Proposed text amendments to Shasta Lake Municipal Code (SLMC) Title 12, Chapter 12.36 (Tree Conservation), including comprehensive revisions to multiple section

Proposed text amendments to Shasta Lake Municipal Code (SLMC) Title 12, Chapter 12.36 (Tree Conservation), including comprehensive revisions to multiple section

The project is a Municipal Code text amendment to Chapter 12.36 “Tree Conservation.” The purpose of the proposed amendments is intended to better address urban tree protection, as well as modifications to permitting practices and standards on a city-wide basis. It is the intent of the City that the ordinance modifications will retain and enhance where practical the City’s tree canopy and protection of mature trees. The proposed changes would support the environmental benefits of tree conservation (improved air quality, carbon sequestration, stormwater infiltration, wildlife habitat, etc.) as well as the social and economic benefits (establishment of wider range of mitigation options, maintenance of aesthetic quality, etc.) that can be derived from a healthy and diverse urban tree canopy, while also ensuring efficient provision of services to city residents and the protection of public safety in a rapidly changing climate. Chapter 12.36 “Tree Conservation” was adopted in 2004. Creation of the ordinance was triggered in response to the (then) unregulated removal of substantial numbers of mature trees as property developed. It served as a recognition that the community needed to prevent the unnecessary removal of healthy mature trees where practical, while also allowing community growth consistent with the City’s General Plan. The ordinance applies to "protected trees" on developed, underdeveloped, and vacant parcels of land within the city. Protected trees may only be removed under specific circumstances as identified in Section 12.36.050 (Exemptions), and as provided for in Section 12.36.060 (Tree conservation and replacement). Trees which are not defined as protected trees are not covered by this ordinance.

Shasta Lake

Shasta

Citywide

California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Conservation (DOC), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Transportation, District 2 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Redding Region 5 (RWQCB), California State Lands Commission (SLC), Central Valley Flood Protection Board, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Quality, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northern and Eureka Region 1 (CDFW)

California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northern and Eureka Region 1 (CDFW)

Rezone

Aesthetics, Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Drainage/Absorption, Geology/Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Noise, Tribal Cultural Resources, Vegetation, Wildfire, Wildlife