tree(s) meets the criteria for consideration for
removal outlined in Section IV.C.
• Simultaneously, the City Arborist shall determine whether in his/her judgment
additional specific treatment can be initiated to retain the tree provided the costs
are reasonable.
• If a tree(s) is to be removed, the tree(s) will be posted at least 30 days prior to the
removal with a sign notifying the public that they have the right to appeal. The
sign shall also note a staff contact.
• The City Arborist shall also provide a notice of the proposed tree removal to the
adjacent property owner (if not the applicant), the private property owners
immediately adjacent to the applicant's property, and the appropriate community
association if applicable, (not applicable to the emergency removal of hazardous
trees under Item C nor to trees that meet the criteria of Item E in Section III
(Standard Trees)).
• Once a recommendation is made by the City Arborist and the Landscape Manager
to the Municipal Operations Director or designee and the Director concurs, then
the applicant, the adjoining owners, private property owners on either side of the
street within 500' in each direction of the tree location and a legally established
community association, if applicable, shall be notified of the decision to remove or
retain the tree(s) at least 30 days before the proposed removal. A legally
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established community association is responsible for notification of all association
members pursuant to their established procedure.
• The Municipal Operations Director, or a designee, shall prepare a staff report for a
regularly scheduled Commission meeting of all trees recommended for removal,
except for those trees categorized as Item C (dead, diseased, or dying trees) or Item
E (claims and safety issues) in Section III (Standard City Trees).
• Any appeal to the Council regarding a Commission tree decision must be received
by the Municipal Operations Director no later than 14 calendar days following the
date of the Commission decision. The Municipal Operations Director will delay
any tree removals until the appeal period has expired or until the Commission has
acted upon the appeal.
• The full costs of removal and replacement of Special Tree(s) will be the sole
responsibility of the City, unless an applicant voluntarily pays for a new tree(s), or
with the exception of Category C (view) in Section II, which is the sole
responsibility of the applicant.
B. Removal of Problem City Trees
• Problem Trees may be proposed for removal by either City staff, a legally
established community association, or private property owners by written
application utilizing the City Tree Removal form. The Municipal Operations
Director has the authority to remove Problem Trees.
• No more than 50 Problem Trees may be removed per year by staff without special
approval of the Commission.
• No more than one of three problem parkway trees in a continuous row may be
removed in a one year period without a hearing before the Commission.
Replacement trees of a 36" boxed size shall be planted if funding permits.
• Staff is responsible for notifying in advance, if applicable, the adjacent property
owner, the legally established homeowners association, and the Councilperson of
the district where the removal is proposed of the intent to remove a Problem Tree.
• The decision by the Municipal Operations Director to remove a problem tree is
final unless called up by at least one Councilperson. The City Arborist shall report
the removal of Problem Trees on a monthly basis to the Commission.
• The cost to remove and replace Problem Trees will be the sole responsibility of the
City based on availability of funding, with the exception of Category C (view) in
Section II, which is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
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C. Removal of Standard City Trees
• The initiation to remove a Standard Tree(s) may be made by the staff of the
Municipal Operations and/or Public Works Departments, a legally established
community association, or a private property owner by submitting an application
to the Municipal Operations Director, utilizing the City Tree Removal form.
• After receipt of the application, a Tree Inspection Report shall be prepared by the
City Arborist to determine if the tree(s) meets the criteria for consideration for
removal as outlined in the above Section III (Standard City Trees). The City
Arborist shall determine whether in his/her judgment additional specific
treatment can be initiated to retain the tree provided the costs are reasonable.
• The City Arborist shall make a finding in regards to inappropriate tree species for
a specific location and forward to Landscape Manager. The authority to remove
Standard Trees rests with the Municipal Operations Director.
• Once a recommendation is made by the City Arborist and the Landscape Manager
to the Municipal Operations Director, or designee, and the Director agrees with the
recommendation, the City may remove the tree(s).
• Staff is responsible for notifying in advance, if applicable, the adjacent property
owner, the legally established community association, and the Councilperson of
the district where the removal is proposed of the intent to remove a Standard Tree.
• Any appeal to the Commission regarding a tree decision must be received by the
Municipal Operations Director no later than 14 calendar days following the date of
the notice of intent. The Municipal Operations Director will delay any tree
removals until the appeal period has expired or until the Commission has acted
upon an appeal.
