SANTA PAULA : Council Approves Tree-Protection Fees

As part of a new tree-protection ordinance, the Santa Paula City Council voted Monday to assess fees on residents who want to chop down or remove trees deemed to have historical significance.

Under the ordinance, which the council approved by a 4-1 vote, a removal fee and inspection by an arborist would be required to cut down any tree that the city designates as historic. For example, it would cost $40 to cut down one tree, $25 each for the next five trees and $20 each for more than six trees.

Mayor Al Urias voted against the proposal, saying the fees were too expensive. “We don’t own our property any more, we don’t own our homes any more and we don’t own our trees anymore,” he said.

A permit fee and an arborist’s report would also be needed to chop down oak trees more than 5 1/2 inches in diameter and sycamore trees more than 25 inches in circumference. The arborist would determine whether the tree may be cut down.

Any resident who wants to cut down a tree must also pay for the arborist’s report, which could cost about $40, Planning Director Joan Kus said.

The city also plans to hire a forester to prepare a comprehensive plan to replace any tree that is dead, infested, diseased or could cause structural damage or harm.