LA City Oak Ordinance Changes: Regressive Policy

We, the undersigned, believe that the proposed Oak Tree Ordinance amendment (Council File No. 03-1450) represents an unbalanced, regressive and convoluted legislative action for the reasons listed below. We OPPOSE the changes to the Ordinance and recommend a NO vote on this public policy action that

Has denied public participation in public policy formulation.
Is in direct conflict with the City of Los Angeles Fire Department Brush Clearance regulations.
Is in direct conflict with the Grading Department Erosion Control Regulations.
Lacks scientific data requiring drastic protection legislation.
Proposes to prevent or make much more difficult the development of vacant land.
Proposes to place legislative, executive, and judiciary power in the hands of the members of the City Community Forestry Advisory Committee, comprised of members who oppose development.
Gives that Forestry Committee the veto power over any development in the City of LA.
Makes impossible the use of urban landscaping for benefit and the well being of its habitants.
Makes the pleasure of gardening in LA City an illegal activity.
If adopted in its present form creates additional levels of bureaucracy and will lead to endless hearings, appeals and reports.
Will create unnecessary further conflicts and division in communities.
Will add additional cost to already out of control construction costs.

If some form of policy change is to be considered, it must be a reasonable one that is compatible with existing LA City landuse policies and housing goals. Furthermore, consideration of any changes to the current Oak Tree Ordinance must be open to public participation. Its enforcement should be based on simple rules requiring the replacement of protected species. The removal of replacement permits should be an administrative decision and not handed over to special interest groups such as the LA City Community Forestry Committee. And, required permits should be secured prior to any planning or building and safety development and permitting process.

We OPPOSE the changes to the Oak Tree Ordinance and recommend you vote NO on this policy change.