Agenda Item Wording:
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Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance Amendment- Introduce the first reading of Ordinance 2025-06 amending Chapter 12.24 of the Visalia Municipal Code Relating to Oak Tree Preservation.
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Prepared by: Zach Huff, Urban Forestry Supervisor 713-4295, zach.huff@visalia.city; Alvin Dias, Parks and Facilities Manager 713-4564, alvin.dias@visalia.city; Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director 713-4042, jason.glick@visalia.city
Department Recommendation: That the City Council approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-06 amending Chapter 12.24 of the Visalia Municipal Code relating to Oak Tree Preservation.
Summary:
During the June 16, 2025 Council Work Session, staff received feedback and direction on potential revisions to the Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 12.24 - Oak Tree Preservation. City staff are proposing following changes:
1. Section 12.24.030 - Oak Tree Removal Permit Required - Staff proposes to remove the requirement for private property owners to obtain a permit from the City before removing a Valley Oak Tree on their property.
2. Section 12.24.050 - Emergencies - Staff recommends editing subsection B to clarify that public utilities are not required to obtain a permit from the City to deal with Valley Oak Trees to maintain utility facilities.
3. Amendment of Section 12.24.060 Pruning Notice Required - Staff recommends replacing the term "person" with "public agency" to clarify that only public agencies are potentially subject to the Valley Oak Tree pruning requirements, not private property owners.
4. Amendment of Section 12.24.100 Public Assistance for Property Owners - Staff recommends editing subsection A, removing "who has submitted a notice of intent to prune or remove an oak tree" since private property owners will not be required to obtain a notice of intent to prune or remove an oak tree.
Background Discussion:
As discussed in the staff report presented during the June 16, 2025 City Council meetin...
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