• The City will replace all trees removed in accordance with the Standard Trees
removal criteria on a one for one basis. Replacement trees will be a minimum of a
36" boxed size. If 36" boxed trees are not available, or funding or space constraints
prevent planting of a large tree, then a minimum of a 24" boxed tree will be
planted. If resident/ applicant desires to upgrade to a 48" boxed tree or larger, the
resident/ applicant will be responsible for the difference in price.
• The full costs of removal and replacement of Standard Tree(s) will be the sole
responsibility of the City, unless an applicant voluntarily pays for a new tree(s) or
desires to upgrade to box size larger than 36" planted as a replacement, then the
applicant will be responsible for the difference in price.
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V. REFORESTATION OF CITY TREES
A. Description of Reforestation
Reforestation is defined as the concept of systematically replacing Problem or Standard
Trees which are creating hardscape and/or view problems and cannot be properly
trimmed, pruned or modified to alleviate the problem(s) they create; or those which
have reached their full life and are declining in health; or are simply the wrong species
of trees for the planted location.
It is recognized and acknowledged that many City trees were planted years ago and
in some cases were planted with specific species that when fully mature cause damage
to curb, gutter, sidewalk or underground utilities. Within the geographical boundaries
of certain view neighborhoods, City street trees may encroach into blue water views
from public and private property depending on the length of time since the trees were
last trimmed, or the age and height of the trees. In other cases, the wrong species of
tree was planted originally and simply does not conform to the current treescape or
represents a safety hazard.
The City Street Tree Designation List and the City Parkway Tree Designation List
attached to City Council Policy G-6 reflect an effort by the City to designate
appropriate tree species that will not cause future problems.
The City understands the importance of trees and the beauty they bring to a
community, and desires to continually improve the urban forest through
reforestation. In areas where City trees have been removed through City initiation,
the City will endeavor to replace the trees one for one with the appropriate designated
street tree.
B. Application for Reforestation
Individual private property owners, as well as legally established community
associations, may apply for single or multiple tree reforestations in their respective
area by submitting a request to the Municipal Operations Director for consideration
by the Commission that meets the following requirements:
• The proposed area must have clearly defined contiguous geographical boundaries
that include the tree(s) proposed for removal and replacement, street address(es),
block number(s), or other geographical information. This Section applies to
individual and group requests.
• Residential communities, neighborhoods, or business organizations who apply for
reforestation must submit a petition signed by a minimum of 60% of the property
owners within the area defined for reforestation. The petition content must be
approved and dated by City staff prior to distribution by the petitioner. The staff-
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approved petition must be distributed by the petitioner to a maximum of 30
private property owners (up to 15 contiguous private property owners on both
sides of the street up to 500' in either direction from the location of the proposed
reforestation). Signatures by non -property owners are not acceptable for petition
purposes, and there may be no more than one signature per property. All petition
signatures shall be verified by City staff for property owner status of the person(s)
signing the petition. As an alternative to the above requirements, areas
represented by a legally established community association may submit a
resolution of the Board of Directors formally requesting a reforestation with a
statement that all members of the community association having their residential
views affected have been officially notified and given an appropriate opportunity
to respond before the Board voted on the request. Individual private property
owners living within a legally established community association area with
mandatory association membership must petition for reforestation through their
respective association.
• Individual private property owners not residing within a legally established
community association area may submit individual requests for single or multiple
tree reforestations. The applicant must submit a petition signed by a minimum of
60% of a maximum of 30 private property owners (up to 15 contiguous private
properties on both sides of the street up to 500' in either direction from the location
of the proposed reforestation site) as well as the endorsement of the appropriate
homeowners association, if applicable. The petition content must be approved and
dated by staff prior to distribution. All petition signatures shall be verified by City
staff for private property owner status of the person(s) signing the petition.
• A written agreement must be submitted to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation
Commission by the petitioning sponsor (individual private property owner(s) or
group) to pay 100% of the costs of the removal and replacement of the public
tree(s) in advance of any removal activity. The actual removal and replanting will
be coordinated by the Municipal Operations Department. The total costs shall
include only the contractor's removal and replacement costs and be paid in
advance of any removal actions.
• The replacement tree(s) for reforestation shall be an appropriate tree that meets the
criteria of the City's Street Tree Designation List or the City Parkway Tree
Designation List as identified in City Council Policy G-6, or the organization must
request and obtain approval from the Commission of the designation of a different
tree species prior to submitting any reforestation request for a tree species other
than the designated street tree, or an appropriate species based on the City Tree
Designation Lists. This Section applies to individual or group requests.
