SANTA PAULA : Initial OK Given to Tree-Protection Law

The Santa Paula City Council tentatively approved an ordinance Monday that would protect mature trees on public property throughout the city.

Council members are scheduled to take a final vote on the ordinance on March 16, City Clerk Stacey B. MacDonald said. The ordinance would take effect a month after final approval is given, she said.

Under the ordinance, a permit and inspection by an arborist would be required to cut down any tree that the City Council designates as historic. A permit and tree expert’s report would also be needed to chop down oak trees more than 5 1/2 inches in diameter and sycamore trees more than 25 inches in circumference.

The Design Assistance Committee, a group that makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on the city’s historic landmarks, is compiling a list of historic trees.

Mature trees more than 12 inches in diameter would be exempt from the permit requirement if they are on developed property. Pruning a tree would also be allowed unless it endangers the tree.

The city plans to hire a forester to prepare a comprehensive plan to replace any tree that is dead, infested, diseased, or could cause structural damage or harm, Planning Director Joan Kus said.