HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-26 - Adopting Revised City Council Policy G-1 (Retention, Removal and Maintenance of City Trees)RESOLUTION NO. 2023-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING
REVISED CITY COUNCIL POLICY G-1 (RETENTION,
REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY TREES)
WHEREAS, the City of Newport Beach ("City") is governed, in part, by its Charter,
Municipal Code, and adopted City Council Policies;
WHEREAS, at its April 4, 2023 meeting, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation
Commission approved revisions to City Council Policy G-1, which establishes definitive
standards for the retention, removal, maintenance, reforestation, trimming, and
installation of approved City trees; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach ("City Council") desires
to adopt the revised City Council Policy G-1, as shown in Exhibit 1 to this resolution which
is incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach resolves as
follows..
Section 1: The City Council hereby adopts the revised City Council Policy G-1
as shown in Exhibit 1 to this resolution.
Section 2: All prior versions of City Council Policy G-1 that are in conflict with
the revisions adopted by this resolution are hereby repealed.
Section 3: The recitals provided in this resolution are true and correct and are
incorporated into the operative part of this resolution.
Section 4: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
resolution is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not
affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this resolution. The City
Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution, and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
Resolution No. 2023-26
Page 2 of 2
Section 5: Except as expressly modified in this resolution, all other City Council
Policies, sections, subsections, terms, clauses and phrases set forth in the Council Policy
Manual shall remain unchanged and shall be in full force and effect.
Section 6: The City Council finds the adoption of this resolution and the
amendment of City Council Policy G-1 is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and
15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because the activities are in the classes of
projects which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment.
Section 7: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting the resolution.
ADOPTED this 9th day of May. 2023.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
C. ff
Afiroh C. Harp
City Attorney
Attachment: Exhibit 1 — Revised City Council Policy G-1
G-1
RETENTION, REMOVAL, AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY TREES
Goal of Policy
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 through the efficient use of City resources. 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.
To educate the public of the protections of the City"s Urban Forest and guide, in a user-
friendly way, the mechanisms in place for tree replacements.
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 public views consistent with City Council Policy G-3,
providing personal safety, and preventing public and private property damage and
providing a sustainable urban forest.
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 Exhibit A, 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. When staff proposes modifications,
the Commission shall review the Special Tree list and forward recommendations
for additions or deletions to the City Council for approval.
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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 in the memory of specific individuals or
organizations. Updates will be made annually to the City tree inventory system
that correspond to the amended B-17 Policy: Parks, Facilities, and Recreation
Program Donations. Exhibit A of this Policy will be updated annually to reflect
updates.
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 Public Works Deputy Director, or designee, shall prepare a
Tree Inspection Report, with a Tree Risk Assessment, identifying and
implementing specific mitigation measures to retain the tree(s). For Landmark
Tree(s), the Tree Risk Assessment shall include Level 3 Testing: Advanced
Techniques to confirm the presence of any potential risks, unless waived by the
City Council in advance. Where Tree Risk Assessment and Level 3 Testing:
Advanced Techniques are required, the full costs of such testing and
associated report will be the sole responsibility of the applicant. If the
specific mitigation measures are 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. The reports shall also be provided to the
Councilperson of the district in which the Special Tree is located. Prior to any
removal of Special Tree(s), the City must comply with the noticing and appeal
provisions set forth in Section IV.A (Removal of Special City Trees), 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. An
alternate species may be recommended by Staff if the same species is unavailable
and will be subject to approval by the Commission.
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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 at minimum two years 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 these measures are practical, costs are reasonable, and that they
comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. 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 as
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 is known to cause 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)
• Fraxinus uhdei (Shamel Ash)
• Cupaniopsis anacardioides (Carrotwood)
• 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
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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 $1,000.00) may 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 City Arborist has the authority to remove Problem Trees. No more
than 50 Problem Trees may be removed per year by staff under the above criteria
without special approval of the Commission. Replacement trees of a minimum 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 City Arborist 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 under the above criteria 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, except for Category C (view).
