The city is in a Stage 2 drought. Please take urgent steps to reduce water use.
Many services can be accessed online rather than in person. In person services currently require advance appointments.
The City Council approved an updated heritage tree ordinance, effective July 1, 2020. The following sections describe the new changes to the amended heritage tree ordinance:
Any person who violates the ordinance, including property owners, occupants, tree companies and gardeners, could be held liable for violation of the ordinance. The ordinance prohibits removal or pruning of over one-fourth of the tree, vandalizing, mutilating, destruction and unbalancing of a heritage tree without a permit. If a violation occurs during construction, the City may issue a stop-work order suspending and prohibiting further activity on the property until a mitigation plan has been approved, including protection measures for remaining trees on the property. Civil penalties may be assessed against any person who commits, allows or maintains a violation of any provision of the ordinance.
The following penalty shall apply to violations of the heritage tree ordinance, effective July 14, 2020:
Joanna Chen
Management Analyst Email 650-330-6764