§ 12.16.010. Purpose.

It is in the best interest of the city, the public, and the environment to establish a comprehensive community tree program that promotes:

A.

The preservation, the maintenance, and regeneration of all trees;

B.

A beautiful and aesthetically pleasing community;

C.

Trees or groves of unique or historical value and wildlife habitat;

D.

Educational programs that address the importance of trees in the environment and their role in purifying the air, providing shade, controlling erosion, and maintaining the rural, small town atmosphere;

E.

Improved communication between the architectural review committee and planning commission regarding tree related issues and concerns.

Further, in order to implement the goals and objectives of the parks and recreation element of the city of Arroyo Grande's general plan, and to mitigate the loss of open space and vegetation caused by new development in the city, the city council has determined that a development impact fee (or the implementation of a tree planting plan in lieu thereof) is needed in order to finance the planting of trees and to pay for the development's fair share of the implementation of these improvements.

This chapter establishes policies, regulations and specifications necessary to govern installation, maintenance and preservation of trees to accomplish the above stated purpose.

(Ord. No. 656, § 1, 8-27-2013; Ord. No. 697, § 5, 10-23-2018)