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 Tree ("Standard Tree"). It is the City's policy to retain Standard
Trees unless removal is necessary for one of the following reasons:
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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
City tree roots and causes significant public or private property damage
(greater than $1,000.00) may 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 Level 2: Basic, Tree
Risk 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 mitigate
the hazard. After assessment, the City Arborist will expeditiously convey
his written findings and recommendations to the Landscape Manager for
evaluation. In the case of imminent tree failure, the Landscape Manager or
the City Arborist shall have the authority to direct the emergency removal
of a hazardous tree without further approvals; or
D. The tree(s) have been requested to be removed in conjunction with a City
Council -approved City, commercial, neighborhood, or home owners'
association beautification program; or
E. The tree(s) have been requested to be removed in conjunction with a
commercial or residential project. Approval will only be granted if the City
tree unreasonably impedes the planned construction. In these cases, the
applicant will coordinate and assume all costs for the removal and
replacement. Replacements will be a minimum of 36-inch box size, but
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larger sizes may be required at the Landscape Manager's discretion; or
F. The City Manager, upon the advice of the Public Works Deputy 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
A flowchart detailing tree removal procedures is available on the Public Work's
website: www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/public-
works/ municipal -operations
The initiation to remove City tree(s) may be made by the staff of the Public Works
Department, a home owners' association, or a private property owner by
submitting an application to the City Arborist, utilizing the City Tree Removal
form available on the Public Works website:
www.newportbeachca.gov / government/ departments/ public -
works/ municipal -operations
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-inch boxed size. If 36-inch
boxed trees are not available or funding or space constraints prevent planting of a
36-inch boxed tree, then the largest tree available for the space available 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 a 36-inch box as a
replacement (if available), then the resident will be responsible for the difference
in price.
A. Removal of Special City Trees
• Special Trees, other than Landmark Trees, may be considered for
removal under the same criteria as Standard Trees in Section III if a
full staff report, prepared by the Public Works Deputy Director and
approved by the City Manager, is provided to the Commission
detailing the necessity of removal and any specific previous
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treatment of the tree.
• Removal of a Special Tree(s) is initiated by submitting an application
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 outlined in Section III. The City
Arborist shall determine whether in his/her judgment additional
specific mitigation measures can be initiated to retain the tree
provided the costs are reasonable.
• Private property owners, residential communities, neighborhoods,
or business organizations who apply for a Special Tree removal(s)
must submit a petition signed by a minimum of 60% of City of
Newport Beach property owners within a radius of 500 feet from the
location of the proposed tree removal. The petition content must be
approved and dated by City staff prior to distribution by the
applicant. The staff -approved petition must be distributed by the
applicant to all private property owners within the 500-foot radius.
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.
• Private property owners represented by a homeowners' association
with mandatory membership and within the 500-foot radius must,
instead of the above petition procedure, submit a petition through
their association. The association shall submit a resolution of the
Board of Directors formally requesting a Special Tree removal(s)
with a statement that all members of the homeowners' association
affected have been officially notified and given an appropriate
opportunity to respond before the Board voted on the request.
• 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 home owners' association if applicable
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(not applicable to the emergency removal of hazardous trees under
Section I (Special Trees).
• Once a recommendation is made by the City Arborist and the
Landscape Manager to the Public Works Deputy Director or
designee and the Deputy Director concurs, then the applicant, and
private property owners within a 500-foot radius of the tree location,
and a home owners' association if applicable, shall be notified via
postcard of the recommendation at least 30 days before the
Commission meeting. The postcard will include the date, time and
location of the Commission meeting and a City contact number. A
home owners' association is responsible for notification of all
association members pursuant to their established procedure.
• An 8" x 5" placard will be posted on the Special Tree(s) considered
for removal at least 30 days before the Commission meeting. The
placard will include the following information: the date of its
posting, the date, time and location of the Commission meeting, and
a City contact number.
• The Public Works Deputy Director, or a designee, shall prepare a full
staff report for a regularly scheduled Commission meeting of all
trees recommended for removal, except for the emergency removal
of hazardous trees in Section I (Special City Trees) of this Policy.
• Following Commission approval for removal of a Special Tree(s), the
tree(s) will be posted with a new 8" x 5" placard at least 30 days prior
to the removal notifying the public that they have the right to appeal.
The placard shall also note a Staff contact number and a date on
which it was posted.
• Any appeal to the Council regarding a Commission tree decision
must be received by the Public Works Deputy Director no later than
30 calendar days following the date of the above reposting after the
Commission decision. The Public Works Deputy Director will delay
any tree removals until the appeal period has expired or until the
Council has acted upon the appeal.
