APPENDICES - Laserfiche WebLink

County and Local Regulations in the Wildland Urban Interface Several local and state regulations govern the care of trees within the WUI areas of the City. These regulations fall into three categories: those that protect certain trees from unnecessary damage or removal, those that set standards for maintaining vegetation on a property to prevent the spread of a wildfire, and those that govern tree maintenance around utilities. This section contains an overview of the relevant regulations and their relationship to the management of trees within the WUI areas of the City. Tree Protection Regulations City of Pleasanton Municipal Code Chapter 17.16 Tree Preservation The City’s Tree Preservation chapter emphasizes the importance of preserving heritage trees to enhance natural beauty, increase property values, maintain ecology, moderate temperatures, prevent erosion, and improve air quality. This chapter defines which trees in the City on private property are protected by this chapter in the code. This chapter also defines when a permit is required to remove or maintain a tree protected by the city code, when a permit is not required, and the permit process. Chapter 17.16 also defines the removal and protection of trees on property related to the development of property. Vegetation Maintenance Requirements City of Pleasanton Municipal Code Chapter 9.28 Property Maintenance The City’s property maintenance code, specifically Section 9.28.020, Unlawful property nuisances, defines unlawful property conditions. This section includes two items related to vegetation on a property: (B) defines unlawful conditions related to overgrown vegetation visible from a public street that can harbor pests or block the public right-of-way, and (C). defines vegetation, including trees that are visible from the street and are dangerous to public safety. Chapter 20.65.100 Weeds This section of the City’s property maintenance code requires all premises and exterior property to be maintained free from weeds or uncontrolled plant growth in excess of 20 inches in height. Weeds are defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation other than trees or shrubs. Chapter 20.24 Fire Code The City of Pleasanton has adopted the California Fire Code with some local amendments as their fire code. One amendment, Section 20.24.187, amends the definition of the Wildland Urban Interface to the area defined by CAL FIRE fire hazard severity zone maps. 12