The Cupertino Courier
News
Ideas about protecting trees are taking root in Cupertino
By Hugh Biggar
The Cupertino Planning Commission has put off further discussion of changes to the city's Heritage and Specimen Trees ordinance until Jan. 23.
Commissioners on Dec. 12 held the latest in a series of hearings on proposed amendments to the ordinance. While no action was taken, the nature of suggested changes to the ordinance began to take root.
The participants, who included residents and city arborist Barry Coate, discussed the need for guidelines on what trees to protect, and discussed how to simplify the tree removal process.
The move to change the ordinance was sparked by the loss of trees in Cupertino, many of which have been attributed to a confusing permitting system.
City staff suggested bringing the tree- removal permit process to the staff level, allowing for the director of community development to approve or disapprove a permit.
"This could simply reduce processing time and staff time," said Aki Honda Snelling, senior city planner.
They also discussed what types of trees to protect and the amount that should be charged for tree removal.
Resident Kathy Stakey suggested that flammable trees, such as eucalyptus, not be protected, and advised the planning department to keep the protected tree list small.
"Having too many protective trees [on the list] can make the tree ordinance cumbersome," she said.
Jennifer Griffith, a resident of the Rancho Rinconada neighborhood, encouraged the city to better protect trees at construction sites--a topical issue in her neighborhood.
Others questioned the value of protecting native trees versus non-native trees.
"I have more trees native to New Jersey than California in my neighborhood," said Deborah Jamison.
Coate, however, cautioned that determining what defines a native tree can be tricky. "Everbody has a different answer," he said.
Honda Snelling suggested reducing permit fees to ensure better compliance.
A second possibility for fees included a tiered price system such as one used in Los Gatos. The initial cost of tree removal is $120, with a cost of $60 for each additional tree. Los Gatos also charges a $1,500 arborist deposit.
In Cupertino, city staff recommends a single-tree removal fee of $150, a charge of $75 for each additional removal and a $1,000 arborist deposit (a fee that is already in place).
The planning commission's second meeting in January is scheduled at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 23 in the community hall, 10350 Torre Ave. For more information visit, www.cupertino.org.
