HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-1996 CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORTSSARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO. 2-6(0 1
MEETING DATE: January 17, 1996
ORIGINATING DEPT.: FINANCE
SUBJECT: 1995/96 BUDGET AMENDMENTS
AGENDA ITEM 56
(4)
CITY MGR.
Recommended Motion(s): Approve resolution amending the Fiscal Year
1995/96 Budget.
Report Summary: Attached is a resolution amending the 1995/96
Budget for the following three items: 1) transfer of the Civic
Theater improvement budget to the Recreation Fund, 2) transfer of
contingency monies to fund Litigation Services and 3) transfer of
contingency monies to fund a special election. Also included with
the resolution are a Budget Resolution Supporting Worksheet and
Resolutions Approved schedule for your consideration.
The first item requiring amendment to the 1995/96 Budget transfers
$7,500 in budget authority for improving the Civic Theater from the
General Fund, Program 8084 - Building Maintenance to the Recreation
Fund, Program 4043 - Cultural Services. The purpose of this
transfer is to better align program revenue (ticket surcharges),
which was included in the Recreation Fund, with related
expenditures. Furthermore, this provides a better accounting of
the costs for the West Valley Light Opera Association.
The second item requiring amendment to the 1995/96 Budget transfers
$50,000 in contingency funds to Program 7075 - Litigation Services.
The City Manager has estimated that $50,000 will be required to
fund Litigation Services through the end of the fiscal year. The
current budget of $53,500 was expended in December 1995 due, in
part, to additional defense costs incurred in the Green Valley
Disposal, Guadalupe Rubbish and Friends of the Nelson Gardens
cases.
The third and final item requiring amendment to the 1995/96 Budget
transfers $7,500 in contingency funds to Program 7076 - City Clerk
to cover the costs of the special election to be held on March 26,
1996.
Attached are supporting memorandums from the West Valley Light
Opera Association and Deputy City Clerk for the budget amendments.
1 - --
Fiscal Imgacts: There is a temporary and modest improvement to the
General Fund balance as a result of these amendments since $7,500
for Civic Theater improvement costs will be shifted to the
Recreation Fund. However, at fiscal year end, this improvement
will be negated by a transfer from the General Fund to help
subsidize the cost of running the Recreation Fund.
$200,000 in contingency monies were appropriated when the 1995/96
Budget was adopted. Accordingly, transfer of these monies to
General Fund programs \projects results in no impact to the General
Fund balance.
Overall appropriations remain unchanged. The 1996/97 Budget will
require an amendment to transfer $12,500 in planned Civic Theater
improvements. This amendment will be handled during upcoming
budget deliberations.
Specific changes by Fund are as follows:
Fund Revenues Expenditures
O1- General Fund $0.00 ($7,500.00)
40- Recreation $0.00 $7,500.00
Follow Up Actions: None.
Consequences of Not Acting on the Recommended Motions: Civic
Theater program costs will not be realigned, litigation services
for the remainder of the year will not be funded and no funding
will be available to hold the special election.
Attachments
c: \execsumm \exsm0ll2.96
2
NO
PO BOX 779 LOS
Manly NSa ealey
City of ato ga
13777 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
SUBJECT: "GYPSY"
Dear Marilyn,
V/1 tx t4a
December 9 1995
GATOS ALIFORNIA 95031 (408)358 1896
Enclosed are the required forms and the following checks required by our
recent production of "GYPSY" in the Saratoga Civic Theater:
Check #5478 - Rental Fees for use of the theater facility
during the production $5,335
Check #5479 - Ticket Surcharge Fees collected during
production 1 $3,910 '
It is our understanding in past discussions with the Mayor and Council
Members of the City of Saratoga and Harry Peacock, City Manager, that all
monies received from the city surchar es will be placed in a special account,
se arate from e s General Fund for use in Funding agree -upon
improvements to the Saratoga Civic Theater facility only.
For your information, the collection of these city surcharges during our
production of "GYPSY" resulted in an additional expense of $435 from the
increased royalties by the Publisher, Tams - Witmark Music Library, in New
York. Their royalty fees are based on the "actual" amount that the patron pays
when they purchase a seat ticket to one of our productions even though the
$1.00 per - sold -seat surcharge is collected and forwarded to the City of Saratoga
with NO direct monetary benefit to our Association.
We felt that the production of "GYPSY" was an artistic success enjoyed by
many patrons from Saratoga and the Bay Area; however, the attendance was
much lower than we normally experience and not at the level which we
needed to pay the bills.
This decline in planned attendance could be attributed to several things, but
we are of the opinion that some was due to the additional cost of the $1.00 per
seat surcharge. Keep in mind that WVLOA is a non -profit community
theater company, and that we strive very hard to present good family -type
musicals and operettas for the residents of Saratoga and surrounding areas to
participate in, as well as enjoy, at a reasonable cost. Many of our patrons are
Senior citizens with limited income. Any increase in ticket prices, such as the
surcharge, can impact their ability to afford a subscription or single -seat
tickets.
Thank you and the maintenance staff for your assistance and support during
this production.
Sincerely,
Edward Hand,
President
EWH /mh
Enc.
cc: Mayor Paul Jacobs wlo c ti c
Saratoga City Council Members
Harry Peacock, City Manager wl -
Joan Pisani, Director of Recreation
1/8/96
To: Finance Director
From: Deputy City Clerk
Subject: Costs of March 26, 1996, Special Election
Funds must be added to the City Clerk's program for the costs of
the special election to be held.in March. Therefore, please
added $7466.58 to Account 7076 4510 for FY 1995 -96. Below are
the itemized costs.
Registrar's charges for checking petition signatures $466.58
Cost of election 7000.00
Total $7466.58
cc: City Manager t
r
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO. 2-6(07 AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 17, 1996 CITY MGR.:
ORIGINATING DEPT.: PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. HEAD:
SUBJECT: Final Map Approval for SD 92 -008 (19855 Douglass Lane)
Recommended Motion(s):
1. Move to adopt Resolution No. SD 92 -008 granting final map
approval of Tentative Map Application No. SD 92 -008 for eight lots
at 19855 Douglass Lane.
2. Move to authorize the Mayor to execute the Subdivision
Improvement Agreement.
Report Summary:
Attached is Resolution No. SD 92 -008 which, if adopted, will grant
final map approval for eight lots located at 19855 Douglass Lane.
I have examined the final map and related documents submitted to me
in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.40.020 of the
Municipal Code and have determined that:
1. The final map substantially complies with the approved
tentative map.
2. All conditions of the approved tentative map, as contained
in Planning Commission Resolution No. SD 92 -008, have been
completed or will be completed concurrent with development
of the eight lots.
3. The Subdivision Map Act, the City's Subdivision Ordinance
and all other applicable provisions of law have been
complied with.
4. The final map is technically correct.
Consequently, I have executed the City Engineer's certificate on
the final map and have filed the final map with the City Clerk
pursuant to Section 14.40.040 of the Municipal Code for action by
the City Council.
Fiscal Impacts•
The subdivider has paid $13,051.60 in Engineering Fees and $57,120
in Park Development Fees required for this subdivision.
Follow Up Actions:
The signed map will be released to the subdivider's Title Company
for recordation along with recording instructions.
Consequences of Not Acting on the Recommended Motions:
The final map must either be approved or rejected by the City
Council. If the map is rejected, it would be returned to the
subdivider with findings as to why the map was rejected.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. SD 92 -008 granting final map approval.
2. Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
3. Planning Commission Resolution No. SD 92 -008 approving the
tentative map with conditions.
RESOLUTION NO. SD 92 -008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
APPROVING THE FINAL MAP OF SD 92 -008
19855 DOUGLASS LANE (PFEIFFER RANCH INVESTORS III, INC.)
The City Council of the City of Saratoga hereby resolves as
follows:
SECTION 1: Lots 1 - 8 as shown on that certain map of Tract
No. 8600, prepared by NA Engineering, dated
September, 1995, and filed with the City Clerk of
the City of Saratoga on January 17, 1996, are
approved as EIGHT (8) individual parcels.
SECTION 2: All streets and easements shown on said map and
offered for dedication to public use are hereby
rejected on behalf of the public, save and except
for public utility easements; and to the limited
extent that any offers for public street purposes
either expressly or implicitly include offers for
easements for utility purposes along or beneath said
street rights of way, then as to such express or
implied offers of easements for public utility
purposes, the same are hereby accepted on behalf of
the public.
The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the
Saratoga City Council at a meeting held on the 17th day of January,
1996, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Burger,' Moran, Wolfe and Mayor Jacobs
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Tucker
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor
ATTEST:
e ��'
Deputy City Cler
REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
-Application No. /Location: SD -92 -008;
Applicant/ Owner: Sisters of Mercy
Staff Planner: ,Tames Walgren
Date: March 24, 1993
APN: 397 -16 -006
19855 Douglass Lane
Director Approval:
1 V b b b Douglass Lane
CONTRACT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SD 92 -008
AGREEMENT, made and entered into this day of
1996, by and between the CITY OF SARATOGA, a Municipal corporation
of the State of California, hereinafter called "City", and
PFEIFFER RANCH INVESTORS III, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION,
subdivider and Owner, hereinafter collectively called Subdivider:
W I T N E S S E T H•
WHEREAS, Subdivider is engaged in subdividing that certain
tract of land known and designated as 19855 Douglass Lane
situated in the City of Saratoga, County of Santa Clara, State of
California; and
WHEREAS, a final map of SD 92 -008 has been filed with the
City Clerk of the City of Saratoga for presentation to the Council
for its approval, which map is hereby referred to and by said
reference incorporated herein; and
WHEREAS, Owner and Subdivider has requested approval of said
final map prior to the completion of improvements of all streets,
highways or public ways and sewer facilities which are a part of or
appurtenant to the abovementioned subdivision, including, but
without limiting the foregoing, the necessary paving, catch basins,
pipes, culverts, storm drains, sanitary sewers where required,
street trees and street signs where required, and including a water
system and fire hydrants acceptable to the San Jose Water Works and
the City of Saratoga, all in accordance with and as required by the
plans and specifications for all of said improvements in or
appurtenant to said subdivision, which plans and specifications
were prepared by NA Engineering , Civil Engineer, approved by the
City Engineer and now on file in the offices of the Clerk of said
City and /or the City Engineer's Office of said City, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of said City did on the
day of , 1996, adopt a Resolution approving
said Final Map, rejecting certain dedications therein offered which
rejection did not and does not, however, revoke the offers of
dedication therein contained and requiring as a condition precedent
2
to the future acceptance of said 'offers of dedication that the
Subdivider improve the streets and easements thereon shown in
accord with the standards of the City's Subdivision Ordinance, as
amended, of the City of Saratoga and in accord with the improvement
plans and specifications on file as hereinabove referred to, and
requiring as a condition precedent to the release of said final map
for recordation that the subdivider agree in writing to so improve
said streets and easements in accord with this agreement,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and in
consideration of the City accepting all of said dedications after
the hereinafter agreed to covenants on the part of the Owner and
Subdivider have been complied with and in accord with Government
Code Section 66462(a) of the State of California, it is hereby
agreed as follows:
1. Subdivider at this cost and expense shall construct all of
the improvements and do all of the work hereinafter mentioned, all
in accordance with and to the extent and as provided in the above
mentioned plans and specifications on file in the office of said
City, for the construction of said improvements, in, for, or
appurtenant to said subdivision, and all in compliance with the
City's Subdivision Ordinance as amended and the laws of the State
of California, and shall complete the same within one year from
date hereof and shall maintain the same for a period of at least
one year after the satisfactory completion of the same.
2. Subdivider shall, before the release of said final map by
City and as condition precedent to recordation thereof, furnish to
the City and file with the City Clerk a good and sufficient surety
bond or bonds, money or negotiable bonds, in form to be approved by
the City Attorney, securing the faithful performance by Subdivider
of all work and the construction of all improvements herein in this
Agreement mentioned within time specified, and securing the
faithful performance by Subdivider of the maintenance of said
improvements for a period of at least one year after completion of
the same, and for such additional period of time as may be
necessary in order that Subdivider may cure and correct all
3
deficiencies of construction to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer of the City of Saratoga (in all events at least
$6,500.00 of said bond to be in cash, with the right of City to use
the same in its discretion for emergency maintenance and repairs in
addition to any other rights of use) the total amount of said bond
to be in the sum of $_65,000.00 ; and also a good and sufficient
surety bond in form to be approved by the City Attorney securing
the payment by subdivider of all bills for labor and materials
incurred in the construction of any and all of said improvements,
and the doing of all other work herein agreed to be done by the
said Subdivider, the amount of said bond to be Sixty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($ 65,000.00 ).
