8.10.010 Statement of findings and purpose.
The town finds and declares as follows:
A. The town is endowed with and forested by oaks, redwood, bay and other trees.
B. The preservation of these trees is essential to the health, welfare and quality of life of the citizens of the town to:
1. Preserve the scenic beauty of the town and to ensure the privacy of its citizens;
2. Maintain ecological balance;
3. Prevent erosion of topsoil;
4. Protect against the hazards of floods and the risk of landslides;
5. Counteract air pollutants and oxygenate the air;
6. Absorb noise;
7. Maintain the climatic and microclimatic balance; and
8. Decrease high wind velocities.
C. The town establishes the policies, regulations, and standards within this chapter with purpose and intent to:
1. Establish policies and procedures for the protection of heritage trees and criteria for their removal.
2. Prevent the indiscriminate removal of heritage trees within the town.
3. Prohibit activities that damage and/or disturb heritage trees.
4. Preserve and maintain trees in the attempt to mitigate hazards using the most current and applicable arboricultural standards.
5. Provide for the enforcement and administration of tree protection and preservation.
D. The town’s heritage tree preservation standards and specifications document provides guidance on interpretation and implementation of the policies, regulations, and standards within this chapter. (Ord. 641 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2020; Ord. 462 § 1(A), 1991; Ord. 444 § 1, 1989)