• There shall be a minimum of a one for one replacement of all trees removed in
reforestation projects. Replacement trees shall be a minimum size of 36" boxed
trees, unless the parkway space will not accommodate a 36" boxed tree or a tree
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cannot be planted due to planting restrictions contained in City Council Policy G-
6. If there is not room for the replacement tree(s) at a specific site as designated by
City Council Policy G-6, then the replacement tree(s) shall be planted in a public
area in the same neighborhood at the option of the petitioner. This Section applies
to individual or group requests.
• Reforestation requests must be completed and submitted in a timely manner by
the petitioner. Petitions that are dated more than 90 days past the date stamped by
staff before distribution will not be forwarded to the Commission for
consideration. The completed reforestation application will go to the Commission
to decide whether to accept or deny the requested reforestation. The decision of
the Commission on reforestation requests will be considered final unless called up
by at least one Councilmember or the City Manager.
• The City shall require the proper care and watering of replacement trees by the
reforestation petitioner to ensure their proper growth and development as
outlined in City Council Policy G-6.
VI. TREE MAINTENANCE
The City will endeavor to fund the care of the Urban Forest to the highest level possible
through the efficient use of regular tree trimming, root pruning, root barrier and pesticide
programs in accordance with City Council Policy G-6. Section 13.08.040 of the Municipal Code
prohibits any person from tampering with City trees.
VII. ENCROACHMENT AND DEMOLITION PERMITS
All encroachment permits (permits for private property development which are proposed to
encroach upon the City right of way) or demolition permits that involve the removal or
replacement of City tree(s) must be specifically noticed by the property owner to City staff
prior to the building and/or demolition permit process whenever possible. The proposed
construction plans must indicate preservation of existing City trees wherever possible (except
trees that are dead, dying, or in an advanced state of decline). If the proposed development
requires the removal of City trees, the property owner must submit a tree removal form to the
Municipal Operations Director, pay all related tree removal and one for one replacement costs,
and meet all provisions of City Council Policies L-2 and L-6 and City Municipal Code Sections
13.08 and 13.09. Approval or disapproval of all tree removal/ replacement requests associated
with encroachment and demolition permits will be the responsibility of the Municipal
Operations Director or a designee.
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VIII. TREE TRIMMING STANDARDS
The City Council has adopted tree trimming cycles for trees of different ages and species. Tree
trimming cycles and trimming standards shall represent the maximum feasible frequency
given current fiscal conditions. Except as provided in the Supplemental Trimming Section
below, trimming shall be in accordance with the standards of the International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA). In those communities with a legally established community association,
periodic tree trimming with an emphasis on height reduction will be considered by the City
Arborist upon written request by the association.
IX. SUPPLEMENTAL TREE TRIMMING
The City will consider requests to trim certain trees more frequently or to trim trees consistent
with practices applied prior to the adoption of ISA standards (to enhance public and private
views, preserve required sight/ distance standards, or other public purposes) which are
submitted by affected private property owners or the board of a legally established
community association and the request is accompanied by a completed "Supplemental Tree
Trimming Form" and full payment for the requested tree trimming. However, since these
practices often require 'topping' or possible disfiguring of a tree(s) and are often aesthetically
displeasing and injurious to a tree, reforestation shall be considered when supplemental tree
trimming is impractical or infeasible as determined by the City Arborist.
The Municipal Operations Director shall establish procedures to implement the supplemental
trimming provisions of this Policy. In areas with an active homeowners association, approval
must be obtained from a legally established association by the requestor of supplemental tree
trimming if the requested trimming is to be undertaken within the association boundaries.
