Advertisement

Bill Sets Rules for Builders to Plant Trees

Share

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 also would require cities and counties throughout the state to impose $5,000 fines on people who cut down heritage oak or other native trees without a permit.

Friedman, whose district includes the Westwood-Brentwood area and portions of the San Fernando Valley, touted his measure as a “statewide tree policy,” saying it will “protect trees, rather than continue our practice of cutting them down to build mini-malls, shopping centers and condo developments.”

Advertisement

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. At least half of the trees would have to be native species.

The bill also would prohibit removal of native trees for new development 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.

A Friedman aide said the legislation would close a loophole in the city of Los Angeles’ existing tree ordinance, which protects only trees on parcels of land two acres or larger. Friedman’s bill applies to individual trees.

Advertisement