3. Subdivider does hereby expressly agree to indemnify and
hold harmless the City and in their capacity as such, its
councilmen, officers, boards, commissions and its employees, from
any and all loss or damage, and from any and all liability for any
and all loss or damage, and from any and all suits, actions,
damages, or claims filed or brought by any and all person or
persons because of or resulting from the doing by Subdivider or any
and all things required of Subdivider by this contract, or because
of or arising or resulting from the failure or omission by
Subdivider to do any and all things necessary to and required by
this contract or by law, or arising or resulting from the negligent
doing by Subdivider, his agents, employees or subcontractors of any
and all things required to be done by this contract, or arising or
resulting from any dangerous or defective condition arising or
resulting from any of the above said acts or omissions of
subdivider, his agents, subcontractors, or employees. Subdivider
having . heretofore certified, by the certificate upon the
abovementioned subdivision map, that he can convey clear title to
the land within said subdivision, and City having relied upon said
certificate and the representation contained therein, the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph are specifically made to apply to any
destruction or damage to or removal of utilities, water lines or
pipe lines of any kinds, and any other improvement, whether said
4
destruction, damage or removal is required or caused by the plans
or specifications or by direction of an officer, agent or employee
of the City.
4. Subdivider shall, before the release of said final map by
the City, and as a condition precedent to the recordation thereof,
furnish to the City and file with the City Clerk certificates or
policies of public liability and property damage insurance in form
satisfactory to the City Attorney, and Subdivider shall at all
times during the entire term of this agreement maintain the same in
full force and effect, which policies shall insure the City of
Saratoga, its Councilmen, officers, boards, commissions and
employees against loss or liability for bodily injury and property
damages arising or resulting from subdivider's operations and
activities in the construction of any and all improvements
mentioned in this agreement and the doing of any and all work
mentioned in this agreement, within or outside the abovementioned
subdivision, and /or arising or resulting from the doing or failure
of subdivider to do all things required to be done pursuant to this
agreement. Said policies of insurance shall cover bodily injury
and property damage on both an accident and occurrence basis, with
completed operations coverage for one (1) year after completion and
acceptance of improvements, and shall be in amounts of not less
than ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) for each person, ONE
MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) for each accident or occurrence and
property damage coverage of ONE- HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
($100,000.00) for each accident or occurrence and property damage
coverage of ONE - HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000.00) for each
accident or occurrence. Said policies of insurance shall in
addition contain the following. endorsement: "Other insurance - the
coverage afforded by this insurance shall be primary coverage to
the full limits of liability stated in the declarations. If the
assured has other insurance against the loss covered by this
policy, that other insurance shall be excess insurance only, after
the entire face value of this policy shall have been exhausted by
payment."
9
5. In consideration of City allowing Subdivider to connect
said subdivision to certain existing or proposed out -of -tract storm
sewer lines, and in consideration of City relieving Subdivider of
any obligation which City might legally impose on Subdivider to
acquire any right -of -way for, and /or to construct, any out -of -tract
storm sewer drainage pipe lines and appurtenances which might
reasonably be necessary to drain said subdivision and carry storm
waters from said subdivision to natural drains, Subdivider
shall, before the release of said final map by City and as a
condition precedent to the recordation thereof, pay the City the
sum of Zero dollars ($ 0 ).
6. In consideration of City agreeing to accept, in accord
with this agreement, the in -tract storm drain lines and facilities
constructed or to be constructed by Subdivider within or outside of
said subdivision in accord with the plans and specifications now on
file with the City offices, including the streets and other
easements in or beneath which said facilities lie, Subdivider
shall, before the release of said final map by City and as a
condition precedent to the recordation thereof, pay the City the
sum of Zero Dollars ($ 0 ).
7. Subdivider shall, before the release of said final map by
the City and as a condition precedent to the recordation thereof,
pay to the City the sum of Six - Thousand - Two - Hundred Dollars
($ 6,200.00) to be applied by City to the payment of expenses to be
incurred by City for engineering and inspection services to be
performed by the City in connection with said subdivision.
8. Upon Subdivider completing in accord with this agreement
all of the improvements to be made and done by said Subdivider as
hereinabove set forth and as shown on the plans and specifications
on file as 'hereinabove referred to, and upon Subdivider having
properly maintained the same for a period of at least one year
after the completion of said improvements as hereinabove specified,
and upon the Subdivider complying with all covenants and conditions
on his or its part to be done and performed in accord with the
within agreement, then and in that event, City agrees to rescind
C
its rejection of the offers of dedication of streets and storm
drain easements contained on the aforesaid final map, and at that
time accept said offers of dedication.
9. Should the Subdivider and Owner hereinabove referred to
not be the same person, firm or corporation, then this agreement
shall only be effective upon both the subdivider and the Owner
separately executing the same, and wherever the term Subdivider is
used, the same shall include Owner and wherever the term Owner is
used, the same shall include Subdivider.
10. This agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, personal
representatives and assigns of Subdivider and Owner, and time is of
the essence hereof, save and except that the City Council of the
City of Saratoga may, but need not, extend any time or times for
the doing or performing of any acts as required under the terms of
this agreement by resolution, if in the opinion of the City Council
any such delay is without fault on the part of the Subdivider and
Owner.
Execution of the within agreement by the Owner or Subdivider
shall constitute an irrevocable authorization to City to insert the
date of passage of the Council resolution approving the final map,
and to insert the date of this agreement as of the date of such
resolution.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hand the
day and year first above written.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
CITY OF SARATOGA, a Municipal .Corporation
By:
Mayor
PFEIFFER RANCH INVESTORS, III
A CALI NIA CO ATION
dZ4By: �-�- --
AnAdiYA -Aer owner
By: d44L,
&4�k- f'1Y different from
A�4bF#N/iAye�r )
Owner
BLOSSOM VALLEY INVESiTORS, INC.
RESOLUTION NO. SD -92 -008
RESOLUTION APPROVING TENTATIVE MAP OF
SISTERS OF MERCY; 19855 Douglass Lane
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Advisory Agency
under the Subdivision Map Act of the State of California and under
the Subdivision Ordinance of the City of Saratoga, for tentative
map approval of eight (8) lots, all as more particularly set forth
in File No. SD -92 -008 of this City; and
WHEREAS, this Advisory Agency hereby finds that the proposed
subdivision, together with the provisions for its design and
improvement, is consistent with the Saratoga General Plan and with
all specific plans relating thereto; and the proposed subdivision
and land use are compatible with the objectives, policies and
general land use and programs specified in such General Plan,
reference to the staff report dated March 24, 1993 being hereby
made for further particulars; and
WHEREAS, this body has heretofore received and considered the
environmental Negative Declaration prepared for this project in
accord with the currently applicable provisions of CEQA; and
WHEREAS, none of the conditions set forth in Subsections (a)
through (g) of Government Code Section 66474 exist with respect to
said subdivision, and tentative approval should be granted in
accord with conditions as hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has conducted a duly noticed
public hearing at which time all interested parties were given a
full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the tentative map for the
hereinafter described subdivision, which map is dated November 1992
and is marked Exhibit "A" in the hereinabove referred file, be and
the same is hereby conditionally approved. The conditions of said
approval are as follows:
Completed by Surveyor- 1. Prior to submittal of a Final Map to the City Engineer for
examination, the owner (applicant) shall cause the property to
be surveyed by a Licensed Land Surveyor or an authorized Civil
Engineer. The submitted map shall show the existence of a
monument at all external property corner locations, either
found or set. The submitted map shall also show monuments set
at each new corner location, angle point, or as directed by
the City Engineer, all in conformity with the Subdivision Map
Act and the Professional Land Surveyors Act.
Completed. 2. The owner (applicant) shall submit four (4) copies of a Final
Map in substantial conformance with the approved Tentative
Map, along with the additional documents required in Section
14- 40.020 of the Municipal Code, to the City Engineer for
examination. The Final Map shall contain all of the informa-
File No. 8D -92 -008; 19855 Douglass Lane
tion required by Section 14- 40.030 of the Municipal Code and
shall be accompanied by the following items:
a. One copy of map checking calculations.
b. Preliminary Title Report for the property dated within
ninety (90) days of the date of submittal of the Final
Map.
C. One copy of each map referenced on the Final Map.
d. One copy of each document /deed referenced on the Final
Map.
e. One copy of any other map, document, deed, easement or
other resource that will facilitate the examination
process as requested by the City Engineer.
Fees Paid. 3.
The owner (applicant) shall pay a Map Checking fee, as
determined by the City Engineer, at the time of submittal of
the Final Map for examination.
Security Posted. 4•
Interior monuments shall be set at each lot corner either
prior to recordation of a Final Map or some later date to be
specified on a Final Map. If the owner (applicant) chooses to
defer the setting of interior monuments to a specified later
date, then sufficient security as determined by the City
Engineer shall be furnished prior to Final Map approval, to
guarantee the setting of interior monuments.
All easements offered on 5.
The owner (applicant) shall provide Irrevocable offers of
Final Map.
Dedication for all required easements and /or rights of way on
the Final Map, in substantial conformance with the approved
Tentative Map, prior to Final Map approval.
Plans Submitted and 6.
The owner (applicant) shall submit engineered improvement
approved.
plans to the City Engineer in conformance with the approved
Tentative Map and in accordance with the design and improve-
ment requirements of Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code. The
improvement plans shall be reviewed and approved by the City
Engineer and the appropriate officials from other public
agencies having jurisdictional authority, including public and
private utility providers, prior to approval of the Final Map.
Fees Paid. 7•
The owner (applicant) shall pay an Improvement Plan Checking
fee, as determined by the City Engineer, at the time Improve-
ment Plans are submitted for review.
File No. SD -92 -008; 19855 Douglass Lane
Agreement Signed.
8. The owner (applicant) shall enter into an Improvement Agree-
ment with the City in accordance with Section 14- 60.010 of the
Municipal Code prior to Final Map approval.
All securities provided.
9. The owner (applicant) shall furnish Improvement Securities in
accordance with Section 14- 60.020 of the Municipal Code in the
manner and amounts determined by the City Engineer prior to
Final Map approval.
Insurance provided.
10. The owner (applicant) shall furnish a written indemnity
agreement and proof of insurance coverage, in accordance with
Section 14- 05.055 of the Municipal Code, prior to Final Map
approval.
All utility commitments
11. Prior to .Final Map approval, the owner (applicant) shall
provided.
furnish the City Engineer with satisfactory written commit-
ments from all public and private utility providers serving
the subdivision guaranteeing the completion of all required
utility improvements.
All permits obtained.
12. The owner (applicant) shall secure all necessary permits from
the City and any other public agencies, including public and
private utility providers, prior to Final Map approval.
Fees Paid.
13. The owner (applicant) shall pay the applicable Park and
Recreation fee prior to Final Map approval.
Acknowledged.
14. All public and private improvements required for the project
shall be completed and accepted for construction by the City
Engineer, Planning Director, and /or the appropriate officials
from other public agencies, including public and private
Utility providers, prior to acceptance of any Design Review
applications for any of the lots.
Acknowledged.
15. Notice of constru ction shall be distributed to all residents
within 500 ft. of the property at least five calendar days
prior to commencement of construction in such form as deter-
mined by the City Engineer. The applicant (owner) shall
reimburse the City the full cost of providing such notice
prior to receiving approval from the City Engineer to commence
work on the project.
Requirements met.
16. All requirements of the West Valley Sanitation District shall
be met.
Acknowledged.
17. Any existing septic tank on the property shall be pumped and
backfilled in accordance with County Environmental Health
Division
standards prior to Final Map Approval.
File No. SD-92 -008; 19855 Douglass Lane
Requirements met.
18.
Abandon and seal all existing wells to Santa Clara Valley
that the proposed structure is compatible in terms of scale
Water District standards prior to Final Map Approval.
Acknowledged.
19.
The owner (applicant) shall install two (2) fire hydrants that
and that all of the necessary Design Review findings can be
meet the Saratoga Fire District's specifications, pursuant to
be compatible in terms of size and height with the existing
the 1991 Uniform Fire Code. Water flow shall be based on
adjacent structures to the north and west.
Complete.
maximum 6,400 sq. ft. potential future residences and shall
Lot 2 shall be photographically documented. This information
provide a minimum of 1,750 GPM.
Acknowledged.
20.
Roof covering shall be fire retardant, Uniform Building Code
Acknowledged.
26• Any future significant modifications to, or demolition of, the
Class A or B prepared or built -up roofing.
Acknowledged.
21.
Early Warning Fire Alarm System shall be installed and main-
Easement on Final Map.
27• A riparian habitat preservation /open space easement shall be
tained in future homes, in accordance with City of Saratoga
recorded along the west property line of Lots 1, 6 and 7, 60
Code Article 16 -60.
Acknowledged.
22 •
Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in newly constructed
attached /detached garages.
Acknowledged.
23.
Future development of Lots 1 through 8 shall require Design
Review approval. Building sites shall be consistent with the
approved building envelopes and based on current Zoning
ordinance regulations and City policy. The location of any
structures on lots 1 -8 shall maximize tree preservation im
situ (trees within approved envelopes should be preserved in
place rather than transplanted as called out on the Tentative
Map).
Acknowledged.
24 • Design Review approvals shall only be granted upon finding
that the proposed structure is compatible in terms of scale
and design with the existing adjacent residences, that it is
in conformance with the City's Residential Design Guidelines
and that all of the necessary Design Review findings can be
made. Future development of lots 6 & 7 in particular, shall
be compatible in terms of size and height with the existing
adjacent structures to the north and west.