[Attachment 1- Special Trees]
Adopted - May 9,1966
Amended - August 14,1967
Amended - November 9,1976
Amended - November 12,1985
Amended - November 28,1988
Amended - March 14,1994
Amended - April 11, 1994
Amended - February 26,1996
Formerly I-9
Amended - July 14,1997
Amended (Administratively) -
November 24,1997
Amended - August 10, 1998
Amended - February 22, 2000
Amended - April 27, 2004
Amended - October 11, 2011
Amended - September 8, 2015
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LANDMARK
TREES
DEDICATED
TREES
ATTACHMENT 1
SPECIAL CITY TREES
Balboa Boulevard Median
Balboa Library
Balboa Library
Bob Henry Park
Castaways Park
City Hall
Dover Drive east of Irvine Avenue
Dover Drive at Westcliff
Ensign View Park
Lido Isle Medians
Main Street
Ocean Blvd. Corona del Mar
Wedge Area
West Jetty View Park
(near Historical Marker)
Westcliff & Dover (Groves) Bike Trail
Araucaria heterophylla (1)
Eucalyptus globulus (3)
Phoenix canariensis (2)
Ficus rubiginosa (1)
Phoenix canariensis (1)
Ficus microcarpa'Nitida' (2)
Erythrina caffra (1)
Liquidambar styraciflua (4)
Erythrina caffra (1)
Pinus pinea (4)
Ficus microcarpa'Nitida' (1)
Phoneix canariensis (5)
Myoporum laetum (2)
Phoenix canariensis (2)
Eucalyptus globulus (49)
Bayside Park
Pyrus calleryana
(Newport -Irvine Rotary Club)
Bayview Park
Cinnamomum camphora
(Gene Atherton)
Begonia Park
Bauhinia blakeana
(Dr. Leo V. Turgeon)
Begonia Park
Prunus cerasifera
(Cheryl Bailey Ringwald)
Bob Henry Park
Ficus rubiginosa
(Bob Henry)
Bonita Canyon Sports Park
Melaluca linariifolia
(Elaine Linhoff)
(Fern Pirkle)
Buffalo Hills Park
Erythrina caffra
(Bahia Community Earth Day Celebration)
Buffalo Hills Park
Stenocarpus sinuatus
(N. Beach Sunrise Rotary Club)
Castaways Park
Pinus torreyana
(Kevin Murphy)
(Mary Louise Romine)
Castaways Park
Platanus racemosa
(Joe Clarkson)
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(Michael F. Gustin)
(Arthur Grant Kidman Junior)
(Grover Stephens, PH. D.)
(Arthur C. Wahlstedt, Jr.)
(John D. Woodruff)
Castaways Park Quercus agrifolia
(Nancy Bergeson)
(Logan David Burley)
(Sawyer Dean Burley)
(Sawyer Dean Burley)
(Bob & Susan Caustin)
(Joe Clarkson)
(Yen Chu Kuo)
(Ryan Lemmon)
(Virginia Najera)
(Eva Victoria Najera)
(David Rapp)
(Nancy & Jack Skinner)
(Staycee Stone)
(Jason Stradtman)
(Robert T. Talbot)
(Jan Vandersloot)
(jean Watt)
Castaways Park Quercus kelloggii
(Gregory Courteau)
City Hall grounds Harpephyllum kaffrum
(U.S. Bicentennial Freedom Tree)
City Hall grounds
(Calif. Bicentennial)
(Walter Knott)
No. City Hall grounds
(Billy Covert)
Cliff Drive Park
(Susan Benz)
Cliff Drive Park
(Francis P. Hemenway)
Cliff Drive Park
(Gary Lovell)
(Dr. Vandersloot)
Eastbluff Park
(Lucy Huntsman)
Galaxy View Park
(Trey Hunter)
Galaxy View Park
(Dylan Ayres)
Pinus halepensis
Ficus benjamina
Bauhinia blakeana
Cassia leptophylla
Quercus agrifolia
Hymenosporum flavum
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Metrosideros excelsa
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G-1
Gateway Park
Cassia leptophylla
(Virgina Herberts)
Grant Howald Park
Cassia leptophylla
(Jean & Coalson Morris)
Grant Howald Park
Hymenosporum flavum
(Skipper Mark Howes)
Grant Howald Park
Metrosideros excelsus
(Mark Munro)
(Pete Munro)
Grant Howald Park
Spathodea campanulata
(Cara Lee)
Irvine Terrace Park
Liquidambar styraciflua
(Dana Harmon)
Irvine Terrace Park
Pinus nigra
(Sister City of Okazaki)
L Street Park
Cassia leptophylla
(Tim Van Ostenbridge)
Las Arenas Park (Ed Healy)
Melaleuca linarifolia
Mariners Park
Bauhinia variegata
(Sierra Beth)
Mariners Park
Cedrus deodara
(Dr. Anthony & Madeline DeCarbo)
Mariners Park
Pinus halepensis
(Isy Pease)
Mariners Park
