PJR-151 Tree Protection Ordinance Zoning Permit

This document provides instructions on the Zoning Permit application requirements for tree removal subject to the County’s Tree Protection Ordinance. A Zoning Permit is required for the removal of any protected species six inches diameter at breast height or larger, unless subject to a Use Permit.

Unless a use permit is required, or an exemption applies, a ministerial zoning permit is required for removal of protected trees. A zoning permit application shall include:

Required Materials

Zoning Permit applications for Protected Tree Removal shall submit the following information electronically:

1. Application and Forms.
   1. PJR-001 - Planning Application (PDF)
   2. PJR-011 - Indemnification Agreement (PDF)
   3. Site plan (meeting the requirements of PJR-129 Site Plan Requirements for Planning Applications)
      
      A site plan that (1) identifies the area of the parcel that encompasses the protected perimeter of protected trees proposed for removal, and (2) within that area additionally identifies the following:
      1. Protected trees greater than six inches (6 inches) diameter at breast height (DBH) proposed for removal or retention;
      2. Existing and proposed structures, including agricultural and residential accessory structures;
      3. Existing and proposed land uses;
      4. Existing and proposed accessory uses of the land; and
      5. Existing and proposed building envelopes
2. Proposal Statement. Submit a written description clearly describing intent to remove protected trees, the number, size, and species of trees to be removed. Please provide tree removal information in tabular format, see example below:
   
   

   Tree Number	Species	Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
   1	Redwood	12 inches
   2	Redwood	9 inches
   3	Coast Live Oak	6 inches

3. Mitigation Plan. The removal of protected trees is subject to required mitigation, which shall be provided through tree replacement or in-lieu payment.
   1. Option 1. Tree Replacement Using Arboreal Value Chart No. 1 of the Ordinance. If mitigating through this option, a plan must be included in the application, noting all locations of proposed plantings, protections, and other details as appropriate.
   2. Option 2. In-lieu Payment. The in-lieu payment shall be $510 per arboreal value point as determined by Arboreal Value Chart No. 1 of the Ordinance. All calculations must be included with the applications.

      The following table outlines how to determine fee or planting amount:

      A DBH (inches)	B Number of Trees Removed	C Weighted Value	D Arboreal Value (Column B x Column C)
      6-12 inches		1
      Over 12 - 18 inches		2
      Over 18 inches - 24 inches		3
      Over 24 - 30 inches		4
      Over 30 - 36 inches		5
      Over 36 inches - 42 inches		6
      Weighted values for trees that exceed the preceding size classes shall be based on the same increment established in this table (i.e. one additional weighted value point per 6 inches step in DBH.) For example, a tree with DBH of over 48 inches to 54 inches shall have a weighted value of 8
      Total Arboreal Value (Add Totals Column D)
      Multiply the Total Arboreal Value by $510 for total fee amount (In-Lieu Fee is $510 per Arboreal Value Point)

      Planting Requirements

      1 Point AV:

      1. Six 5-gallon trees (can be existing trees on site that are below 6 inches DBH if preservation methods are part of a development permit)
      2. Two 15-gallon trees

      2 Points AV: 24 inches Box Tree

4. Annual Monitoring. If tree replacement is used as a mitigation option, an annual report shall be prepared and submitted by the applicant to the Department identifying the status of mitigation plantings’ survival for a period of seven (7) years. Any mortality that occurs during the reporting period shall be replaced.