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• 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).
B. Removal of Problem City Trees
• Problem Trees may be proposed for removal by either City staff, a
home owners' association, or private property owners by written
application utilizing the City Tree Removal form. The City Arborist
has the authority to remove Problem Trees.
• If there are no removal criteria other than it being a Problem Tree
species, then no more than 50 Problem Trees may be removed per
year by staff without special approval of the Commission.
• If there are no removal criteria other than it being a Problem Tree
species, then no more than one of three problem parkway trees in a
continuous row may be removed in a one year period unless part of
a reforestation approved by the Commission. Replacement trees of a
36" boxed size shall be planted if funding, availability, and growth
space permits.
• Staff is responsible for providing advance written notification, as
applicable, to 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 or retain a
Problem Tree.
• Except for those trees categorized as Item C (dead, diseased, or dying
trees) or Item F (claims and safety issues) in Section III (Standard
City Trees), all Problem Tree removal(s) shall be posted with a
minimum 8" x 5" placard at least 14 calendar days prior to the
scheduled removal. The placard shall also note a Staff contact
number and a date on which it was posted. Unless deemed an
emergency, posting for the removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous
trees shall be at least 72-hours prior to the scheduled removal.
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• The decision by the Landscape Manager 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.
C. Removal of Standard City Trees
• The initiation to remove a Standard Tree(s) may be made by the staff
of the Public Works Department, a home owners' association, or a
private property owner by submitting an application to the
Landscape Manager, 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 mitigation can be initiated to
retain the tree provided the costs are reasonable.
• Once a recommendation is made by the City Arborist to the
Landscape Manager, or designee, and the Manager agrees with the
recommendation, the City may remove the tree(s). The authority to
remove Standard Trees rests with the Landscape Manager.
• Staff is responsible for providing advance written notification, as
applicable, to 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 or retain a
Standard Tree.
• Except for those trees categorized as Item C (dead, diseased, or dying
trees) or Item F (claims and safety issues) in Section III (Standard
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City Trees), all Standard Tree removal(s) shall be posted with a
minimum 8" x 5" placard at least 14 calendar days prior to the
scheduled removal. The placard shall also note a Staff contact
number and a date on which it was posted. Unless deemed an
emergency, posting for the dead, diseased, or hazardous trees shall
be at least 72-hours prior to the scheduled removal.
• Any appeal to the Commission regarding a tree decision must be
received by the Public Works Deputy Director no later than 14
calendar days following the date of posting or notice of intent. The
Public Works Deputy 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 36-
inch box tree, then the largest tree available for the space available
will be planted. If resident/ applicant desires to upgrade to a 48-
inch 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-inch planted as a replacement, then the applicant will be
responsible for the difference in price.
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.
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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 may represent 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 street
tree.
B. Application for Reforestation
Reforestation requests shall be made by submitting an application to the
Landscape Manager for consideration by the Commission. Requests shall comply
with 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.
• Submission of a petition signed by the owners of a minimum of 60%
of the properties within a radius of 500 feet from the location of the
proposed reforestation. The petition content must be approved and
dated by City staff prior to distribution by the petitioner. Signatures
by non -property owners shall be invalid and only one signature per
property shall be counted towards the 60% threshold. The 60%
threshold is based on the number of properties, not the number of
property owners. All petition signatures shall be verified by City
staff for property owner status of the person(s) signing the petition.
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• Private property owners who are mandatory members of a home
owners' association must submit reforestation requests through their
association. The request shall include a resolution of the Board of
Directors formally requesting a reforestation with a statement that
all members of the homeowners' association have been officially
notified and given an appropriate opportunity to respond before the
Board voted on the request. The home owners' association is
responsible for notification of the outcome of the Board's vote to all
association members, pursuant to their established procedure.
• The requestor agrees, in writing, 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 replacement work will be
performed by a City contractor coordinated by the Public Works
Department, Municipal Operations Division. The total costs for
removal and replacement work shall include only the contractor's
costs and be paid in advance of any removal actions.
C. Action Upon Application
• Petitions that are submitted more than 90 days past the date stamped
by staff before distribution shall be invalid and the request shall not
be forwarded to the Commission for consideration. The Landscape
Manager may extend this timeframe at his or her discretion.
