CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA PACKET

Page 3 of 4 • Decrease staff time o Simplify process o Penalty structure requires less consulting arborist time o Less trees protected • Prioritize protection for trees native to Pleasanton • Clarify requirements related to replacement trees, including re-planting at a 1:1 ratio • Amend penalty structure to be more specific to each situation and/or context • Provide more flexibility to address climate change and meet the goals for the city’s urban forest as identified in the Urban Forest Master Plan. While staff is now presenting the revised Tree Preservation Ordinance to the City Council, staff is also continuing to work with Dudek to finalize and present the Urban Forest Master Plan for City Council consideration in spring 2025. EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY The City's Climate Action Plan (CAP 2.0) requires climate-adapted plantings, the facilitation of tree planting throughout the city, and discourages tree removal. The proposed amendments to Chapter 17.16 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code achieve the CAP 2.0 goals by including climate change adaptation accommodations and remaining focused on protecting the health of the city's urban forest in a manner that isn’t as burdensome to the public. OUTREACH As part of the Urban Forst Master Plan process, staff spoke with residents involved in the tree removal application process, tree contractors, consulting arborists, and property owners to understand their challenges, and held one public meeting specifically related to the tree preservation ordinance changes with the City Council on March 5, 2024. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT The amendment to the municipal code's tree preservation chapter helps to support multiple ONE Pleasanton strategic plan goals: The amendment provides more clarity regarding the process for obtaining a permit for tree removal and penalties and costs – which will provide a funding mechanism for tree-planting projects and will help maintain the fiscal sustainability of the forest and a more efficient use of staff time. The changes also allow greater investment in our environment's health and the required tree replacement will help to protect the City from extreme weather events and climate change. As importantly, the benefits of a well-managed urban forest will serve residents for generations to come. FISCAL IMPACT The fiscal impact from adoption of the proposed amended Tree Preservation chapter of the Pleasanton Municipal Code is yet to be fully determined but is expected to be limited. Prepared by: Submitted by: Approved by: Adam Nelkie, Assistant Dir. of Public Works - Siew-Chin Yeong, Director of Public Works Gerry Beaudin, City Manager Page 103 of 126