Skip to main content
Loading…
This section is included in your selections.

A.The “local landmark tree” category establishes a process for reviewing and recommending trees that should be protected and preserved because of their outstanding size, prominence, and/or health. Setback variations and variance applications will be seriously considered to assist preservation where landmark trees may constrain reasonable development of permitted uses. Existing development on similar sites in the same zone and having similar topographic and vegetation characteristics shall be considered when determining reasonable development on property containing landmark trees. Local landmark trees may be removed in situations where the tree is determined to be unhealthy, present a safety hazard, or prevents reasonable development of permitted uses on the property as set forth in Paragraphs 37-10 and 37-11 above.

B.Upon receipt of an application for a tree removal permit of a tree designated as a local landmark tree as defined below, the City Forester will inspect the subject tree(s) and upon determination that tree removal is not warranted by reasons of health, proximity to existing structures, walkways, and/or as host to a plant or insect or disease which endangers other adjacent healthy trees, a permit for tree removal shall be denied.

C.To be eligible for consideration as a local landmark tree, trees must meet the following minimum objective criteria:

1. Oak trees.

a.Ten inch (10") trunk diameter measured at a point four feet, six inches (4'6") above natural grade;

b.Twenty feet (20') in height measured from natural grade to the top of the canopy;

c.Prominently visible from public streets, public parking areas, parks or open space, from a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100').

2. Conifers.

a.Twelve inch (12") trunk diameter measured at a point four feet, six inches (4'6") above natural grade;

b.Thirty feet (30') in height measured from natural grade to the top of the canopy;

c.Prominently visible from public streets, public parking areas, parks or open space, from a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100').

3. Non-native ornamental.

a.Ten inch (10") trunk diameter measured at a point four feet, six inches (4'6") above natural grade;

b.Fifteen feet (15') in height measured from natural grade to the top of the canopy;

c.Prominently visible from public streets, public parking areas, parks or open space, from a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100').

D.The Architectural Review Committee shall review trees proposed for local landmark designation that meet the minimum objective eligibility criteria, and may designate any such tree landmark only if it also meets at least one of the following requirements:

1.Possesses special beauty, or horticultural or historic interest;

2.Is of such substantial size or prominence that it has significant visibility from City streets, parks, or open space;

3.Is of such substantial size that it makes a significant contribution to the forested skyline of the City;

4.Is a rare or unusual species for this area;

5.Is a particularly outstanding representative of the species.

E.Local landmark trees shall be healthy, indicate at least a seventy percent (70%) chance of surviving more than ten (10) years, and be able to be maintained without excessive threat to the public health, safety, and welfare.

F.Review and designation of local landmark trees shall involve notification to the owner of the property on which the tree is located and to adjacent owners prior to any hearing to determine suitability for such designation. Consent of the owner of the tree shall be required. Decisions of the Architectural Review Committee regarding such designation may be appealed to the Planning Commission and City Council in the same manner as set forth in Monterey City Code Chapter 38, Article 27. The City shall place a tag on all designated landmark trees bearing substantially the following statement: “LOCAL LANDMARK TREE - do not trim or remove without City approval.”

G.Trees designated as local landmark trees should be inspected by the City Forester at least twice each year at no cost to the property owner; provided, that the City Forester shall not enter on private property without prior permission of the property owner or occupant.