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PJR-151 Tree Protection Ordinance Zoning Permit

Permit and Resource Management Department Banner 750

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.