Complete.
25. Prior to Final Map approval, the existing "Crowell" house on
Lot 2 shall be photographically documented. This information
shall then be incorporated into the Heritage Resource Invento-
ry file #23 for this structure.
Acknowledged.
26• Any future significant modifications to, or demolition of, the
existing residence on Lot 2 shall require review by the
Heritage Preservation Commission.
Easement on Final Map.
27• A riparian habitat preservation /open space easement shall be
recorded along the west property line of Lots 1, 6 and 7, 60
ft. from the centerline of Wildcat Creek. No built improve-
ments, with the exception of open wire fencing with spacing
File No. 8D -92 -008; 19855 Douglass Lane
between the wires of at least 4 inches in diameter, shall be
permitted within this 60 feet.
Acknowledged. 28. No grading or building pad improvement work shall take place
on the individual lots until Design Review applications have
been reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.
Requirements met. 29. Pursuant to the City Arborist's report dated January 11, 1993,
all tree preservation requirements shall be met, prior to
Final-Map approval, including but not limited to:
a. The City Arborist shall identify those trees within the
proposed roadway which are suitable to be transplanted.
b. All trenches which must be dug for any utility lines
shall be plotted on the map and reviewed and approved by
the City Arborist.
C. All recommended tree cabling, pruning, end - weight removal
and fertilizing shall be completed and accepted by the
City Arborist.
Acknowledged.
30. Prior to the commencement of any construction activities, the
City Arborist shall oversee and inspect the following work:
a. Installation of all recommended tree protection fencing.
This fencing shall remain in place throughout construc-
tion activities.
b. The transplanting of all trees identified pursuant to
Condition 29.a.
C. The removal of those trees within the roadway construc-
tion and shown to be removed on the Tentative Map. No
other ordinance protected trees shall be removed.
ReV1SlOn Complete.
31. Prior to Final Map approval, the owner (applicant) shall
revise the proposed cul -de -sac in order to preserve the 12
inch Coast Live Oak identified as tree no. R33 by the City
Arborist. This revised map shall be subject to Planning
Director and City Arborist review and approval.
Security posted.
32. The owner (applicant) shall submit to the City, in a form
acceptable to the Planning Director, security in an amount
deemed sufficient by the Planning Director pursuant to a
report and recommendation by the City Arborist to guarantee
the installation, replacement, maintenance, and /or preserva-
tion of trees on the subject site. This security deposit
shall be released at the time of construction acceptance upon
File No. SD -92 -008; 19855 Douglass Lane
the City Arborist's finding that all tree protection measures
have been adequately followed.
Acknowledged. 33. Subdivision construction hours shall be restricted between
7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except in the
event of an emergency which imperils the public safety. The
City Engineer may grant an exemption upon his /her determina-
tion of an emergency. No construction work shall be permitted
on legal holidays.
34. An appropriate plan should be developed for removal of the
Complete existing underground fuel storage tank. This plan shall be
submitted to Santa Clara County Department of Health Services
(DOHS) , the City Environmental Programs Manager and City
Engineer, for review and approval. The results of the tank
removal activities shall be summarized in a letter and
submitted to the City for approval along with a clearance
letter from the DOHS, prior to Final Map approval.
Approved. 35. The applicant's geotechnical consultant shall clarify the
pp . specific lots for which a pier and grade beam foundation is
recommended. In addition, the consultant shall provide
minimum steel reinforcement recommendations for piers and
grade beams. This supplemental design criteria should be
summarized in a letter and submitted to the City for review
and approval by the City Geotechnical Consultant and City
Engineer prior to Final Map approval.
Approved. 36. The project geotechnical consultant shall review and approve
all geotechnical aspects of the site development plans (i.e.,
site preparation and grading, site drainage improvements,
design parameters for foundations, retaining walls, etc.) to
ensure that his recommendations have been properly incorporat-
ed. The plans and plan review letter shall be submitted to
the City and reviewed and approved by the City Engineer prior
to Final Map approval.
37. The project geotechnical consultant shall inspect, test (as
Acknowledged. needed) and approve all geotechnical aspects of the project
construction. The inspection should include, but not neces-
sarily be limited to: site preparation and grading, demoli-
tion and removal of existing structures and unsuitable
materials, site surface and subsurface drainage improvements,
and excavations for roadways and retaining walls prior to the
placement of baserock, fill, steel and concrete.
The project geotechnical consultant shall prepare a report
describing the as -built conditions of the project construc-
tion. The report shall include a map (e.g., corrected or
revised drainage plan) that portrays the extent of any grading
File No. sD -92 -008; 19855 Douglass Lane
(cuts and fills), drainage improvements, and retaining walls.
This final report shall also include the locations and data
from field density tests and any new information disclosed
during construction which may have an impact on development.
Letters describing the results of field inspections, and the
report of as -built conditions, shall be submitted to the City
to be reviewed by the City Engineer prior to construction
acceptance of the subdivision improvements.
Acknowledged. 38. The owner (applicant) shall, upon the City's request, defend,
indemnify and hold the City and its officers, officials,
boards, commissions, employees and volunteers harmless from
and against any claim, action or proceeding to attack, set
aside, void or annul this approval, or any of the proceedings,
acts or determinations taken, done or made prior to such
approval, which is brought within the time specified in Sec.
14- 85.060 of the Municipal Code. If a defense is requested,
the City shall give prompt notice to the applicant of any such
claim, action or proceeding, and shall cooperate fully in the
defense thereof. Nothing herein shall prevent the City from
participating in the defense, but in such event, the City
shall pay its own attorney's fees and costs.
Acknowledged. 39. Noncompliance with any of the conditions of this permit shall
constitute a violation of the permit. Because it is impossi-
ble to estimate damages the City could incur due to the
violation, liquidated damages of $250 shall be payable to this
City per each day of the violation.
section 1. Applicant shall sign the agreement to these
conditions within thirty (30) days of the passage of this resolu-
tion or said resolution shall be void.
Section 2. Conditions must be completed within twenty -four
(24) months or approval will expire.
Section 3. All applicable requirements of the State, County,
City and other Governmental entities must be met.
section 4. Unless appealed pursuant to the requirements of
Article 15 -90 of the Saratoga City Code, this Resolution shall
become effective fifteen (15) days from the date of adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Saratoga Planning Commis-
sion, State of California, this 14th day of April, 1993, by the
following vote:
AYES: ASFOUR, CALDWELL, JACOBS, MORAN, MURAKAMI, WOLFE
File No. SD -92 -008; 19855 Douglass Lane
NOES: none
ABSENT: BOGOSIAN
Chair, Planning Commisdion
ATTEST
Secretary, Plan ing Commission
The foregoing conditions are hereby accepted:
Signature of Applicant Date
Er.
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO. 2 6(0 7 AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 17, 1996 CITY MGR.:/
ORIGINATING DEPT.: PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. HEAD:
-4 C
1
SUBJECT: Request from Saratoga Fire District for City participation
in an OTS grant application for traffic signal preemptors
Recommended Motion(s):
Move to authorize City participation in the grant application and
designate the Public Works Director as the City's contact for the
project.
Report Summary:
The Saratoga Fire District is requesting City participation in an
application to the Office of Traffic Safety for a grant to fund the
purchase of 12 traffic signal preemption devices for intersections
within the City. The preemptors would enable the operators of
emergency response vehicles to "clear" traffic conflicts at
signalized intersections as they roll to an emergency incident.
While the preemptors would work to minimize response times, more
importantly they would reduce the risk of accidents occurring
between motorists and emergency service providers during an
incident response.
The SFD is offering to serve as the lead agency in an application
to OTS for grant funds to purchase 12 preemption devices. Central
Fire District and the Sheriff's Department have both agreed to be
listed as co- applicants on the application. In addition, SFD is
seeking City participation in the grant application along with AMR
West, the County's contract paramedic responders. SFD has retained
the services of a grant writer to prepare the application package,
and preliminary conversations between her and OTS staff suggest
that such an application would be received very favorably. Initial
applications are due to OTS by January 31. Funds, if awarded,
would become available at the beginning of FFY 96 -97, October 1.
The 12 intersections identified for the preemption devices are as
follows:
1. Saratoga Ave. /Fruitvale Ave.
2. Saratoga Ave. /Dagmar Dr.
3. Saratoga Ave. /SB Route 85
4. Saratoga Ave. /NB Route 85
5. Saratoga Ave. /Vineyard Ln.
6. Fruitvale Ave. /Allendale Ave.
7. Quito Rd. /Allendale Ave.
8. The Village intersection
9. Saratoga- Sunnyvale Rd. /Reid Ln.
10. Saratoga - Sunnyvale Rd. /Herriman Ave.
11. Saratoga - Sunnyvale Rd. /Blauer Dr.
12. Saratoga- Sunnyvale Rd. /Pierce Rd.
Central Fire District has already installed a preemption device at
the Saratoga Ave. /Cox Ave. intersection, and has arranged for a
second installation at the Saratoga - Sunnyvale Rd. /Cox Ave.
intersection which should occur later this year.
The preemption devices consist of a radio transmitter unit in the
emergency vehicles, and a receiving unit in the traffic signal
controllers. Approximate costs are $1,500 and $4,000 respectively
which would be funded by the grant. Installation costs, which are
not eligible for grant funds, are approximately $300 for each
transmitter unit, which includes calibration of a directional
compass, and $400 for each receiving unit . The application will
indicate that installation costs for the transmitters will be
funded by the various emergency providers, while the installation
of the receiving units, approximately $4,800, would be funded by
the City. (Whether the City or the County would need to fund the
installation of the transmitter units in the Sheriff's vehicles
which serve Saratoga will need to be worked out. At worst case,
the City might need to fund transmitter installations in as many as
five vehicles at a cost of roughly $1,500.) By agreeing to
participate in the project then, the City Council would, in effect,
be committing up to $6,300 to the project in FY 96 -97. Staff
believes that this is best accomplished by setting up a new Capital
Project in the Capital Improvement Program, the details of which
can be defined during the upcoming budget review process.
Fiscal Impacts•
None directly by agreeing to participate in the grant application.
If the project is approved for funding, the City would contribute
approximately $4,800 to install the preemptor receiving units at
the 12 identified intersections, and up to an additional $1,500 to
install transmitters in the Sheriff's vehicles, or $6,300 total, in
FY 96 -97.
Advertising, Noticing and Public Contact:
Nothing additional.
Consequences of Not Acting on the Recommended Motions:
The City would not be authorized to participate in the grant
application and presumably the project. While SFD could still
pursue the grant with the other agencies, there would be a question
as to who would fund the installation of the receiving units at the
signalized intersections.
Follow Up Actions:
SFD will be notified of the City's interest in participating in the
grant application. Staff will tentatively develop budget plans for
FY 96 -97 which include $6,300 to fund installation of the receiving
and transmitting units.
Attachments:
1. Letter from SFD dated January 5.
01/08/1996 15:57 4088672780 SARATOGA FIRE PAGE 10
SARATOGA FIRE DISTRICT
SERVICE SINCE 1923
January 5, 1996
Mayor Jacobs
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Dear Mr. Jacobs:
The Saratoga Fire District, acting as lead agency, is applying for an OTS grant to
purchase approximately 12 signal preemptors for intersections within the City of
Saratoga. In addition, emergency vehicle transmitters will also be purchased. The Board
of Commissioners would like to invite the City of Saratoga to join the District in the grant
process. The Central Fire District and the Sheriff s Department have already agreed to
collaborate on the project.
The project qualifies as an Engineering Program fundable under F14WA. Since under
FHWA guidelines installation of equipment is defined as construction and is non -
allowable, the grant will cover only the cost of the equipment. Construction/installation
costs are, however, allowable under the Urban County Community Development Block
Grant Program. The District will be applying to the city for these funds to cover the costs
of the preemptor and transmitter installations.
The initial memorandum proposal is due by January 31, 1996. Should the City of
Saratoga decide to join the grant process, the District needs the following information as
soon as possible:
1. A formal endorsement of the project and approval of the grant submission.
2. The name, title, phone and fax numbers of a contact person for the city.
3. Informational brochures of other sources of descriptive information on the city
including history, demographics, geographical area, annual budget, etc.
4. Any statistical data to identify the problem including; traffic counts on the number
of additional vehicles as a result of opening highway 85; number of collisions
overall and per selected intersections; dollar amount of property damage as a
14380 Saratoga Ave. • Saratoga, CA 95070 • (408) 867 -9001 • Fax (408) 867 -2780
01/08/1996 15:57 4088672780 SARATOGA FIRE PAGE 11
r .
SARATOGA FIRE DISTRICT
SERVICE SINGE 1923
result of collisions, traffic fatalities and injuries; number of calls for /responses
from police, fire, and emergency vehicles; pedestrian, bicycle, vehicles counts;
school- related traffic counts, school traffic safety programs etc.)
5. Any evidence of professional or community support or letters of complaint from
citizens that address the problem or solution.
