FROM: SCOTT ANDERSON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

SUBJECT: POLICY FOR TREES ON TOWN PROPERTY: REVIEW AND COMMENT

BACKGROUND

Following the recent spirited discussion regarding the removal/thinning of the cottonwood tree in Blackie’s Pasture, Town Staff conducted a review of the Town’s written policies and procedures regarding trees on Town property. Currently, these policies and procedures are not found in any one place, and some of the policies date to the 1970’s and are out of date. Staff concluded that a comprehensive review of the Town’s ordinances, policies and procedures regarding trees on Town property was warranted, with the goal of providing a new document that consolidated these regulations into a single informational handout for public distribution.

ANALYSIS

Currently, the Town’s regulations, policies and procedures regarding trees located on Town property (including but not limited to parks, open spaces, street rights-of-way) are found in several sources:

The Tree Ordinance (Chapter 15A of the Tiburon Municipal Code)

The Sidewalk Ordinance (Chapter 24 of the Tiburon Municipal Code)

The Encroachments Ordinance (Chapter 19 of the Tiburon Municipal Code)

The View & Sunlight Ordinance (Chapter 15 of the Tiburon Municipal Code)

The Tree Trimming and/or Removal Policy (January 1978)

The Town’s Commemorative Tree Planting Program

Some of these documents contain only tangential references to trees, while others contain the operational policies and procedures used by the Town on an everyday basis. Using these various sources, Staff has compiled the following handout materials:

A policy statement regarding trees and shrubs on Town property.

A diagram defining and depicting the "Sidewalk Area".

A flow chart outlining the review and permit process regarding trees on Town property.

A list of criteria for review of applications regarding trees on Town property.

A copy of the Town’s Commemorative Tree Planting Program.

This document is intended to serve as a first reference for anyone with questions regarding trees on Town property, and also to serve as a Staff and public official resource. The item has been referred to the Parks & Open Space Commission as well as the Planning Commission for review and comment.

 RECOMMENDATION

The Planning Commission should review and comment on the draft policies and forward its comments to the Town Council.

Draft revised tree policies and procedures materials dated November 2002.

Current Tree Trimming and/or Removal Policy (1978).