HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Study Session Item - Tree Protection Ordinance_2
Staff Memo to the Planning Commission
Date: 24 April 2024
Subject: Tree Protection Ordinance
To: Planning Commision
From: Office of Sustainability
Summary:
The Sustainability Department has drafted a Tree Protection Ordinance to support the goal of
becoming a recognized Tree City USA community and fulfilling goals envisioned in the City
Council adopted 2016 Sustainability Master Plan. This memo is to provide a general overview
of the concepts within the ordinance and provide an update on the progress of implementing the
Tree Ordinance.
Background
The Sustainability Department introduced the plan to develop and implement a Tree Ordinance
in order to support the goals of becoming a recognized Tree City and protecting the City’s urban
forest. The department initially introduced the general idea, steps for drafting the ordinance, and
benefits of implementing such an ordinance to the Sustainability Commission in October 2023.
Furthermore, the State Water Resources Board introduced a proposed regulation that would
limit water usage across the state in efforts to increase water conservation and promote more
efficient use. In the drafting of this regulation, the State Water Resources Control Board
expressed that extra leeway for landscape efficiency targets would be given to communities with
Tree City recognitions and programs that support “climate ready landscapes”.
Staff Analysis
The Department has taken steps needed to draft a Tree Ordinance. These steps include
researching similar ordinances passed in other cities, researching the current standards and
processes within the City of Palm Springs as it relates to urban forestry, meeting with other City
departments to understand the impact of such legislation, and drafting an ordinance the would
be applicable to the City of Palm Springs and its climate. Other cities where similar ordinances
have been passed includes but is not limited to the City of Indian Wells, the City of Riverside
and the City of Moreno Valley. It should be noted that the only city in the Coachella Valley with a
Tree Ordinance and that is recognized as a Tree City USA community is the City of Indian Well.
Other cities with ordinances used in this research are the City of Palo Alto, City of El Cerrito,
City of Rancho Cordova and City of Laguna Beach.
After researching these ordinances, the staff has drafted the document, modeling texts that
would be the most appropriate for the City of Palm Springs and its goals. In addition to this, the
staff met with the Department of Planning, the Department of Public Works and Code
Enforcement to review the details of the ordinance and understand the scope and impact. This
Tree Protection Ordinance would address management and processes for these subjects:
1. Authority and Power
2. Tree Planting and Care Standards
3. Prohibition Against Harming Trees
4. Removal of Trees
5. Replacement of Trees
6. Tree Protection During Land Development
7. Adjacent Owner Responsibility
8. Trees Declared a Nuisance
9. Tree Stumps
Model codes used in the drafted ordinance from other cities can be found in Appendix A.
Conclusion
This ordinance aims to uphold the vital role that trees play in the City of Palm Springs by
establishing planting, maintenance, removal, and replacement procedures to ensure the health,
safety and aesthetic appeal within the City. Establishing a clear standard and procedure for
urban forestry within the City by promoting responsible tree management, this ordinance seeks
to preserve and enhance Palm Springs’ urban forest for the benefit of the residents, visitors, and
the environment. Aligning with the City’s sustainability goals. After thorough research and
consultation with relevant departments and stakeholders, the proposed ordinance is undergoing
further review by the City’s legal team.
Appendix A – Reference City Codes
City of Burbank - Trees and Vegetation
City of Corona - Community Urban Forest and Landscape Guidlines
City of El Cerrito - Trees and Shrubs
City of Indian Wells - Trees and Shrubs
City of Laguna Beach - Trees and Vegetation
City of Moreno Valley - Tree Care
City of Palo Alto - Tree and Landscape Preservation & Management
City of Rancho Cordova - Preservation and Protection of Private Trees