HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/6/2011 - Agenda Packet (49)G -1
It is recognized and acknowledged that City trees were planted many 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.
Arborists continue to develop lists of tree species which will grow in restricted parkway
areas without causing significant damage to curb, gutter, sidewalk, utilities or loss of
views. The City Street Tree Designation List, which specifies a species for each City
street reflects an effort by the City to prescribe appropriate tree species that will not
cause future problems.
As a City which understands the importance of trees and the beauty they bring to a
community, the City 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 with the appropriate designated City tree.
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 General Services Director for consideration by the
Commission that meets the following requirements:
A. 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.
B. Residential communities, neighborhoods, or business organizations who apply
for reforestation must submit al 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 - 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 fr om the location of the
proposed reforestation). Signatures by non - property owners are not acceptable
for petition purposes. All petition signatures shall be verified by City staff for
property owner status of the person(s) signing the petition. As an alternative to