52.3°
By Gregory J McFann, Building Official
City of Alameda Planning & Building Department
Trees have been an integral part of Alameda's history. Much of the original landmass that was not swamp contained one of the largest coastal oak forests in the world. The name Alameda is Spanish for "grove of poplar trees" and Encinal is Spanish for "oak grove". Today, two key defining features of Alameda are it's tree lined streets and wooded parks. Anyone who is familiar with Alameda be would hard pressed to describe our island home without mentioning it's trees. Given all of this, it is no surprise that there are laws on the books protecting certain trees in Alameda.
Based on a recent rash of tree removals without permits, it is obvious that not everyone knows Alameda has a protected class of trees. So I'm dedicating this month's column to Alameda's protected trees. It is illegal to remove any palm tree in the public right-of-way on Burbank Street and Portola Avenue, any street tree on Thompson and Central Avenues, and any Coastal Live Oak with a ten-inch or greater diameter measured four and one-half feet
above the ground, without first obtaining a Certificate of Approval from the Historical Advisory Board (HAB).
Protected trees can be approved for removal for one of two reasons. Either the tree is no longer healthy enough to survive and poses a life safety threat, or the tree is in danger of damaging a building. An arborist's report is required when the health of the tree is in question and a contractor's report is required when potential or continuing damage to a structure is the issue.
The approval process can take several months. Once the application for removal is received all properties within 300 feet are notified of the scheduled hearing before the Historical Advisory Board. Decisions of the HAB can be appealed to the City Council. An exception to the full noticing and hearing process kicks in if the Building Official determines that the tree is an imminent and significant hazard.
Because these protected trees are such a signature element of Alameda, the final step is to replace the old tree at the applicant's expense. Street trees must be replaced to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director while oak trees need to be replaced with a minimum of two oak trees, ten-gallon size or larger.
