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Protecting Trees During Construction |
Traditionally, Palo Alto's zoning and building regulations have been designed to permit maximum flexibility and autonomy for property owners while representing the public interest in preserving neighborhood character and value. In order to support private property rights, the restrictions and safeguards outlined in the Tree Protection Ordinance do not exceed current zoning restrictions and, to the extent possible, are tied into the existing city permit and oversight process. At the same time, the Planning Department has been granted flexibility to work with owners/developers to find creative solutions for preserving mature oaks and Palo Alto heritage trees which might otherwise be legally removed as part of the development process. * All building plans submitted to the City must contain specific information (location, species, size, etc.) on all protected trees, together with the location of all other trees on the site and nearby. * Unless alternative measures can be identified, protected trees located within the allowed footprint of new construction may be removed, even if healthy. * All trees determined by the Planning Department to be dead, dangerous, or constituting a nuisance, may be removed upon submission of relevant information, such as a Certified Arborist's Report. * Legally removed protected trees must be replaced according to City specifications. * A City Tree Manual lists specific measures to protect identified trees during and after construction as a contingency of the building permit and approval process. * Legally removed protected trees must be replaced according to City specifications. * A City Tree Manual lists specific measures to protect identified trees during and after construction as a contingency of the building permit and approval process. |