• City staff shall post the tree(s) proposed for reforestation with an 8"
x 5" placard at least 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled
Commission meeting. The placard will include the date it was
posted, the date, time and location of the Commission meeting and
a City contact number.
• For requests from a home owners' association: City staff shall notify
private property owners within a 500-foot radius of the tree(s)
requested for reforestation via postcard at least 14 calendar days
prior to the Commission meeting. The postcard will include the date,
time and location of the Commission meeting and a City contact
number.
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• In hearing reforestation requests, the Commission may consider any
and all relevant circumstances, including but not limited to the
following:
o Health or overall condition of the tree(s)
o Degree of verifiable public or private property damage
from the tree(s)
o Degree of verifiable view impairment from the tree(s)
o If the tree species is a Problem City Tree (Section II)
o The level of community support and/or opposition
o The value of the existing tree(s) versus the value of the
replacement tree(s)
o Whether the tree species is inappropriate for the location or
does not conform to the current treescape
o Efforts made to ensure adequate notification
• The decision of the Commission shall be final unless called up by a
Councilmember.
D. Reforestation Work
• The replacement tree(s) shall be an appropriate tree(s) 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
requestor must obtain approval from the Commission of the
designation of a different tree species other than the designated
street tree, or an appropriate species based on the City Tree
Designation Lists.
• There shall be a minimum of a one for one replacement of all trees.
Replacement trees shall be a minimum size of 36-inch boxed trees,
unless the parkway space will not accommodate a 36-inch boxed tree
or a tree cannot be planted due to planting restrictions contained in
City Council Policy G-6. Per the Landscape Manager's discretion, a
larger sized box tree may be planted if it is replacing a tree of
significant size or value in the City's inventory and ample planting
space is available. If there is not room for the replacement tree(s) at
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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 requestor.
• The requestor shall be responsible for the watering and fertilizing of
replacement trees to ensure their proper growth and development
as outlined in City Council Policy G-6. Section 13.09.030 of the
Municipal Code also requires property owners to water and fertilize
parkway trees adjacent to their property.
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.
ENCROACHMENT AND DEMOLITION PERMITS
All encroachment permits (permits for private property development which are
proposed to install improvements in 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 (that are not dead, dying or in decline), the property
owner must submit a tree removal form to the Landscape Manager, pay for 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, or any successor policies or sections. Approval or disapproval of all tree
removal/ replacement requests associated
permits will be the responsibility of the
designee.
TREE TRIMMING STANDARDS
with encroachment and demolition
Public Works Deputy Director or a
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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 home owners' association, periodic tree trimming with an
emphasis on crown reduction or vista trimming 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 home owners' 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 Landscape Manager shall establish procedures to implement the supplemental
trimming provisions of this Policy. In areas with an active home owners 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 - Exhibit A Special City Trees]
History
Adopted 1-9 - 5-9-1966
Reaffirmed 1-9 - 8-30-1966
Amended 1-9 - 8-14-1967
Reaffirmed 1-9-11-12-1968
16
G-1
Reaffirmed 1-9 - 3-9-1970
Reaffirmed 1-9 - 2-14-1972
Amended 1-9-11-9-1976
Amended 1-9-11-12-1985
Amended 1-9-11-28-1988
Amended 1-9 - 3-14-1994 (changed to G-1)
Amended G-1- 4-11-1994
Amended G-1- 2-26-1996
Amended G-1- 7-14-1997
Amended G-1 (Administratively)-11-24-1997
Amended G-1 - 8-10-1998
Amended G-1-1-25-1999
Amended G-1- 2-22-2000
Amended G-1- 4-23-2002
Amended G-1-4-27-2004
Amended G-1-10-11-2011
Amended G-1- 9-8-2015
Amended G-1- 8-8-2017
Amended G-1- 2-9-2021
Amended G-1- 5-9-2023
17
G-1
LANDMARK
TREES
DEDICATED
TREES
EXHIBIT A
SPECIAL CITY TREES
Balboa Boulevard Median
Balboa Library4
Balboa Library
Bob Henry Park
Castaways Park
Lido Hotel Site
Dover Drive east of Irvine Avenue
Dover Drive at Westcliff
John Wayne Park
Lido Isle Medians
Main Street
Marine Avenue (Balboa
Island)
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 (1)
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)
Eucalyptus (Various
Species)(47)
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)
18
G-1
Castaways Park
(Joe Clarkson)
Platanus racemosa
(Michael F. Gustin)
(Arthur Grant Kidman Junior)
(Grover Stephens, PH.D.)