Tlie Saratoga Fire District believes this is a worthwhile project that will benefit all of the
citizens of Saratoga and hopes that the City of Saratoga will collaborate with us on it.
Sincerely,
SARATOGA FIRE DISTRICT
Ernest O. Kraule, Chief
cc: Harry Peacock, Saratoga City Manager
EOK:tw
14380 Saratoga Ave. * Saratoga, CA 95070 9 (408) 867 -9001 • Fax (408) 867 -2780
SAR /ATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO. Z-�6 � AGENDA ITEM:
MEETING DATE: January 17, 1996
ORIGINATING DEPT.: Comm ity Development
CITY MGR. APPROVAL/ ,,�
SUBJECT:
Draft Hillside Preservation Strategy Outline for the West Valley
Hillsides Joint Planning Review
Recommended Motion:
Accept the Hillside Preservation Strategy Outline.
Report Summar
Backaround
In the 1993 update of the Open Space Element, the City Council
adopted several implementation measures that mandate a cooperative
agreement with the County of Santa Clara for future development in
the highly visible unincorporated hillside area and the
establishment of logical planning area boundaries with adjacent
jurisdictions.
In the 1994 update of the County's General Plan, Saratoga and other
foothill cities advocated the implementation of a system that would
allow for a cooperative agreement between the city and the county
for future development in the western hillside area. Such a program
was included in the adopted version of the County General Plan.
As a result, staff members of the Town of Los Gatos, the Cities of
Saratoga, Cupertino and Monte Sereno and the County of Santa Clara
developed a work program for a joint planning study of the
unincorporated western hillside area.
Hillside Preservation Strategy Outline
The Planning Commission and the City Council reviewed and accepted
the Work Program for this project in August of 1995.
Pursuant to this Work Program, staff has been working with the
representatives from Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Los Gatos and Santa
Clara County to draft an outline for the final Hillside
Preservation Strategy Document (attached).
The proposed draft outline contains the following strategic
components:
1. Develop joint hillside land use objectives.
2. Limit expansion of urban development into the hillside
areas by developing long term urban growth boundaries.
3. Minimize the visual impact of hillside development.
4. Encourage public acquisition of key hillside lands.
S. Provide mechanisms for resolving hillside land use issues.
6. Adopt additional implementation mechanisms, if necessary.
The draft outline for the Hillside Preservation Strategy was
reviewed by the Planning Commission at their regular January Study
Session. After brief discussion, the Commission forwarded a
recommendation to the City Council supporting the draft outline.
Fiscal Impacts:
None.
Follow -up Action:
Staff will continue working with representatives from the five
participant jurisdictions as outlined in the accepted Work Program.
Consequences of not Acting on the Recommended Notion:
Staff will be unable to continue working with the five participant
jurisdictions and, as a result, the City of Saratoga will not be
part of or subject to any resulting hillside strategy or agreement.
Attachments:
1. Draft Hillside Preservation Strategy Outline.
Motion and Vote:
West Valley Hillsides
Joint Planning Review
or-
�M Vu
s
F
DRAFT OUTLINE OF
"HILLSIDE
PRESERVATION
STRATEGY"
A collaborative planning project involving:
The City of Cupertino The Town of Los Gatos
The City of Monte Sereno The City of Saratoga
The - County of Santa Clara
November 1995
BACKGROUND
Origins of Study
The West Valley Joint Hillsides Planning Review is an interjurisdictional planning
project involving the Cities of Cupertino, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga, the Town of Los
Gatos, and the County of Santa Clara.
It was established earlier this year for the purpose of developing and implementing a
joint "Hillside Preservation Strategy" for preserving the predominantly natural
appearance of the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains most visible from the valley
floor.
Purpose of This Draft Outline
This draft outline of the "Hillside Preservation Strategy" indicates the six major
elements proposed to be included in the final Strategy and implemented by the
participating jurisdictions:
• Develop joint hillside land use objectives
• Limit expansion of urban development into hillside areas
• Minimize the visual impacts of hillside development
• Encourage public acquisition of key hillside lands
• Provide mechanisms for the resolution of hillside land use issues
• Adopt additional implementation mechanisms, if necessary
The purpose of this draft is to provide the participating jurisdictions and the public an
opportunity to review the proposed elements of the Strategy before the project staff
and the individual jurisdictions proceed to take the actions necessary to develop the
final Strategy document.
Next Steps
Once the elected officials of the five participating jurisdictions have reviewed and
approved this draft outline:
Each of the four cities will delineate their long term growth boundaries
The County will review the adequacy of its current policies and procedures
regarding minimizing the visual impacts of hillside development
The joint project staff will:
• Develop a set of joint land use objectives for the study area
• Prepare recommendations concerning potential public acquisition of key
undeveloped sites
• Develop proposals for mechanisms for resolving future interjurisdictional
land use issues
SUMMARY OF GOALS, ISSUES, AND SOLUTIONS
GOAL OF PROJECT
• To protect the predominantly natural visual character of the West Valley hillsides
by:
• Confining urban uses to flatland areas most appropriate for urban development,
• Allowing in the hillsides only development appropriate to rural, hillside areas, and
• Minimizing the visual impacts of non -urban hillside development.
ISSUES
• How to protect the predominantly natural character of the West Valley hillsides
against urban development.
• How to protect the predominantly natural character of the West Valley hillsides
against the visual impacts of non -urban hillside development.
• How to resolve interjurisdictional land use issues affecting the West Valley hillsides
that may arise in the future.
SOLUTION
• Develop and implement a joint West Valley "Hillside Preservation Strategy"
[see "Proposed Elements of a Joint West Valley Hillsides Preservation Strategy" on
next page]
2
PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF A
HILLSIDES PRESERVATION STRATEGY
STRATEGY #1: Develop joint hillside land use objectives
Purpose: .................. To assure basic consistency of hillside land use policies
among the various jurisdictions
implementation: ..... Adoption of joint hillside land use objectives by each
jurisdiction as a part of its General Plan (as a supplement to
existing policies)
Implementors: ........ The West Valley cities and the County
STRATEGY #2: Limit expansion of urban development into hillside areas
Purpose: .................. To protect the natural appearance of the West Valley hillsides
by preventing the further expansion of urban development into
hillside areas
Implementation: ..... Delineation by each city of a long term growth boundary
Implementors: ........ Each of the West Vaiiey cities individually _.
STRATEGY #3: Minimize the visual impacts of hillside .development
Purpose: .................. To protect the natural appearance of the West Valley hillsides
by assuring that the visual impacts of future development will
be minimized
Implementation: ..... Review, and refinement where necessary, of current policies,
procedures, and guidelines regarding the visual impacts of
hillside development
Implementors: ........ The County and the West Valley cities
3
STRATEGY #4: Encourage public acquisition of key hillside lands
Purpose:. ...........:.....To provide permanent open space protection for key hillside
lands
Implementation: ..... Development of general recommendations to public parks and
open space agencies regarding acquisition of key parcels that
would contribute to the protection of the natural scenic
backdrop of the West Valley cities
Implementors: ........ Development of recommendations: The County and the cities.
Implementation of recommendations (contingent upon
availability of funding): Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District and the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Department
STRATEGY #5: Provide mechanisms for resolution of hillside land use issues
Purpose: .................. To provide means for resolution of interjurisdictional hillside
land use issues that may arise
Implementation: ..... Develop procedures for the cities and the County to discuss
and resolve future hillside land use issues that may arise
regarding interpretation of the jointly- adopted hillside land use
objectives and /or specific developments that may be proposed
Implementors: ........ The cities and the County
STRATEGY #6: Adopt additional implementation mechanisms, if necessary
Purpose: .................. To allow flexibility for,additional implementation mechanisms to
address special situations or issues (e.g. issues that can be
addressed more effectively on a bilateral basis between an
individual city and the County)
Implementation: ..... Will depend upon the specific implementation mechanisms
proposed. May occur after the final Preservation Strategy is
adopted.
Implementors: ........ Will include the affected jurisdictions
2
tom.,
P F . O P L E FOR O r E N S P A C: E
January 11, 1996
Mayor Paul Jacobs and Members of the
Saratoga City Council
13777 Fruitdale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
RE: Wei ey H' ides Joint Rhoing _R. gview "Hillside Preservatk Strategy"
Dear Mayor Jacobs and Councilmerrlbers:
We urge you to support the West Valley Hillsides Joint Planning Review "Hillside
Preservation Strategy" as recommended by the Saratoga Planning Commission. If this
program succeeds, the following can be achieved:
- Adoption of long -term urban growth boundaries around Cupertino,
Saratoga, Los Gatos and Monte Sereno which will halt sprawling cities up the
hillsides.
- Strong political; support for further public acquisition of hillside land around the
West Valley Cities for permanent open space protection. This would be directed to
the County Parks Department and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
- Improved methods to protect the natural character of the hillsides against
inappropriate and visually obtrusive development
- Consistent hillside land use policies between the cities and the county to assure
that the entire West Valley hillside range is protected to a uniformly high standard.
In the Saratoga hills,lbere are still over 1,900 acres at risk of development, and in the
entire West Valley region there are over 4,000 acres at risk from sprawling subdivisions.
If urban growth boundaries are adopted with strong, enforceable policies to keep them in
place for at least 20 years, those same 4,000 acres will be well- protected. We further urge
Saratoga to request that the County consider more stringent development standards to
bring their standards more in line with Saratoga's hillside standards. If a more consistent
set of policies is adopted, Saratoga has no need to annex any more land because it is very
costly to service, often leads to higher density development, and because the proposed
West Valley land use agreement would offer assurance that future rural development in
County lands will meet Saratoga's standards.
We strongly support this entire sub - regional effort and compliment Saratoga for its role
in making this program move forward. We look forward to offering more comments
when more detailed policy recommendations come back later in the Spring.
S' erely
f1z;i App
Vicki Moore
South Bay Field Director
MAIN OFFICE • 116 New Montgomery Suite 640, San Francisco C A 94105 • (415) 543.4291
SOUTH BAY OFFICE• • 1922 The Alameda Suite 213, San Jwe CA 95126 • (408) 983 0539
TOTAL P.02
JAN I I 1999E
Q-oj�o KUA�� Ef.
Gq( eA- q O-f 0
� au A�"
wad
Sri
ANNIE JENNEYDARROW -� 8
/y, IMo
�- InAr, e6lo ,
,-�) eto- " 4
A 15
W,4j d ��4
S`
14355 B SARATOGA AVENUE
SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
I 5- 9 6 P1 0 N 1 0= 4 8 0 H E E S E N A ":5 r E G O_ S A F A R I S P_ 0 1
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
January 14, 1996
Mayor Paul Jacobs and members of the Saratoga City Council
Saratoga City Offices
Fax: 741 -1132
Dear Mayor Jacobs and members of the Saratoga City Council,
We are writing concerning the urban growth boundaries. We fully
support the efforts that you are making to prevent urban sprawl in the western
foothills. The UGV agreements between cities and County is a very wise
strategy for better protection outside city limits. We hope that you agree that
there is no need to annex more land into our city, especially due to the high
costs of servicing it.
All the citizens of Saratoga enjoy the wooded areas in and around
Saratoga with its great wildlife and beautiful trees. It greatly adds to the quality
of life in Saratoga. We hope that the entire Saratoga City Council will strongly
support strict development standards in county rural hillside lands.
We regret not to be able to attend the Jan. 17 council meeting due to a
prior committment. We hope that you will include this letter in the record.
Sincerely yours,
4: "w
Gail and Doug Cheeseman
-7,6
/4
�Pxn' �__ 7�
-e -`
__ _ o �.,� off, fit&
ow
�4t k
06 U.V _u _C_x� 4t alv _11-
V
Fe
12-2 34 VIA ?ONao
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO. 2-665 AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: January 17, 1996 CITY MGR.
ORIGINATING DEPT. FINANCE
SUBJECT: ANNUAL REVIEW OF INVESTMENT POLICY
Recommended Motion (s): Approve new policy.
Report Summary:
1`
r M'40 _t!
Background- California Government Code Section 53600 et seq. and
City of Saratoga Municipal Code Section 2- 20.035 requires the City
Council to annually review and approve the City's investment
policy. Attached herewith are a new and current investment policy
for your review and consideration.
Discussion- Under the general direction of the City Manager, the
Finance Director has prepared a new investment policy for
consideration by the City Council. The new policy follows the
Model Investment Policy developed by the Municipal Treasurers'
Association of the United States and Canada -and is compliant with
recent legislative changes made to the California Government Code
in the wake of the "Orange County Debacle ". The policy does not
change the limited in scope and risk adverse investment options
available to the treasurer. However, several sections have been
added /revised to improve the overall quality and clarity of the
document. Those sections cover such topics as ethics, conflicts of
interest, collateralization requirements, diversification,
authorized financial dealers, maturities, internal control, and
performance standards. The new policy also retained sections of
the current policy which continue to be relevant.
The policy has been submitted to the Finance Advisory Committee for
review and consideration at their January 11th meeting. Prior to
taking final action on this item, Council will be informed of the
results of their meeting.
Fiscal Impacts: None.
