11-16-2017 Agenda and Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. Establish and maintain maximum tree cover. The urban forest serves a wide variety of functions that promote the health, safety, and general we of residents. These functions include: . 'conserving energy, by providing shade and evaporative cooling through banspiration; . improving local and global air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and ozone, adsorbing particulate matter, and producing oxygen; . reducing wind speed and directing air flow; . reducing noise pollution; . providing habitat for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife; . reducing storm runoff and the potential for soil erosion; . increasing real property values; . enhancing visual and aesthetic qualities that attract visitors and businesses and serve as a source of community image and pride. All these benefits increase as canopy cover increases. By establishing and maintaining maximum tree cover, the community is able to realize the maximum benefits the urban forest can provide. The maximum amount of tree canopy a given community can support must be determined by analyzing limitations posed by climate and land use. ®rdinance provisions Tree ordinance provisions covering planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on public and private land are related to this goal. Performance standards for the amount of bee cover the community hopes to achieve and maintain along streets, parking lots, residential and commercial areas, parks and open spaces should be established in these provisions. A provision calling for development of an urban forest management plan is essential to this goal. This plan should provide for a sustained forest canopy through properly phased tree planting and removal. Specific provisions: o Designate adminishatve responsibilities o Develop a comprehensive management plan o Resolution of conflicts between trees and structures o Planting requirements Permit required for activities that may damage city owned trees o Permit required for activities that may damage protected private trees o Conservation of forest and woodland resources during development o Exemption from Solar Shade Control Act (California) Tree canopy cover is one of the most basic and useful descriptors of the w'ban forest. Simply put, it is the percentage of land area covered by tree canopies. By periodically measuring canopy cover, communities can assess the effectiveness of ordinances and other management methods aimed at maintaining or increasing tree canopy.