The City Council this week discussed an ordinance that, if passed, would waive tree-planting requirements for certain interior residential and building projects until 2029.

The policy would ease the burden for homeowners and building owners who are looking to make mostly internal changes to their property. Currently, if internal home and building projects exceed a certain cost, it can trigger city fees and requirements associated with tree planting, seismic reports, and sidewalk and curb improvements.

District 3 Councilor Angelita Morillo, who co-sponsored the ordinance with District 1 Councilor Jamie Dunphy, said at a Sept. 3 council meeting that the reform was a “common sense” one.

“This is exactly what government should be doing,” Morillo said. “These are common sense changes that

See Full Page