Bill Requiring Planting of Trees Introduced

Legislation that would require builders to plant trees in all new residential and commercial developments in California has been introduced by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Los Angeles).

The bill would also require cities and counties to impose $5,000 fines on those who cut down heritage oak or other native trees without a permit.

Under Friedman’s bill, cities and counties would be required by June, 1992, to adopt tree-protection laws based on minimum state standards. The legislation is aimed at protecting oaks, walnuts, sycamores and other species native to California. Builders would be required to plant one tree for every 500 square feet of residential or commercial space they erect.

The bill would also prohibit removal of native trees without a permit. Those who obtained permits would have to plant two new trees for every one they cut down. Violations of the law would be punishable by a $5,000 fine.

An aide to Friedman, whose district includes Sherman Oaks, said the legislation would close a loophole in the city of Los Angeles’ tree ordinance. That law only protects trees on parcels of land two acres or larger, but Friedman’s bill applies to individual trees, she said.