County of Santa Clara Proposes Expanded Protections for Oak Trees
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — The County of Santa Clara is proposing an amendment to its tree preservation and removal ordinance to protect its oldest oak trees, in recognition of their historic, cultural and aesthetic significance.
The County Department of Planning and Development will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 25, to discuss the proposed changes. The meeting will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom: https://sccgov-org.zoom.us/j/96502630131
Because it’s difficult to determine the precise age of a living oak tree, the amended ordinance would use a tree’s size as a proxy for age. The proposed amendment would require an administrative permit for the removal of oak trees with a circumference of 117 inches (9 feet, 9 inches) or greater, or a diameter of 37.5 inches or greater, when measured at a height of 4.5 feet above the ground.
The goal of the amendment is to protect the county’s oldest oak trees as well as codify the rules, or replacement ratios, for replacing various types of protected trees.
The County recognizes the economic, environmental and aesthetic importance of its tree population. Oak trees, in particular, are a vital part of the county’s natural and cultural heritage.
There are many benefits to the preservation of trees on both public and private property, such as providing shade and reducing heat, protecting property values, preventing the erosion of topsoil, providing habitat for wildlife, and maintaining the character of the community.
ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multicultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif., making it more populous than 14 states in the United States. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.
Visit the County of Santa Clara at: www.santaclaracounty.gov
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/County.of.Santa.Clara
Follow us on X: X.com/sccgov
MEDIA CONTACT: Laurel Anderson/Aaron Kinney, Office of Communications and Public Affairs, [email protected], (408) 299-5119