Tree Committee Overview

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.

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.

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

Regular Meeting Schedule

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 the Fairfax Women's Club, 46 Park Road (map).

For monthly information on tree committee meetings, please check the Town calendar. During the winter holiday months, meeting dates may change.  Please check our calendar for current meeting dates.  Thank you!

Tree Removal Applications

Please submit all completed paper applications no later than 14 days before the scheduled next meeting to the Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30-Noon and 1-5 p.m. Mondays –Thursdays only) for your application to be processed.  The Public Notice with Meeting Agenda requirement is posted 10 days in advance of the next meeting and the Public Packet containing the meeting materials is available at the Town Hall counter at that time for review.

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Waters, Administrative Assistant II, at (415) 458-2342.  For weekend and after hour emergencies, please contact the Police Dispatcher On Duty at (415) 453-5330.

Committee Members

Current members of the Tree Committee are:

Larry Bragman, Council Member

Morgan Hall, Planning Commissioner

Richard Pedemonte, Parks and Recreation Commissioner;

Ryan O'Neil, Open Space Committee Member.