Proposed Citizen Initiative: Greenleaf Promenade Tree Protection and Responsible Development Ordinance

Editorial Disclosure:

This content is being published for informational purposes only. The proposed initiative below was drafted by Rebecca Canales in her personal capacity. Whittier 360 News Network is not affiliated with, endorsing, or opposing this initiative and is providing this information so the public can review the proposed text. PROPOSED INITIATIVE ORDINANCE CITY OF WHITTIER

THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF WHITTIER DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. TITLE

This Ordinance shall be known as the“Greenleaf Promenade Tree Protection and Responsible Development Ordinance.”

SECTION 2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Ordinance is to:

• Allow the Greenleaf Promenade project to move forward;

• Protect the City’s urban tree canopy;

• Ensure decisions regarding tree removal are based on objective, professional evaluation;

• Promote transparency and public trust in project implementation;

• Preserve the character and environmental quality of the community.
  

SECTION 3. CONTINUATION OF PROJECT

A. The City shall continue to pursue and implement the Greenleaf Promenade project, subject to applicable law and funding availability, and in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

B. Implementation of the project shall comply with the provisions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 4. INDEPENDENT ARBORIST REVIEW

A. Prior to the removal of any tree within the project area, the City shall obtain an evaluation from a licensed, independent arborist.

B. The arborist shall:

• Be independent and shall not have any financial, professional, or organizational affiliation with:

  • The City of Whittier related to project design or implementation;

  • Any contractor, developer, or entity involved in the project;

  • Any organization or individual with a direct financial or advocacy interest in the outcome of tree removal decisions;

• Provide a written disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest prior to conducting evaluations;

• Conduct an individual assessment of each tree proposed for removal.
  

SECTION 5. TREE REMOVAL STANDARDS

A tree may only be removed if the independent arborist determines that one or more of the following conditions apply:

1. The tree is dead, diseased, or structurally compromised;

2. The tree poses a significant safety risk;

3. The tree cannot be preserved after the City has demonstrated, through written findings, that:

   
   

   (i) reasonable and feasible alternative design configurations have been considered; and

   
   

   (ii) no feasible alternative exists that would achieve the project’s primary objectives while preserving the tree.

B. All removal determinations shall be supported by written findings.

SECTION 6. TREE REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT

A. For each tree removed, the City shall provide replacement planting.

B. Replacement trees shall:

• Be native or climate-appropriate species suitable for the Whittier area;

• Be selected to support long-term canopy health and sustainability.

C. Replacement ratios and planting locations shall be determined to maintain or improve overall canopy coverage where feasible.

SECTION 7. TRANSPARENCY

A. Arborist reports and findings shall be:

• Documented in writing;

• Made publicly available on the City’s official website.

B. The City shall provide clear information regarding:

• Trees proposed for removal;

• Justification for removal;

• Replacement plans.
  

SECTION 8. PUBLIC INPUT

A. The City shall provide opportunities for public input regarding tree removal and replacement plans.

B. Public comments may be considered in implementation decisions consistent with applicable law.

SECTION 9. IMPLEMENTATION

A. The City Manager or designee shall adopt administrative procedures to implement this Ordinance.

B. Implementation shall be consistent with:

• Applicable state and local law;

• Budgetary constraints approved by the City Council.
  

SECTION 10. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect in accordance with California law following voter approval.