Follow Up Actions: Update Council of Finance Advisory Committee
comments on policy.
Consequences of Not Acting on the Recommended Motions: An
opportunity to advance the City's investment policy, procedures and
controls would be forfeited and the current policy would continue
to be followed.
Attachments
1. New Investment Policy (Based on Model)
2. Current Investment Policy
c: \execsumm \exsm0110.96
W
CITY OF SARATOGA INVESTMENT POLICY
1.0 Policy:
It is the policy of the City of Saratoga to invest public
NEy� funds in a manner which will provide the highest investment
return with the maximum security while meeting the daily cash
flow demands of the entity and conforming to all. state and
local statutes governing the investment of public funds..
2.0 Scopes,:
This investment policy applies to all financial assets of the
City of Saratoga. These funds are accounted for in the City
of Saratoga's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and
include:
2.1 Funds:
'c,' 2.1.1
FAk� 2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
3.0 Prudence
General Fund
Special Revenue Funds
Capital Project Funds
Debt Service Funds
Trust and Agency Funds
Any new fund, unless specifically
exempted
Investments shall be made with judgment and care - -under
circumstances then prevailing - -which persons of prudence,
discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of
their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investments,
considering the probable safety of their capital as well as
the probable income to be derived.
3.1 The standard of prudence to be used by investment
officials shall be the "prudent person" standard and
VISE. shall be applied in the context of managing an overall
portfolio. Investment officers acting in accordance with
written procedures and the investment policy and
exercising due diligence shall be relieved of personal
responsibility for an individual security's credit risk
or market price changes, provided deviations from
expectations are reported in a timely fashion and
appropriate action is taken to control adverse
developments.
4.0 Objective •
The primary objectives, in priority order, of the —City of
Saratoga's investment activities shall be:
4.1 Safety: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of
the investment program. Investments of the City of
Saratoga shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to
ensure the preservation of capital in the overall
portfolio. To attain this objective, diversification is
required in order that potential losses on individual
securities do not exceed the income generated from the
remainder of the portfolio.
agt56b 4.2 Liquidity: The City of Saratoga's investment portfolio
----+ will remain sufficiently liquid to enable the City of
Saratoga to meet all operating requirements which might
be reasonably anticipated.
4.3 Return on Investments: The City of Saratoga's investment.
portfolio shall be designed with the objective of
attaining a rate of return throughout budgetary and
economic cycles, commensurate with the City of Saragota's
investment risk constraints and the cash flow
characteristics of the portfolio.
5.0 Delegation of Authority:
Authority to manage the City of Saratoga's investment program
is derived from the following: California Government Code
Section 53600 et seq. and Saratoga Municipal Code Section 2-
20.035. Management responsibility for the investment program
is hereby delegated to the City Manager who shall be
responsible for supervising all treasury activities of the
Finance Director and who shall establish written procedures
for the operation of the investment program consistent with
J� this investment policy. Procedures should include reference
to: safekeeping, wire transfer agreements, banking service
contracts and collateral /depository agreements. Such
procedures shall include explicit delegations of authority to
persons responsible for investment transactions. No person
may engage in an investment transactions except as provided
under the terms of this policy and the procedures established
by the City Manager. The City Manager shall be responsible
for all transactions undertaken and shall establish a system
of controls to regulate the activities of subordinate
officials.
6.0 Ethics and Conflicts of Interest:
Officers and employees involved in the investment process
shall refrain from personal business activity that could
conflict with proper execution of the investment program, or
N which could impair their ability to make impartial investment
decisions. Employees and investment officials shall disclose
to the City Manager any material financial interests in
financial institutions that conduct business with this
jurisdiction, and they shall further disclose any large
personal financial /investment positions that could be related
to the performance of the City of Saratoga, particularly with
regard to the time of purchases and sales.
7.0 Authorized Financial Dealers and Institutions:
The City Manager will maintain a list of financial
institutions authorized to provide investment services. In
addition, a list will also be maintained of approved security
broker /dealers selected by credit worthiness who - are
authorized to provide investment services in the State of
California. These may include "primary" dealers or regional
dealers -that qualify under Securities & Exchange Commission
Rule 1503 -1 (uniform net capital rule). No public deposit
shall be made except in a qualified public depository as
established by state laws.
lZG1�t5 All financial institutions and broker /dealers who desire to
become qualified bidders for investment transactions must
supply the City Manager with the following: personal
interview, firm description and audited financial statements,
proof of State of California registration, completed
broker /dealer questionnaire and certification of having read
City of Saratoga's investment policy and applicable depository
contracts.
A periodic review of the financial condition and registrations
of qualified bidders will be conducted by the City Manager.
A current audited financial statement is required to be on
file for each financial institution and broker /dealer in which
the City of Saratoga invests prior to any transaction.
8.0 Authorized and Suitable Investments:
The City of Saratoga is empowered by statute, and further
limited by this investment policy, to invest in the following
types of securities:
ELIGIBLE SECURITIES AND CRITERIA
The following is a summary of the authorized investment
instruments (as permitted by Government Code Section 53601)
and the applicable limitations to each:
w3m tD
Me Guarantee Limits maturity
LAIF State Fund $20,000,000 Demand
U.S. Treasury Bills U.S. Treasury To one
year
U.S. Treasury Notes U.S. Treasury 1 - 5
years
U.S. Govt. Agency Federal Agencies. 6 mos. -5
issues (e.g. years
FNMA, GNMA)
Certificates of FDIC or FSLIC 20% /portfolio 3 years
Deposit (Calif. per instit.
Banks or Savings &
Loan Co.)
Negotiable Issuing Bank 20% /portfolio 14 days
Certificates of per instit. Q ojW
Deposit
Passbook Savings Issuing Bank Minimum
Account and necessary
Demand Deposits for current
cash flow
The City shall not engage in leveraged investing, such as
in margin accounts or any form of borrowing for the
purpose of investment.
The City shall not invest in instruments whose principal
and interest have no backing as described in Section 4.1
of this policy. Examples of these instruments are
options and future contracts.
The City shall not invest in "derivatives ".
See Glossary for description of above securities. .
9.0 Collateralization:
Collateral ization will be required on certificates of deposit.
In order to anticipate market changes and provide a level of
security for all funds, the collateralization level will be
102% of market value of principal and accrued interest.
The City of Saratoga chooses to limit collateral to the
following:
Refer to Section 8.0 for a listing of eligible securities.
Collateral will always be held by an independent third party
with whom the entity has a current custodial agreement. A
clearly marked evidence of ownership (safekeeping receipt)
must be supplied to the City of Saratoga and retained.
The right of collateral substitution is granted.
10.0 Safekeeping and Custody:
All security transactions entered into by the City of Saratoga
shall be conducted on a delivery- versus - payment (DVP) basis.
Securities will be held by a third party custodian, in the
City of Saratoga's name and control, designated by the City
Manager and evidenced by safekeeping receipts.
11.0 Diversification:
The City of Saratoga will diversify its investments by
security type and institution. Limits are provided for in
Section 8.0. With the exception of U.S. Treasury securities
and authorized pools, no more than 20% of the City of
Saratoga's total investment portfolio will be invested in a
single security type or with a single financial institution.
12.0 Maximum Maturities: e
To the extent possible, the City of Saratoga will attempt to
match its investments with anticipated cash flow requirements.
Unless matched to a specific cash flow, the City of Saratoga
will not directly invest in -securities maturing more than five
(5 ) years from the date of purchase. However, the City of
Saratoga may collateralize its certificates of deposits using
longer -dated investments no to exceed ten (10) years to
maturity.
NE� Reserve funds may be invested in securities exceeding
five (5) years if the maturity of such investments are
made to coincide as nearly as practicable with the
expected use of the funds.
The City of Saratoga will retain a general operating
reserve adopted annually by the City Council. The amount
of active deposits and inactive investments with a
maturity of one year or less shall always.,be equal to or
greater than the required general operating reserve. The
report discussed in Section 15.0 shall demonstrate this
policy is in effect.
13.0 Internal Control:
The City of Saratoga shall establish an annual process of
j�E_uJ independent review by an- external auditor. This review will
.provide internal control by assuring compliance with policies
and procedures.
14.0 Performance Standards:
The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective
of obtaining a rate of return throughout budgetary and
NEB economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk
constraints and the cash flow needs.
14.1 Market Yield (Benchmark): The City of Saratoga's
A.
investment strategy is passive. Given this strategy, the
basis used by the City of Saratoga to determine whether
market yields are being achieved shall be a short term
U.S. Treasury Bill.
15.0 Reporting:
The City Manager is charged with the responsibility of
including a market report on investment activity and returns
zz- in the City of Saratoga's Cash and Investment Report. The
�_... report will be in compliance with California Government Code
Section 53646.
16.0 Investment P_olicv__Moy -tio
The City of Saratoga's investment policy shall be adopted by
the City Council. The policy shall be reviewed annually by
Mme, the Finance Advisory Committee and any modifications made
thereto must be approved by the City Council.
GLOSSARY
Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
The LAIF was established by the State of California to enable
treasurers to place funds in a pool for investments. There is a
limitation of $20 million per agency subject to a maximum of ten
(10) total transactions per month. The City uses this fund when
market interest rates are declining as well as for short -term
investments and liquidity.
U.S. Treasury Bills
Commonly referred to as T -Bills these are short -term marketable
Vt.XMW ) securities sold as obligations of the U.S. Government. They are
offered in three - month, six -month and one -year maturities. T -Bills
do not accrue interest but are sold at a discount to pay face value
at maturity.
U.S. Treasury Notes
These are marketable, interest - bearing securities sold as
obligations of the U.S. Government with original maturities of one
to ten years. Interest is paid semi- annually.
U.S. Government Agency Issues
Include securities which fall into this category. Issues which are
unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States, e.g. Small Business Administration Loans.
O: \FIN \INVPLCY
File 42010
7"
• O V
Adopted on: February IS, 1995
INVESTMENT POLICY
Sco e
This investment policy applies to activities of the City of
Saratoga with regard to investing the financial assets of the
General and Restricted Funds.
Obiectives
It -is the objective of this policy to provide a system which will
accurately monitor and forecast revenues and expenditures so the
City can invest funds to the fullest extent possible. Funds of the
City will be invested in accordance with sound treasury management
principles with the following priorities:
1. Safety of invested funds
2. Maintenance of sufficient liquidity to meet cash flow needs
3. Attainment of maximum possible yields consistent with the
above principles
4. Local investment
1. Safety
A. To protect the value of the principal and interest
of the invested funds, the City will invest only in
the safest securities which include those backed by
the U.S. Government or its agencies; those which
have insurance on principal backed by the FDIC or
FSLIC; or. those which have legally required
collateral backing of the invested principal.
B. The City's investment portfolio shall be
diversified by type of investment, issuer and
maturity dates to protect against changes in the
market.
C. The City will not place any funds with any
institution which is less than three (3) years old.
2. Liquidity
Maturity dates of investments shall be timed to provide
funds for scheduled administrative expenses and
anticipated claims.
The State Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) shall be
used as one means of providing liquidity, limited by the
allowed number of transactions per month.
-.
3. Yield
The City seeks to attain market rates of return on its
investments, consistent with constraints imposed by its
safety objectives and cash flow consideration. Purchase
and sale of securities should be made on the basis of
competitive offers and bids, when practical, to obtain
the highest possible rates.
4. Local Investment
The City encourages local economic development by placing
funds in local banks whenever possible (and in the best
interests of the City).
Delectation of Authority
The C -ity Treasurer is designated as investment manager of the City
and is responsible for ensuring all investment activities are
within the guidelines of these policies. The City shall develop
and maintain administrative procedures for the operation of the
investment program. In order to optimize total return through
active portfolio management, resources shall be allocated to the
investment program. This commitment of resources shall include
financial and staffing considerations.
Prudence
The City Treasurer shall manage the portfolio of the City under the
Prudent Person Rule which states, in essence, that "a trustee shall
exercise the judgment and care, under the circumstances then_,
prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence
exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for
speculation, but for investment considering the probable safety of
their capital as well as the probable income to be derived." The
application of this rule opens up 'a broad spectrum of investment
opportunities as long as the investment is deemed prudent and is
permissible under currently effective legislation of the State of
California and this policy.
Reporting
The City Treasurer will submit a monthly investment report on the
status of all invested funds, which summarizes total investment
return. The report shall contain a certification that all
investments made are in accordance with the current adopted
Investment Policy.
2
Safekee»ina
Securities shall be held in third party custody, in the Cityls name
and control, whenever possible.
Policy Revision '
This policy may be revised only with the approval of the City
Council and shall be reviewed by the City Council annually.
Prohibited Investment Practices and Instruments
Certain investment practices and instruments are inconsistent with
the first objective of this policy -- safety of invested funds, and
are therefore prohibited:
The City shall not engage in leveraged investing, such as in margin
accounts or any form of borrowing for the purpose of investment.
The City shall not invest in instruments whose principal and
interest have no backing as described in Section 1.A of this
policy. Examples of these instruments are options and future
contracts.
