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Tree Ordinance Update

Introduction

On June 6, 2022, the City Council voted to update the Tree Protection Ordinance to complement current policy documents and strengthen requirements and procedures for when protected tree removals are proposed. The first tree protection ordinance was added to the Palo Alto Municipal Code in 1951 and its last substantive update was in 2001. Since then, the City has implemented new policy documents such as the 2015 Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP), which contains goals and policies to sustain and enhance Palo Alto’s Urban Forest. Many of these policies and goals are also tied to sustainability efforts contained in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP).

The updated Tree Ordinance generally includes changes that protect more native California species, promote drought resistant and tolerant species, and protect most other tree species over a certain size.

NEW! Visit the Tree Ordinance Information Page

Tree Ordinance Information

June 6 Council Meeting Consideration of Tree Ordinance Updates

After outreach and community engagement about the new Tree Ordinance in advance of the June 6 meeting, the City Council voted to adopt the Updated Tree Ordinance at their June 6 meeting. Included in the updated ordinance:

Expanding the definition of protected trees to incorporate four additional protected native tree species, and all trees (except high water users) with a diameter at breast height of 15 inches or greater
The proposed ordinance describes criteria for removing protected trees in specific scenarios outside of a development process and creates more stringent requirements when related to a development project
Maintenance requirements for property owners who have a protected tree on their property including noticing ahead of pruning work
New posting requirements for proposed protected tree removals and an appeals process when removals are approved
Increase staffing resources needed for development plan review, tree removal permit review, violations investigation, and enforcement

Some revisions that were added after conducting engagement and outreach include tree damage language to accessory dwelling units (ADU) and required covered parking as an allowable reason for protected tree removal, further definition of “financially feasible design alternate,” creation of a Public Works Department appeal process for tree removal in the absence of development, reduction of the notification requirement from 600 ft to 300 ft, and other language updates to align with industry terminology for tree appraisals.

Read the full staff report and Tree Ordinance here.

Goals for the Tree Ordinance Update

Achieve a greater percentage of native, drought-tolerant and climate adapted species
Ensure no loss of community benefits
Increase habitat, health, and social benefits
Strive for no net loss/increase in canopy cover
Minimize negative effects on the urban forest from development

Summary of Proposed Tree Ordinance Changes

Expand the number of protected native species to preserve and expand the urban forest
Introduction of a protected tree size threshold of 15-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) for all other species excluding invasive and high-water users
Introduction of a Designated Arborist system that would create a list of City-approved arborists for residents to choose from when submitting development applications
Inclusion of a development moratorium when protected trees are removed outside of the development process.
Revisions to reasons for allowable removal of protected trees to reflect situations where protected trees are negatively impacting structures
Expand notification requirements and appeals procedure for the protected tree removal process

Timeline to Adoption

March: Start receiving public input and feedback on the Update

April: Community Information Session on April 6

April: Study Sessions to review the Update and receive feedback from the Architectural Review Board and Parks and Recreation Commission

June 6: Council approved the updated Tree Ordinance

July 21: New ordinance became effective

August: City Manager approval of Tree and Landscape Technical Manual

Ways to Stay Informed and Involved

Join an upcoming community meeting, read previous staff reports, and watch presentations.

On June 6, the City Council at their meeting will review the proposed ordinance, community input and feedback, and will be asked to approve the proposed ordinance. If you would like to provide input, there is opportunity for the community to provide public comment before or at the meeting. Learn about how to submit public comment here and join the meeting here.

Review the June 6, 2022 City Council Staff Report(PDF, 957KB).