$15,000 fine proposed for Redondo Beach homeowners taking out a tree
by Garth Meyer A new tree ordinance for private property to “regulate the unfettered removal of trees in an effort to preserve, and grow a desirable tree canopy in Redondo Beach” was proposed by Fourth District Councilman Zein Obagi, Jr., at the March 15 city council meeting. He called for no-front yard tree removal without a replacement with a 24-inch box tree from the city’s species list. A permit should be obtained first before hiring a Tree Removal Service. If no permit is obtained, the homeowner could be fined $15,000, and required to pay for the planting of five mature trees somewhere in the city for each tree taken out. No criminal enforcement would occur. “Education will be key, once the policy is finalized,” Obagi said. The council voted 4-1 to direct City Attorney Mike Webb to draft the proposed ordinance for review and public comment in July. Councilwoman Laura Emdee cast the dissenting vote. “We already have these policies, except for on private property,” she said. “Most of the trees along the street belong to the city, anyway.” Emdee noted that the city has a list of 2,000 locations where more trees may be planted. South Bay Association of Realtors president Theresa…
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