The City shall not invest in "derivatives ".
Investment of Reserves
It is the policy of the City to retain a general operating reserve
adopted annually by the City Council. In order to implement this
policy, the amount of active deposits and inactive investments with
a maturity of one year or less shall always be equal to or greater
than the required general operating reserve. The monthly
investment report of the Treasurer shall demonstrate this policy is
in effect.
Relationship with Investment Brokers
For the sake of efficiency the City may wish to purchase
investments through a third -party intermediary. The selection of
Broker - Dealers will be made by the City Treasurer upon a review of
an RFI (Request for Information) submitted by prospective broker -
dealers. The City will establish a list of qualified broker -
dealers based on successful responses to the RFI and verifications
of references. The request for information will be updated
annually in January.
3
r t .
APPENDIX A
Explanation of Allowable Instruments
Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
The LAIF was established by the State of California to enable
treasurers to place funds in a pool for investments. There is a
limitation of $20 million per agency subject to a maximum of 10
total transactions per month. The City uses this fund when market
interest rates are declining as well as for short. -term investments
and liquidity.
U.S. Treasury Bills
Commonly referred to as T -Bills these are short-term marketable
securities sold as obligations of the U.S. Government. They are
offered in three- month, six -month and one -year maturities. T -Bills
do not accrue interest but are sold at a discount to pay face value
at maturity.
U.S. Treasury Notes
These are marketable, interest - bearing securities sold as
obligations of the U.S. Government with original maturities of one
to ten years. Interest is paid semi - annually.
U.S. Government Agency Issues
Include securities which fall into this category. Issues which are
unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States, e.g. Small Business Administration Loans.
5
ELIGIBLE SECURITIES AND CRITERIA
The following is a summary of the authorized investment
instruments
(as permitted by Gov't.. Code Sec.
53601) and the
applicable
limitations'to each:
Term to
Type
Guarantee
Limits
Maturity
LAIF
State Fund
$20,000,000
On .demand
U.S. Treasury Bills
U.S. Treasury
To one year
U.S. Treasury Notes
U.S. Treasury
1 - 5 years
U.S. Govt. Agency
Federal Agencies
6
mos. -5 yrs.
issues (e.g.
FNMA, GNMA)
Certificates of
FDIC or FSLIC
20% /portfolio
3 years
Deposit (Calif.
per institution
Banks or Savings &
Loan Co.)
,Issuing
Negotiable
Bank
20% /portfolio
14 days
Certificates of
per institution or over
Deposit
Passbook Savings
Issuing Bank
Minimum necessary
Account
for current
Demand Deposits
cash f]ow
See Appendix A for description of above securities.
Harry . Peacock
City Minager
4
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO. 2-6;&4-
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 17, 1996
ORIGINATING DEPT.: FINANCE
AGENDA ITEM
CITY MGR.:
DEPT. HEAD:
SUBJECT: ANNUAL REVIEW OF UTILITY USERS TAX
Recommended Motion(s): Approve motion determining the continued need for the
revenue produced by the Utility Users Tax at the current rate 3.5% of electric and gas
charges.
Report Summary:
Background - The Utility Users Tax (UUT) is a 3.5 % tax on Saratoga residents'
monthly PG &E utility bills for the purpose of raising revenues for the general
governmental purposes of the City. The UUT (Saratoga Municipal Code Article 5 -30)
was adopted in April, 1985 with a sunset clause on July 1, 1990. Since then, the tax
has been extended with an automatic repeal effective July 1, 2000. Exemption is
available for low- income residents and government agencies.
Discussion - On June 21, 1995, City Council adopted a 95/96 and 96/97 Budget
which included an estimated $788,225 and $807,931 in UUT for the two years. The
Approved Budget was balanced with the UUT. A review of General Fund operating
and capital expenditures for the six months ended December 31, 1995, indicates no
major reduction in anticipated expenditure levels, thus supporting the continued need
for the UUT. In addition, projections of future costs, which have been embodied in
the 96/97 Budget, further substantiate the need to continue the UUT until the next
review.
A reduction in the UUT would result in numerous consequences. Most noteworthy
perhaps is the loss of nearly $500,000 in anticipated Tax Equity Allocation (TEA)
property taxes. Section 97.35(f)(2) of the Government Code states that if a city can
"afford" to reduce local taxes, then it no longer qualifies to receive an allocation of
TEA property tax from the county. This provision in law is further supported by
comments made by the Attorney General, "We concluded that a property tax reduction
will be required under the statute," if the city reduces its locally imposed general
tax(es). The loss of these General Fund revenues (UUT and TEA property tax),
which account for 18% of total General Fund revenue, would negatively impact the
ability of the City to deliver services. Those services include such activities as
providing police protection and maintaining the City 's extensive street system.
r
Since the UUT is a general tax, and is therefore a component of all General Fund
revenues, Council has complete discretion in directing the use of the monies to
support programs and projects. That discretion includes using General Fund revenues
to match State and Federal grants and maintain service levels for meeting mandates
imposed on local governments. To that end, a reduction in any discretionary revenue
source limits Council's ability to capitalize on funding opportunities and meet
mandates imposed on the City.
In summary, if the UUT is eliminated or reduced, the City will loose the revenue
generated from the UUT, thereby creating an "unbalanced" Budget. The City will
also loose TEA property tax. Lastly, other revenue sources, such as Federal ISTEA
and State Gas Tax funds, may be jeopardized if no local source for "match funds" can
be located or if mandated maintenance of effort levels can not be met.
Fiscal Impacts: UUT is estimated at $788,225 for FY 95/96 and $807,931 for FY
96/97, respectively. TEA property tax is estimated at $515,000 for FY 95/96 and
$541,000 for FY 96/97, respectively.
Follow Up Actions: None.
Consequences of Not Acting on the Recommend Motion: A substantial loss in revenue
currently estimated at $1,348,931 for FY 96/97. This loss represents an 18%
reduction in General Fund revenues. Should Council desire to eliminate or reduce the
UUT, the City of Saratoga Municipal Code Section 5- 30.140, requires the adoption of
an ordinance to do so.
c : \execsumm \exsm0111.96
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO. 2-�G3
MEETING DATE: January 17, 1996
AGENDA ITEM: 7zA
ORIGINATING DEPT.: Commun' Development
CITY MGR. APPROVAL,. c 2^
SUBJECT:
Draft Tree Protection Handbook
Recommended Motion:
Accept the Tree Protection Handbook. Consider comment and request
from,the Planning Commission.
Report Summary:
In August of 1995, the City Council decided to use the Draft Tree
Protection Guidelines developed by the Tree Committee as a
"handbook" for public distribution and not as an adopted policy
document.
At that time, staff was directed to provide a detailed commentary
on potential inconsistencies between the draft Guideline and
current City practices.
Staff prepared a list of items for City Council review (attached)
at the August 22 adjourned meeting. At the meeting, staff was
directed to make appropriate changes in the draft Guidelines to
reflect current City policies, regulations and procedures as
outlined in the staff memo.
Staff was also directed to present the draft handbook (attached) to
the Planning Commission prior to final review by the City Council.
The Planning Commission received the draft Handbook at their
regular January Study Session. The Commission requested that staff
forward a comment to the City Council regarding the proposed
deletion of the "Tree Preservation Plan" section beginning on page
14 of the draft document. The Commission felt that this was an
extremely important informational tool for the property owner and
requested that the Council consider retaining this section in the
final draft of the handbook.
If the Council so directs, this section could be retained by
modifying the introductory language to state that a "Tree
Preservation Plan" is not a required document for development
proposals, but rather, is a useful tool available to the property
owner in planning for projects that impact one or more protected
trees.
Per City Council direction to prepare a draft Handbook that
reflects current policies and procedures, staff would suggest the
following passage replace the first paragraph on the top of page 14
in the draft document:
"Tree Preservation Plan. While not required for City approved
development proposals, a tree preservation plan can be an
important informational tool for planning a project that
impacts one or more protected trees. A typical tree
preservation plan may include the following information:"
Staff also suggests changing the word "must" to "may" in the last
line of the second paragraph. The first two paragraphs would then
be followed by the list of items in the draft document. The last
paragraph of this section, beginning with a check mark on the
bottom of page 14, would still be deleted.
Fiscal Impacts:
None.
Follow -up Action:
Prepare the final Tree Protection Handbook for public distribution.
Consequences of not Acting on the Recommended Notion:
The Tree Protection Handbook will not be prepared.
Attachments:
1. Staff Memo dated 8/15/95.
2. Draft Tree Protection Handbook.
Motion and Vote:
J L ,
CI •f
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 867 -3438
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Ann Marie Burger
Paul E. Jacobs
Gillian Moran
Karen Tucker
MEMORANDUM Donald L. Wolfe
'DATE: August 15, 1995
TO: City Council
FROM: Planning Staff
SUBJECT: Draft Tree Protection Guidelines
Pursuant to City Council direction, staff has completed an
evaluation of the draft "Tree Protection Guidelines" developed by
the Tree Committee .(a copy of the draft document is attached for
reference).
In this task, staff operated with the understanding that the
Council intended on using this document as a unofficial "handbook"
for general public distribution and consumption. The document was ,
evaluated in comparison to existing ordinance regulations and other
applicable City policies and practices. Comments solicited from the
Public works Director and the Parks Superintendent were also
incorporated into the following list.
1. General Comments
a. Pages 1 through 8 and pages 17 through 22 contain general
information regarding tree protection and maintenance. This
would be an excellent resource for the general public.
b. Pages 9 through 16 deal with the development review
process and may be more appropriate as a handout for
prospective project applicants.
c. All of the illustrations should be numbered and coordinated
to the references in the document.
2. Specific Comments
a. In the illustration after page 4 is the first of many
references to the "protected zone ". While this is an
important tree preservation concept, the text implies that the
Printed on recycled paper.
City uses this terminology and has applicable regulations,
which it does not.
b. Page 6 refers to "encroachment impacts" in "protected
zones". The City Code does not currently address these
concepts.
c. Page 8 under "Saratoga's Tree Permit Process", subsection
"Tree Replacement", refers to a policy for off site tree
replacement that has not been adopted by the City Council.
d. Page 9 under- "The Development Process ", subsection "Design
Evaluation", refers to "ordinance recommendations" which are
not currently available and to the concept of a "heritage
tree" which is not currently defined in the City Code.
e. Page 13 under the section "Prior to Development",
subsection "Security Deposit ". This implies that this is a
code requirement, which it is not.
Under subsection " Arborist Report" a the first of several
references to "DBH" or diameter at breast height. While this
method of measuring tree is widely established, the City Code
currently requires trees to be measured at a point two feet
above the ground. DBE is 4.5 feet above the ground.
Subsection "Tree Preservation Plan" implies that this is a
code requirement, which it is not.
f. Page 15 under the section entitled "Protective Fencing"
references are-made to fencing requirements and warning signs.
Neither of this concepts are currently addressed in the City
Code, however, protective fencing is often recommended by the
City Arborist and required by condition of project approval.
The last paragraph on this page refers to "three scheduled
property inspections" This is not an actual code
requirement, however, before and during approved construction
projects, the required tree protection measures are
continuously monitored by City staff.
g. Page 16, under "Grading Operations" a reference is made to
keeping Arborist reports, tree permits and tree preservation
plans on the site. Currently, if they are required, these
items are required to be incorporated into the approved plan
set which is required to be on the project site at all times.
Under "Post Construction Phase" a reference is made to "Zoning
Clearance ". A zoning clearance is a review of submitted plans
relating to an approved project prior to the issuance of
building permits. Planning staff does conduct a final planning
inspection prior to the final building inspection.
h. Page 22, under "Pruning Standards" indicates that tree
trimming companies doing work in Saratoga must have a ISA
certified arborist on staff. While this is desirable, the City
Code does not require this.
i. In the glossary section there are several references that
are inconsistent with current code requirements, as follows:
- DBE - diameter at breast height concept not currently
used in the City Code.
- Encroachment, not currently defined in the City Code.
- Protected Tree definition refers to tree trunk
diameters measured at DBE. These protected tree
measurements are aot consistent with current code
requirements.
- Protected Zone, not currently defined in the City Code.
Except as noted above, staff feels that this document could serve
as an effective informational and educational resource for the
general public and a practical tree protection guide for project
applicants. In addition, the Public Works Director has indicated
that he could foresee no significant problem in using this
"handbook" for City maintenance and construction projects.
nefully submitted,
ite
Associate Planner
attachment
CITY OF SARATOGA
TREE PROTECTION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Principle author of this document is Landscape Designer and Consultant,
Lisa Kurasch. The entire Tree Committee wishes to thank Ms. Kurasch for her
generous contribution of time and expense in developing the r'-- ��
We would also like to extend our thanks to Assistant Planner, Paul Kermoyan,
who assisted the Tree Committee in this project.
