CLEARLAKE — An ordinance protecting certain species of trees was introduced at the Clearlake City Council”s regular meeting on Thursday, April 10. The ordinance passed its first reading following a public hearing that was continued to the April 24 meeting.
The ordinance, which was included in recommendations brought forth by the Vision Task Force, establishes regulations to protect certain species of native oaks and heritage trees. It also sets criteria related to the removal and replacement of trees for various purposes.
Native oak trees protected under the ordinance are identified as follows: Blue Oak, Valley Oak, Interior Live Oak, California Black Oak, Canyon Live Oak and Oregon White Oak. Heritage trees are defined as “any tree or grove of trees so designated by the Council for reasons of historical significance or for reasons of age, size, visibility, beauty, rarity, or for an ecological or other special/unusual attribute.”
The ordinance requires acquisition of a Native Tree Removal Permit prior to the removal of any protected tree greater than four inches in diameter at breast height (DBH). Violation of the ordinance is punishable by a fine of $1,000.
The purpose of the ordinance is to protect and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the community provided by mature native trees; promote a healthy and attractive urban landscape as the community grows; limit the indiscriminate felling, removal and destruction of certain trees; require the replacement of certain trees that are removed, where appropriate; and promote the preservation of existing trees during development.
The ordinance includes a section that provides for exemptions from the protection and removal regulations. With an exemption, protected trees may be removed without the need for planting replacement trees but in such a case, the applicant is first required to obtain zoning clearance.
The ordinance in its entirety is available for public review during regular working hours at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive. It is titled Ordinance No. 2008-138.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
