Ord 2303 - Amend Chapter 29 (Tree Protection) regarding Weed Abatement Regulations

Home Browse Search

ORDINANCE2303 ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING CHAPTER 29 (TREE PROTECTION) OF THE TOWN CODE REGARDING WEED ABATEMENT REGULATIONS WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos; recognizes that the community benefits from preserving the scenic beauty of the Town; WHEREAS, the Town Council acknowledges that trees provide multiple benefits it also recognizes that a significant portion of the Town is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone; WHEREAS, the State mandates 100 feet of defensible space around buildings and structures within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones; WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes that the development and maintenance of defensible space is essential to reducing wildfire risk within the community; WHEREAS, the proposed amendment changes will reduce the risk of wildfire and effectuate safer passage for first responders and residents in the event of a wildfire; NOW, THEREFORE, THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION II DIVISION 2—TREE PROTECTION Section 29.10.0950. Intent of Town Code Chapter 29 are hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 29.10.0950. - Intent. This division is adopted because the Town of Los Gatos is forested by many native and non- native trees and contains individual trees of great beauty. The community of the Town benefit from preserving the scenic beauty of the Town, preventing erosion of topsoil, providing protection against flood hazards and risk of landslides, counteracting pollutants in the air, maintaining climatic balance, and decreasing wind velocities. It is the intent of this division to regulate the removal of trees within the Town in order to retain as many trees as possible consistent with the purpose of this section and the reasonable use of private property. While trees provide multiple benefits, it is also the intent of this division to acknowledge that a 1 of Ordinance 2303 February 4, 2020