Tree Committee
The Tree Committee is comprised of a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, the Open Space Committee and the Town Council. The Tree Committee reviews applications for tree removals and trimmings at a public meeting held on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Tree applications are available in the lobby at Town Hall or from Cynthia Powell at the Fairfax Police Department, 453-5330. Current members of the Tree Committee are:
Larry Bragman, Council Member; Peter Lacques, Planning Commissioner; Richard Pedemonte, Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Ryan O'Neil, Open Space Committee Member.
In 1973, the Town of Fairfax approved Ordinance No. 387 for trees. The purpose of the ordinance is to preserve the wide variety of local native trees and to protect the benefits they provide the citizens. Trees prevent topsoil erosion, reduce the risk of landslides, and contribute to fresher air by using up excess carbon dioxide and turning it into life supporting oxygen. Additionally, trees provide scenic beauty and aesthetic characteristics to the town.
Chapter 8.36.020 of the Town Code defines "altering" and "tree." A Tree Permit is required for removal OR significant trimming of any tree, which has a circumference of 24 inches or more measured at 24 inches above the ground. In effect, this is a little less than an 8-inch diameter tree trunk.
Tree Removal Applications are available in the lobby at Town Hall, 142 Bolinas Road.
The Tree Advisory Committee considers several factors before arriving at a decision. For example:
* Apparent disease of the tree
* Potential danger of falling
* Proximity to existing structures
* New construction
* Effect of tree removal on soil erosion, and diversion or increaed flow of water
* The potential effect of tree removal upon property values in the neighborhood