RPVCCA_CC_SS_2013_05_21_02a_View_Ord_Amdmt_Notification_Section_City_TreesCITY OF
MEMORANDUM
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Honorable City Council Members
Mayor Susan Brooks
May 21,2013
SUBJECT:Amendment to the Notification Section of the View Ordinance related
to City Trees
RECOMMENDATION
Revise Municipal Code Section 17.76.100G to read:"When the foliage is located
on a city street or easement,a notice of the determination to grant the application
shall be sent to the applicant(s),the appropriate homeowner's association,and
allJl.ropert'l.owners within 300'of each subiect tree..ln addition:notice of the
determination shall be posted on a conspicuous location on each subject tree.
BACKGROUND
This request comes to the Council as a result of several trees,some of them
historic that were removed from the Miraleste community along PV Drive East a
few months ago.The current code under the View Restoration Ordinance calls
for notification to the 10 closest neighbors for a proposed tree removal.
Unfortunately,several neighbors living outside the required parameters were
surprised and disturbed to find out too late that these trees were even under
consideration for removal.Options such as "Adopt-a-Tree"or objections were
not considered and there was considerable disruption with the surrounding
neighbors.I was called to the scene where I conferred with neighbors and city
staff regarding history of the project notification and possible options going
forward.(Replacement trees are currently under review with neighbors and the
Miraleste Parks District.)Listed below are suggested options to improve existing
policy.Since this involves logical solutions for improvement,I believe the
Council has the ability to act on these this evening,thus bringing the item back
as a Consent Calendar resolution for an upcoming meeting to afford community
input,if necessary.
SS2a-1
Amendment to the Notification Section of the View Ordinance Related to Trees
May 21,2013
Page 2 of 2
NOTICING METHODS
The current method of noticing is via US Mail.An additional action is to post a
notice on the subject tree(s},in addition to mailing the notices.This could simply
be the permit itself,maybe with each page printed double-sided in a weather-
proof plastic sleeve so it could be read without being removed from the sleeve.
NOTICING RADIUS
The current radius is the ten closest properties.(See Municipal Code section
.below.)Staff and I discussed a couple of methods to extend the noticing
radius.One idea would be to notify the 20 closest properties.This is what is
typically defined as an "immediate neighborhood when a planner is performing a
neighbor,hood compatibility analysis.Another idea would be to notify properties
within a 300 or 500-foot radius of the subiect tree(s}.However,it should be noted
that this could result in approximately 50-100 notified properties,which would
increase the cost of mailing and staff preparation time.For example,a
notification of 10 properties would currently be approximately $4.60,assuming
one stamp per notice.A notification of 50-100 properties would cost $23 to $46.
Section 17.76.100.G (following and attached)states:
G.Notification.When the director makes a determination regarding a city tree
review permit,written notice of the decision shall be given as follows:
1.When the foliage is located on a city street or easement,a notice of the
determination to grant the application shall be sent to the applicant{s),the
appropriate homeowners association,and the ten closest adjacent properties
including the owner(s)of the property directly abutting or underlying the public
right-of-way where the subject tree(s)and/or foliage are located.Adjacent
properties shall include the ten closest lots,which are on the same street,directly
abutting and adjacent to the property where the tree and/or foliage are located.
Notice of denial shall be given only to the applicant.
2.When the foliage is located in a city park,notice of the director's decision shall
be given only to the applicant.
CONCLUSION:Adopting the extended ordinance would extend the notification
radius,thus affording residents more input in actions which may directly affect
them.This speaks to Transparency and accountability adopted Goals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposal would result in a small increase in postage costs to the City and
staff time to assemble the notification mailing labels and post the trees.
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