(Arthur C. Wahlstedt, Jr.)
(John D. Woodruff)
Castaways Park
(Nancy Bergeson)
Quercus agrifolia
(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
(Gregory Courteau)
Quercus kelloggii
Cliff Drive Park
(Susan Benz)
Bauhinia blakeana
Cliff Drive Park
(Francis P. Hemenway)
Cassia leptophylla
Cliff Drive Park
(Gary Lovell)
Quercus agrifolia
(Dr. Vandersloot)
Eastbluff Park
(Lucy Huntsman)
Hymenosporum flavum
Eastbluff Park
(Billy Covert)
Ficus macrophylla
Galaxy View Park
(Trey Hunter)
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Galaxy View Park
(Dylan Ayres)
Metrosideros excelsa
Gateway Park
Cassia leptophylla
19
G-1
(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
Platanus racemose
(Beckett Glyer)
Irvine Terrace Park
Platanus racemosa
(U.S. Bicentennial Freedom Tree)
Irvine Terrace Park
Pinus pima
(Calif. Bicentennial)
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
M Street median
Pinus pinea
(Walter Knott)
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 Thompoon)
(Meghan & Camielle Thompson)
Mariners Park
Pinus radiata
(Frank Tallman)
Mariners Park
Stenocarpus sinuatus
(N. Beach Sunrise Rotary Club)
Mariners Park
Magnolia `Little
Gem'
(Graci Lee Henry)
Mariners Park Bauhinia variegata
(Susana Lee Niederhaus)
20
G-1
No. Mariners Park Pinus radiata
(Marcie Schrauder)
Newport Pier/ 24t" 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)
Spyglass Hill Park
Acacia baileyana
(Dennis George Brice)
(Edith Mary Brice)
Veterans Park
Lagenstroemia indica fauriei
(Rosemary Rae HillHansen)
WCH & Superior AveCity Parking Lot Cassia leptophylla
(Louise Greeley)
West Newport Park
Erythrina caffra
(Russell Marc Beaumont)
(Jeff Steven Reinker)
West Newport Park
Spathodea campanulata
(Brownie Girl Scout Troop 2072)
Various locations: Castaways Park and
Cliff Drive Park slopes
(Dr. Jan David Vandersloot & Family) Quercus agrifolia
21
G-1
NEIGHBORHOOD
TREES
Along Avon Avenue
Buena Vista and Lindo Avenue
Candlestick Lane (Baycrest)
Clay Street
(Irvine Ave to St. Andrews Road)
Cliff Drive
(north side, west of Dover Drive)
Cliff Drive Park
(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)
Eucalyptus globulus (8)
Erythrina caffra (1)
Eucalyptus citriodora (17)
Ficus microcarpa 'Nitida' (21)
Agathus robusta (4)
Ficus benjamina (1)
Eucalyptus citriodora (2)
Washingtonia robusta (74)
Eucalyptus ficifolia (1)
Eucalyptus globulus
Ficus macrophylla (6)
Eucalyptus citriodora (10)
Washingtonia robusta (144)
Pinus radiata (2)
22
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
(Ocean Blvd to Fifth Ave)
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
G-1
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 (79)
Jacaranda mimosifolia (52)
Washingtonia robusta (363)
Eucalyptus rudis (40)
Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana (12)
Schinus terebinthefolius (11)
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)
23
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF ORANGE } ss.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH }
I, Leilani I. Brown, City Clerk of the City of Newport Beach, California, do hereby certify that the
whole number of members of the City Council is seven; the foregoing resolution, being Resolution
No. 2023-26 was duly introduced before and adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting
of said Council held on the gth day of May, 2023; and the same was so passed and adopted by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: Mayor Noah Blom, Mayor Pro Tern Will O'Neill, Council Member Brad Avery, Council
Member Robyn Grant, Council Member Lauren Kleiman, Council Member Joe Stapleton,
Council Member Erik Weigand
NAYS: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of
said City this loth day of May, 2023.
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Newport Beach, California