SIMI VALLEY : City Expands Law to Protect More Trees
The Simi Valley City Council voted Monday to expand its tree preservation ordinance to protect more trees.
Owners of vacant lots now must obtain a tree-removal permit before cutting down any mature tree, said Jim Lightfoot, assistant city planner.
A tree-removal permit is $175 plus $2 for every additional tree, Lightfoot said.
The former ordinance only protected oak trees measuring at least 9 1/2 inches in diameter and historic trees on land scheduled for development. The revised law also protects oak trees 5 1/2 inches in diameter or larger.
The change in the law was recommended because native oak trees grow very slowly, city officials said.
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