SIMI VALLEY : Panel Urges Plan to Safeguard Trees

The Simi Valley Planning Commission recently recommended a proposal that would make it more difficult to remove trees on land that may be developed in the future.

A city ordinance requires a developer to obtain a permit from the city before removing trees on property scheduled to be developed. But the ordinance does not apply to land zoned for development but where none has been proposed. Property owners who are thinking about developing their land can remove trees without the city’s permission.

The proposed changes to the ordinance, which were reviewed by the planning commission Thursday night, would protect trees on property “susceptible to future development . . . and save thousands of trees,” Associate Planner John Fields said.

The City Council will make the final decision on the proposal, Fields said.

Requests to remove a tree undergo scrutiny, Assistant Planner Lauren Funaiole said. On-site inspections, reports and reviews by planning staff usually take two to three weeks, she said.