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NEWLY ADOPTED
TREE ORDINANCE
The Cupertino City Council recently adopted a new tree ordinance. The ordinance became effective on July 19, 2007 and includes changes that simplify the regulations and enforcement for protected trees. Please view the new Protected Trees Ordinance. A copy may also be obtained from the Planning Department at Cupertino City Hall, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014 or by calling the Planning Department at (408) 777-3308.
Key elements of the new tree ordinance include the following:
- Simplifies the process to obtain a city tree removal permit if sought prior to removal.
- Most tree removal permits can be reviewed & approved by the Planning staff.
- The following tree species are protected with a trunk diameter equal to or greater than 10 inches for single-trunk trees and 20 inches for multi-trunk trees:
- Coast Live Oak
- Black Oak
- Big Leaf Maple
- Valley Oak
- Blue Atlas Cedar
- California Buckeye
- Interior Live Oak
- Deodar Cedar
- Western Sycamore
- Blue Oak
- Bay Laurel
- Any tree that is part of a landscape plan that has been approved by the city is protected.
- New tree replacement standards are specified.
- Public noticing and permit posting are required for tree removals.
- Dead and hazardous trees can be removed subject to city approval without a fee.
On August 21, 2007, the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider establishment of new fees associated with the new tree ordinance and inclusion of these fees into the City’s fee schedule. These include establishing an in-lieu tree replacement fee to be included in the fee schedule (based on the installation and purchase cost of a replacement tree, as approved in the tree ordinance), a lower tree removal application fee of $150 for the first tree removal request and $75 for each additional tree removal request on the same property (if requested prior to removal), a retroactive tree removal application fee of $2,536 when trees are removed prior to obtaining permits, and a tree management plan application fee of $992. The Council will also discuss how to implement the use of the City tree fund (where the in-lieu fees will be deposited) for tree replacement plantings in public areas throughout the City.
Questions or Comments?
Contact Planning Department at (408) 777-3308 or email: planning@cupertino.org for additional information about this ordinance.
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