Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Art. 4 Heritage Trees

Upon recommendation of the Environmental Design and Protection Committee and following a noticed public hearing, the City Council, by resolution, may designate a tree as a heritage tree. At the hearing, the Council shall consider a plan of protection for the tree, and may require a report prepared by an arborist and paid for by the Town. If the owner of the property where the proposed heritage tree is located protests the designation of heritage tree, the City Council may override this protest only with a vote of four-fifths of the Council members. If the tree is designated as a heritage tree, the Council shall adopt a plan of protection.

(§ 4, Ord. 332, eff. June 1, 1990)

It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a heritage tree to comply with the terms of the adopted plan of protection. The owner may seek modification of the plan and the Council will review the plan at least every 10 years. If the owner demonstrates to the City Council's satisfaction that the owner is financially unable to comply with the plan of protection, the Town may provide the funds necessary to perform the work.

(§ 4, Ord. 332, eff. June 1, 1990)

No person shall remove, purposefully damage, or purposefully cause to die a heritage tree except with the approval of the City Council following a noticed public hearing.

(§ 4, Ord. 332. eff. June 1, 1990)

The Town shall establish a special fund to maintain and protect heritage trees on Town lands. With the approval of the City Council, a resident may adopt and dedicate a heritage tree located on Town property upon making a donation to the special fund sufficient to provide for the heritage tree's protection and maintenance.

(§ 4, Ord. 332, eff. June 1, 1990)

The Town Historian shall maintain records and pictures of all heritage trees.

(§ 4, Ord. 332. eff. June 1, 1990)