Saratoga Tree Committee members:
Meg Caldwell, Planning Commissioner
Barrie Coate, City Arborist
Blair Glenn, Certified Arborist
Lisa Kurasch, Landscape Designer
Henry Murikami, Planning Commissioner
Robert Peepari, Architect and Heritage Preservation Commissioner
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
4
ORGANIZATION OF THE HANDBOOK
5
TREE GROWTH AND CULTURE
5
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR TREE GROWTH AND HEALTH
6
ENCROACHMENT IMPACTS
7
SARATOGA TREE PERMIT PROCESS
10
THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
11
PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION
13
CONSTRUCTION PHASES
15
POST CONSTRUCTION PHASE
16
TREE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE
16
MANAGING TREES YOURSELF
20
PRUNING STANDARDS
21
GLOSSARY
23
SELECTED REFERENCES
APPENDIX I: ISA Pruning Standards
INTRODUCTION
Saratoga owes much of its unique attractiveness to the wooded hillside and native
and ornamental trees found throughout its neighborhoods. In addition to
enhancing property values and residents' sense of pride in their community, these
trees provide practical benefits by shading homes and streets, buffering
temperature extremes and stabilizing soils along creeks and on hillsides. Trees
lessen the ill effects of wind, noise and air pollution, while providing wildlife
food and habitat in natural areas.
The way trees are accommodated in the City, cared and planned for in all stages
of their life, will have a great effect upon their future in the community.
Attention to their management- installation, maintenance, removal and
replacement - can contribute to sustaining the City's urban forest today and in
the future.
These M Tree Protection Guidelines 6.:: ] , together with Saratoga's Tree
Regulations (contained in Article 15 -50 of the ....... Saratoga City Code), establishes
basic standards and recommendations for the protection and preservation of trees
in our City. The is designed to explain and illustrate the
main requirements of the City Code to property owners, developers, designers,
tree care professionals and the general public. The goal is to make the process of
design, review and development around protected trees easier to understand.
Throughout the Guidelines, special attention is given to native oak species.
Native oaks are an important part of Saratoga's history. The City's emblem is
that of a coast live oak, and its creeks, hillsides, open spaces and neighborhoods
are graced by majestic oaks. Throughout California, native oak species have been
under intense pressure from human activity and, as a result, their numbers
continue to decline. Oak trees are particularly sensitive to disruptions or changes
in their growing conditions and are least able to recover from physical injury.
For these reasons, the Guidelines. T r MME provides more detailed information
about protecting native oaks than for any other species.
Organization of the lk
The k starts with a brief description of the way trees grow
and what they need to live. Various activities and their impacts on tree health
and structure are explained as well as alternatives to avoid and reduce these
hazards. The City's permit process for tree removal and encroachment is
summarized.
The succeeding sections are organized according to the various stages of property
development. Practical information about selecting planting and maintaining tree
is included along with recommended pruning standards. The concluding sections
consist of a glossary of terms (appearing in boldface throughout this publication)
and a bibliography of additional sources of information.
Throughout the games lk, helpful tips and recommendations for tree
.....
care and protection are preceded by a ✓ symbol.
Tree Growth and Culture
Trees are not static fixtures in our community, but are constantly changing,
growing and declining in response to nature and manmade influences. Despite
concern for their protection, trees can inadvertently be damaged or lost as a
result of construction or landscape activities that take place near them.
Understanding a tree's structure, growth and basic needs can help to evaluate
which activities are harmful or beneficial.
Each part of a tree has specific and interrelated functions, which together allow
a tree to grow, attain its mature height and size, flower and age. Tree functions
must work together and support each other to ensure long term health and safe
structure. For example, the balance of growth between the overhead, leafy foliage
(its crown or canopy) of a tree and its root system, is one of the most important
relationships to maintain. (see figure 1)
5
i
d +,
1
r'
r�
Leaves produce carbohydrates as food
through photosynthesis. Using sunlight as
energy, the tree absorbs carbon dioxide and
releases oxygen into the air. Many starches
made in the leaves are stored in the
branches and trunk, forming the tree's food
reserve.
The limbs, branches and trunk act to support the tree above
ground and keep it upright. They also transport minerals,
sugars and water to and from other parts of the tree
through a conducting system. Tree growth in the canopy
takes place largely from the tips of stems, or "terminal
buds," that form new shoots and leaves as they grow.
Buttress roots anchor the tree in the soil, working with the
trunk to support the structure above ground.
Absorbing roots take up essential water and minerals,
such as nitrogen, from the top 18-24 inches of soil. They
will grow where soil conditions of moisture, air, nutrients
and temperatures are favorable. o
�V
r Tree roots also store starches from the leaves to
provide the tree with additional food reserves.
,.,
:tensive. While the
low predominantly
!y typically spread
y edge (dripline).
figure 1
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR TREE GROWTH AND HEALTH
A few basic needs should be considered for all trees and the common functions
they perform (see fugure 2).
Water. The amounts of water needed by trees depends on the size and type of
tree, the soil, depth and spread of roots, stresses on the tree, and the season. ✓
Young trees always need regular, supplemental water until they are established,
which usually takes two or more years. ✓ All trees should be watered when
showing signs of drought in hot, dry summers, or after a dry winter. Signs of
drought in mature trees include: lighter dull leaves, wilting and leaf drop.
Infrequent deep watering can benefit all trees during droughts, after root damage
or loss, and in paved areas where other sources of water have been eliminated.
Native oaks are adapted to dry summers and are healthier with little of no
supplemental water. Buttress roots, at the root collar, where the root system
meets the trunk, become vulnerable to several fatal root diseases when subjected
to frequent summer irrigation. These root diseases are inactive in dry, warm soils
but thrive in wet, warm soils. Young oaks do not adapt to frequent irrigation,
they just take longer to decline than mature oaks, which will rapidly decline
under similar conditions.
✓ Oaks can be given one or two deep soakings at the beginning of spring and at
the end of summer. Water should be applied using soaker hoses, drip emitters or
a slow drip from a conventional hose to reach the entire root area. Water should
only be applied in the area from the middle to the outside of the dripline, never
close to the trunk.
Soils. All soils are made up of mineral particle, organic matter, water, air and
soil organisms. The best soils for root health allow for water and air movement
while holding water and mineral nutrients. These well aerated soils have spaces
between particles which allow a free exchange of gases with absorbing roots.
Oxygen is critical for the uptake of water and minerals, without which trees
cannot survive. Soils should be deep enough to drain water and to allow roots
to grow unrestricted.
of To improve soils for young or new trees, organic amendments (peat moss,
compost, nitrolized redwood conditioners, etc.) can be added to benefit any type
P
TREE HEALTH AND CARE
GRAM
(SOV ,
64hwo ff
W4MIA-V
1 1
�f'tNIMVM �
I / r; i
I
I �
1'
I
Root- -.Z ov4rm
r --
..
�IQO�I tom? 13 (a ��vu wG e- ot- 471'GONaS -(o ItaxF,- s11 -
p .O 4N40 IWM42T :
— MUL,644 SOL, W11HIN PMPViNr-. Wr H 2 "-q a Or- 012lnANI-, /4A-f 6 yq., SCr -1
/kS l*4P- t7W F5,4 �I VJXV GN III, ItaVOSI Vr, . LeAW N,4 ?VIA We L4T'(Vja-
KOW IWT GDW,69 %q f t4lL AU SDI, Wets.
Mr V13 I VP I RM40"VY (I - 2 ll ft6 re- 'W2) OL WN6t Ho-r, t2Wr
SUMMA 'f0 MINIMIZe PCOLt'HT enWats i AFIE12 MOT LvSS Firo4
OOI`t�11�t �ioN INIV9f OIz 114ANSMAN11NG; ,Af-IW- t`F. - nL4LIN4 i ANOON
9494OW -L, GOI L09 MO GMVS GLC44 p6 GTCWI SKY ('leOMICTIbs
19LNr�,OlzSWFiN iIMeS, V- , t2I ^MPi'f 9 (MVi), VJOLC44 e* i6 GtA'W.
P"N W ^'(eqZ AV.K-( ?POK'(IZU1.1K -*,.
F1,2ut -J: fl2OP6VIT( ANO pmov a/V1Lrg0NINGf.
figure 2
of soil. Organic amendments help, hold water and nutrients in sandy soils, and
improve drainage and aeration in heavy, clay soils.
Although nitrogen is the most important mineral for young trees, mature trees
that are growing well may not need supplemental nitrogen, except those growing
in very poor soils. Too much nitrogen can cause excessive leaf growth, overly
dense canopies and excessive shading inside the canopy, all of which lead to poor
growth.
✓ Commercially available soil tests can help analyze soil conditions and provide
recommendations to correct deficiencies.
✓ Young and mature trees alike benefit greatly from mulching with organic
materials, such as shredded bark or leaves, compost, etc. A layer of organic mulch
covering the soil is one of the easiest and most important steps in tree care as it
provides ideal conditions for tree roots.
Mulch maintains a slow, long lasting supply of nutrients, improves aeration,
retains moisture, reduces evaporation and runoff, and buffers soil temperature in
the summer when it can be hot enough to kill tree roots. ✓ To mulch properly,
place four inches of organic material within the dripline at least six inches away
from the truck, replenishing as needed.
✓ Existing leaf litter (the natural built up layer of leaves and debris dropped by
the tree itself) is similarly beneficial and should always be left under the canopy.
ENCROACHMENT IMPACTS
A mature tree is adapted to a specific balance of moisture, air, soil conditions and
nutrients. Its ability to tolerate change from these vary according to the trees
health, age, species, location and other factors. A tree's natural aging and decline
can be accelerated by stress such as root loss, soil changes and resulting diseases.
Many of the greatest injuries to trees are caused by development activities that
take place too extensively or too close to a tree's root area. By identifying
impacts from common activities around protected trees, some damage can be
lessened or avoided by using alternatives to the most harmful of them.
✓ The best strategy for protecting trees, especially native oaks, is to keep their
7
zones as undisturbed as possible. Providing the conditions trees
are naturallyadapted to and minimizing changes from them enhance a tree's long
term survival.
Compaction. Soil compaction compresses the spaces between soil particles,
eliminating much of the air spaces and essential oxygen available to roots. ✓ Keep
vehicles and machinery outside the pi�eeted zone during construction.
Apply thick mulches before construction in this area to improve aeration and soil
structure. Drilled aeration holes, air or water injection may also be
recommended.
Impervious Paving Asphalt, concrete and similar surfaces prevent water
percolation and the exchange of air and gases between roots soil and atmosphere.
In addition, preparation for paving often compacts soils and removes or damages
tree's roots during excavation.
✓ Porous materials which allow for permeability are attractive alternates. Brick,
stone on sand, with sand joints, gravel, bark or similar materials are good
substitutes for impervious paving. Aeration devices set in gravel are needed with
impervious paving located in a preteeted zone.
Trenching. Trenching in a tree's root area is a commonly overlooked cause of
tree mortality. When utility trenches are dug into the root zone, or area where
the majority of the roots are found, major portions of the tree's roots may be
cut. The ability of a tree to withstand root loss depends upon its age, health,
species and the soil type. Root loss may stress a tree, leading to other secondary
health problems, its decline or death. ✓ Alternative to trenching include boring
or drilling for utilities and installing conduit for several bundled lines; excavating
by hand when digging is unavoidable and designing utility pathways so they are
outside of the pr-eteeted zone.
Other Soil Disturbances Changing natural soil levels through grading or terracing
can reduce soil permeability and trap excessive moisture in soils causing root and
drown rot. Building retaining walls near trees can cut roots or mound soil up
onto root collars and lead to root decay. Poorly designed drainage can divert
water into root zones, where wet soils may eliminate oxygen and be detrimental
to trees. ✓ Natural drainage patterns around trees should be retained, and
drainage devises used. Significant grade changes should occur only outside
'3
pretested 0. t f zones.
✓ For areas which will have landscaping restored or added, stockpile any topsoil
that must be removed before construction and redistribute afterwards. This saves
some of the sites's original fertility and organic material at little added cost.
Prunin . Pruning can be a detriment or an asset to a tree's health depending on
the type of pruning done. Extensive, severe pruning such as "topping" should
never be done to any valued tree. Topping cuts back all large branches of a
mature tree indiscriminately, to stubs. This eliminates the tree's ability to
produce and store food. Topping exposes -the trunk and limbs to sun, which
scalds the tree. The pruning wounds cannot close and are left open to disease and
insect attack. The branches or "water sprouts" that grow back produce many
vigorous, upright shoots that emerge just below the stubbed cuts, like a hedge.
These prolific water sprouts are weak and hazardous because they are neither
attached deeply nor supported by the natural structure of the tree.
Overthinning the interior of a tree is just as detrimental as topping. This
common practice removes most of the interior branches to produce long limbs
with growth only at the ends. A few years after the overthinning, the long
branches break because they cannot support the weight of their relatively heavy
foliage.
✓ Use the kind of cuts recommended in the ISA Pruning Standards (see
appendix I). Selective pruning, such as a light thinning, opens the canopy to light
and lightens heavy branches. This reduces the size of the tree without
unnecessary stress. ✓ Instead of cutting to stubs, follow the branch back to its
origin on another limb or trunk, and remove the whole branch, or cut back to
a smaller branch, which will take over the lead. Follow the natural shape of the
tree and cut only dead, weak, diseased or crossing branches. For native oaks,
limit the amount cut to 10% to 20% of the tree and less for older or declining
trees. ✓ Instead of forcing a tree into a size and species it may never conform to,
consider replacing the tree with one or more that are appropriate.
