BIA-LAV met with Commissioner Kevin James and his staff to discuss BIA-LAV’s concerns over the City’s protected tree removal process. Currently, a builder must go through an arduous regulatory process if protected trees are identified on the parcel, leading to lengthy housing delays.
BIA-LAV and Public Works met to brainstorm innovative ways to shorten the process, especially in light of a new Protected Tree Ordinance proposed by Councilman Mitch O’Farrell (CD13), which aims to place two shrubs on the list: the Tyon and the Mexican Elderberry. If these shrubs are added to the list, and if the additional proposed processes and modifications to the current ordinance are adopted, new housing delays will surely increase. BIA-LAV is grateful to the Commissioner and his staff for working with us to break barriers to producing housing during this time of crisis.