Pinus eldarica
(Christopher & Marisha Thomposn)
(Meghan & Camielle Thompson)
Mariners Park
Pinus radiata
(Frank Tallman)
Mariners Park
Stenocarpus sinuatus
(N. Beach Sunrise Rotary Club)
No. Mariners Park
Pinus radiata
(Marcie Schrouder)
Newport Pier/ 241h Street Bike Path
Chamaerops humilis
(Marie "Maxine" Louchis)
Old School Park
Bauhinia variegata
(Mary Jo Tyler)
Old School Park
Cassia leptophylla
(Jean & Coalson Morris)
Peninsula Park
Chamaerops humilis
(Gray Lunde Tree)
Peninsula Park
Ravenea rivularis
(Don Perdue)
San Miguel Park
Schinus molle
(Jon Walters)
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Spyglass Hill Park
(Dennis George Brice)
(Edith Mary Brice)
Veterans Park
(Rosemary Rae Hill Hansen)
WCH & Superior Ave City Parking Lot
(Louise Greeley)
West Newport Park
(Russell Marc Beaumont)
(Jeff Steven Reinker)
West Newport Park
(Brownie Girl Scout Troop 2072)
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Acacia baileyana
Lagenstroemia indica fauriei
Cassia leptophylla
Erythrina caffra
Spathodea campanulata
Various locations: Castaways Park and Cliff Drive Park slopes
(Dr. Jan David Vandersloot & Family) Quercus agrifolia
NEIGHBORHOOD
TREES
15th Street (Newport Heights)
Along Avon Avenue
Buena Vista and Lindo Avenue
Candlestick Lane (Baycrest)
Clay Street
(Irvine Ave to St. Andrews Road)
Cliff Drive
Eucalyptus cladocalyx (13)
Eucalyptus globulus (8)
Erythrina caffra (1)
Eucalyptus citriodora (17)
Ficus microcarpa'Nitida' (21)
Agathus robusta (4)
(north side, west of Dover Drive)
Cliff Drive Park Ficus benjamina (1)
(Scout House)
Commodore Road
Corona Del Mar State Beach
601 Dover Drive
Dover Drive (Mariners to Irvine)
Eastbluff Park
Glenwood Lane
Goldenrod Avenue
(Ocean Blvd to Fifth Ave)
Heliotrope Avenue (Corona del Mar)
Irvine Avenue (17th St. to Dover)
Irvine Avenue (17th St. to Dover)
128 Kings Road
128 Kings Road
L Street Park
Leeward Lane
M Street Park
Margaret Drive Median
Marguerite Avenue
Eucalyptus citriodora (2)
Washingtonia robusta (74)
Eucalyptus ficifolia (1)
Eucalyptus globulus
Ficus macrophylla (1)
Eucalyptus citriodora (10)
Washingtonia robusta (144)
Pinus radiata (2)
Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm) (30)
Spathodea campanulata(African tulip) (39)
Roystonea regia (1)
Pseudobombax ellipticum (1)
Quercus suber (39)
Fraxinus uhdei "Tomlinson" (39)
Pinus pinea (1)
Erythrina caffra (1)
Phoenix canariensis (81)
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(Ocean Blvd to Fifth Ave)
Marine Avenue (Balboa Island)
Mariners Drive
Newport Center Drive
Poppy Avenue (Corona del Mar)
Rhine Wharf Park
Along Riverside Avenue
(adjacent to Cliff Drive Park)
725 St. James Road
Sandalwood Lane
Santa Ana Avenue
Seaview Avenue (Corona del Mar)
Shorecliffs Entrance
Starlight Circle
Via Lido Bridge
Vista Del Oro Median
Waterfront Drive
(Avocado Ave to Acacia Ave)
West Newport Park
Adopted - May 9,1966
Amended - November 9,1976
Amended - November 28,1988
Amended - October, 1993
Amended - July 14,1997
Amended - January 25,1999
Amended - February 22, 2002
Amended - April, 23, 2002
Amended - April 27, 2004
Amended - May 10, 2005
Amended - September 8, 2015
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Eucalyptus (Various Species) (39)
Jacaranda mimosifolia (52)
Washingtonia robusta (363)
Eucalyptus rudis (82)
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (12)
Schinus terebinthefolius (12)
Eucalyptus ficifolia (1)
Eucalyptus citriodora (3)
Eucalyptus robusta (38)
Pinus radiata (5)
Erythrina caffra (40)
Eucalyptus citriodora (10)
Eucalyptus globulus (14)
Erythrina caffra (6)
Schinus molle (16)
Metrosideros excelsus(55)
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