Landscaping. Landscaping, like pruning, can also be harmful or beneficial to
trees. Native oaks are especially sensitive to changes in their living environment.
Since oaks do not tolerate summer irrigation, plants that need regular year round
irrigation should not be planted close to native oaks. Thick ground covers such
6
as ivy, ornamental covers, exotic ferns, lawns, etc., develop thick mats of roots
and foliage which inhibit the air and water that a mature oak requires. These
ground covers also disturb and compete with a tree's root system.
Native oaks have evolved in a "community" or as part of a relationship with
other plants, animals, insects and organisms. Oak habitats support and incredibly
diverse amount of wildlife which use oaks as nesting sites, shelter and food.
✓ Preserving some oak habitats can provide many landscape benefits for property
owners. They help control soil erosion, promote ground water recharge and
water percolation, reduce stream siltation, stabilize soil, control insects and lower
maintenance costs. These undisturbed habitats also assure that some oak seedlings
survive to establish future generations.
✓ Do not remove any natural litter or built up layer of leaves and debris beneath
the canopies of trees. Many native plants that tolerate dry soil and partial shade
are well suited to the oak's environment and can provide an attractive, low
maintenance, drought tolerant landscape that will attract wildlife, such as birds,
to the garden. of Install compatible plants or irrigation no closer than ten feet
from any native oak trunk or seven time the trunk diameter, whichever is larger.
This leaves a minimum area that is consistently dry near the sensitive roots. Use
drip or soaker irrigation until plants are established, then irrigate sparingly or not
at all after that. An excellent guide is Compatible Plants Under and Around
Oaks, published by the California Oak Foundation, Oakland, CA and the
Saratoga City Xerescape Guidelines.
SARATOGA'S TREE PERMIT PROCESS
A Tree Removal Permit is required for the lawful removal of any protected tree
except in the case of emergencies, removals by public utilities and removals
expressly allowed by the City through project approval. Before a tree permit may
by granted, the City inspects the tree involved and evaluates the application
based on relevant information, including: 1) the condition of the tree; 2) the
necessity to remove the tree because of physical damage or threatened damage to
the property; 3) the topography of the land and the effect of the tree removal on
erosion, soil retention and the diversion of increased flow of surface waters,
particularly on steep slopes; 4) the number, species, size and location of existing
trees in the area and the effect the removal would have upon shade, privacy
10
impact, scenic beauty, property values, erosion control and the general welfare
of the residents in the area; 5) the age and number of healthy trees the
....
property is able to support according to good forestry practices., and 6) whether
or not there are any alternatives that would retain the tree.-
THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
This section of thel deals with development related
activities around protected trees and the recommended or required measures for
retaining trees. Information is presented according to the times or phases when
various construction activities take place, and the required steps in the building
process when protected trees are involved. The City will inspect properties
during the various phases of development to ensure compliance. This section
contains some of the most important recommendations in the
A.
because they are intended to minimize the injury and loss of trees
during property development when the majority of damage and removal occurs.
The basic process of design, review and development that any project follows
where protected trees may be affected is summarized in figure 3.
When an application for development is submitted to the City, it is first
reviewed to determine whether protected trees are involved. If protected trees are
in proximity to the proposed development, a deposit is then made to the City
to fund the City Arborist's assessment of trees that may be affected. The project
design and plans can then be evaluated to try to minimize tree removal or impact
given the constraints of the property.
Some improvements may be permitted to be installed within the tree's pfeteeted
zone if the Guide meammendations are fe4 a Patio covers, wood decks,
garden walls, fences, gazebos, replacement driveways, walkways, above ground
spas and related equipment and other similar improvements may not need further
City review.
Design Evaluation. if impaets ean be avoided or minimized by taking ardiftan
11
PROJECT
DESIGN
SITE
DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATION
PROTECTED TREES
IN PROXIMITY
ARBORIST'S REPORT
APPLICANT DEPOSIT
REMOVE
TREES ,
REMOVAL CONDITIONS
OR
REDESIGN PROJECT
TREE VALUATION
TREE
REPLACEMENT
RETAIN
. TREES
REVIEW OF PLANS,
UTILITY PATHS, ETC.
PRESERVATION
MEASURES AS
COND'S OF APPROVAL
SECURITY BOND
PRESERVATION CONDITIONS
ADDED TO PLAN SET
INSPECTION
PROTECTIVE FENCES
IN PLACE /
GRADING BEGINS
OTHER INSPECTIONS
CONSTRUCTION ENDS
FINAL INSPECTION
SECURITY REFUND
z
O
►-4
H
U
P4
H
z
O
U
W
z
O
U
H
z
O
U
figure 3
►j
✓ A number of other specific standards to
P
reduce construction practices which can cause harm if undertaken within a tree's
pretested to zone (see figure 4):
.............:
New construction setbacks. Structures, excavations and impervious
hardscape surfaces should not be constructed within the preteeted
zone of a tree.
Within a tree's prateeted ! t " zone, avoid or keep to an absolute
minimum: Change of grade, excavation, cut and /or fill, or retaining walls.
Change in drainage patterns, trenching, compaction or impervious paving.
Avoid paving inside the prateeted rood zone wherever possible. Where
paving must occur, install pervious paving such as brick on sand, rock,
gravel or similar materials. Where impervious materials are used, install
aeration devices on gravel beds at original grade (soil level). Portions of
structures under tree driplines should have pier and grade beam
foundations with beams poured at original grade. Drain away from trunks
by paved areas to avoid the preteeted zone using surface and /or
....:........
subsurface devices.
✓ For appropriate landscape material see Encroachment Impacts and the City
Xerescape Guidelines. For native oaks trees, the following steps are
recommended:
Keep the area within the dripline of mature or established oaks as
undisturbed as possible.
Do not install plants, lawn etc., that need summer irrigation within oak
tree driplines.
If plants must be installed within driplines, select plants that are shade and
drought tolerant (plants that require no supplemental water once
established). Use plants sparingly as accents.
12
MANAGEMENT OF ACTIVITIES IN THE ROOT ZONE
e�.
?F1evlTNv I
6+t4 N lr1NIL NGC' I
5
N$1vg , 6F,4W-7
KNIM
'-Tm%a 4
' t�ywll� wAt�
�- '5l
I MIN
p 3 F.AN" f- I Il'I
II ��
ON 3ANt� -KIP IZ WPyw OJT pcofe
111 1 G AYJAy fFOM T"V- IN FLAGflG e7v&as
I J
R o err X20%4 I
AWITU I s`(s (EM
w111A IMpf'ltvloLr-
►°,.vING
/, NoMee* Of `lj4TlV� lr�►� ee� LSW ftX- COMMON G0IS110 f,-TIO 4 1411\11T►Es
IN DFU76J2- TO MINIMUr Trrp� IN7tlI2`f W -THIN -TV46 90ci' Zol10 .
50 NOT.
- GOMPAO'f SOIL, W ITIN Htik\/y MACH I NeAL-['I
PAr=�p YIiHI"sl E�u1PMf+ -I-t, P -AA-T �AI,s
-ukANGE S01V I,eV &-L,, 15UC44 as "IsE DIZ
lowEFy w1�iN GVT p►�+f��Otz �Llr
Mi�dINE T�liNGH OFZ EX(„avfl'(ii
- polollw X- MeoAAN►CIAt,+.Y T1►.V
- c+vAGv P"N 6v Wlllr -- �s
- IN5-fau, itAft4 /IOVS (WC.IO) ppvlNG
sucr+ AS c0N641e10; Cr- AGpHAVT
_1 M0./� t.►P�iVI I, t ttw MULCH
USF, SpleY ►F�GAII CJN OFF- Sur�IM WA'fE#�
t�.PENIo�'( F'ls°wTa wr(N NATI� �S
'PAr_r- P�+n S1optj�r r-tPgtAts GvTSIVE
Aroir-'ovVe mwces
- PC-,GIGIJ P- GAINING VjAL l,s Op- MaJOP-
6F,&M- 6MAI,4*G OVIGIVe jz44T Zowra.
- LOCATE f9'AlHw4Ys fOc I UTU-111 &a1 p QN'-
A►JD 07NEc LINES 'Co AVOID QDo-r Zc" a -
WF-I✓ op-- TVNN%, TH94u&4 5011, A-40
OUNOLO, SeVCrA1, UNES W WNDurf 10 IW614,LA,
-ek GAN l"ib F3'f Hob ANO arr ROOTS
64L,5 -IL,-( WI1N sliAF-j0 ';v4W 6t2 '%1W49r=
- Lr--e P0900S Pp>✓ING Stx.H AS BI4GK. G¢
Sgot4Fi ON 04 0, 6AAVGL I ETC• " Pc,,
FA1eP.01• ON Mevl AWD Plgz faND4,104
- IF Imrap/IOVs PA`//NG 4,41ND'j ft P.vvlDo o
INSTAv, A g&-T1oIJ v?mces WHO "*klvp
IN Rot'=tAS figure 4
Install plants or irrigation no closet than ten feet from trunks or seven
times the trunk distance, whichever is larger. (The trdnk diameter is found
by measuring the distanee around the tree, four and one half feet above
sail and dividing by 3.14.)
Irrigation systems for these plantings should be bubbler, drip or soaker types
only, with no sprinkler spray systems within the oaks' driplines.
If landscape stones are installed, set on existing soil or water permeable
landscape fabric and keep at least six inches from trunks. Never use non -
permeable plastic tarping within driplines.
Do not remove natural leaf litter within oak driplines.
Replace any removed leaf litter with two to four inches of organic material
within dripline, six inches away from trunks. Nitrogen should be added
to woody material (shredded bark, sawdust, etc.) using a formula of three
pounds actual nitrogen per cubic yard of material.
PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION
After the ' Before a grading permit
is issued or any construction activity begins, one r more of the following may
be requi an Arborist's report, ,
deposit, protective fencing or other measures ' required by the City.
Arborist's Report, The City Arborist's report is required when a development
proposal is in close proximity to one or more protected trees. Is describes and
evaluates the physical health and condition of protected trees on a development
site, showing their location, canopy spread, trunk diameter () and species
name. The report also evaluates the impacts of proposed activities (including
utility pathways, landscaping and construction). Mitigation or changes to reduce
13
PM
-
1- : --
Arborist's Report, The City Arborist's report is required when a development
proposal is in close proximity to one or more protected trees. Is describes and
evaluates the physical health and condition of protected trees on a development
site, showing their location, canopy spread, trunk diameter () and species
name. The report also evaluates the impacts of proposed activities (including
utility pathways, landscaping and construction). Mitigation or changes to reduce
13
impacts may also be recommended.
I'
A 41
. _
14
Ow
is
_.: -
I'
A 41
. _
14
P� l; �. oR �A-AWJW* gir l►��LR�I��R� /�Hi /►�19R1S����►I iLR�IRRi ►i►i ►D�i1 �i�Li1G�i�tRi►i��l►�tf
Protective Fencing. A temporary chain link fence for trees to be protected must
be installed at the edge of a tree's protected zone prior to any grading operations.
The fences are an important way to minimize direct damage to tree roots, trunks
and branches. Fencing must remain in place until all work is completed and may
not be removed until authorized by the City.
`"he first of t fee Scheduled property inspections will be made by the City before
any grading or construction activities begin to verify that all appropriate
protective measures, including protective fencing, are in place.
CONSTRUCTION PHASES
The construction phases begin with grading and include the construction of all
building improvements.
Grading Operations
After grading operations have begun and before building improvements have
started, the following measures will be required for protected trees:
1) A copy of the approved plan and related documents must be kept at the
project site. inelud l n g the n rbor st ' J Report, Tree Permit, if ~ems• �ea , Tree
Saratoga Tree Prateetion Guidelines.
2) City inspection and approval of rough grading, including compaction, cut and
fill, drainage and trenching.
15
3),Installation of all tree preservation devices. if reqttired, devices such as aeration
systems (see figure 5), tree wells, drains, special paving and cabling must r�'y
€c' be installed before grading operations are complete.
All building improvements are completed at this time, including landscaping and
irrigation.
POST CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Following completion of all building improvements, certain conditions wiR may
be required before a zoning elearanee a certificate of occupancy may will. A,
issued. These e' Tli :: ::: I
a}-E ertifyieation a = all tree work. On all sites containing protected trees, the
City will `inspect the property and that all tree work specified
in the City approvals has been completed. This will include landscape materials
and irrigation installed around protected trees.
TREE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE
Along with the attention given the needs of established trees, another important
area to be considered is the way new trees are planted and maintained. By
providing the best possible conditions for them to grow from the beginning,
proper planting can go along way to assure trees' long term health. ✓ One of
most important steps to proper planting is to choose an appropriate tree species.
Trees can be selected that are adapted to the particular set of conditions under
which they may grow, conditions which may not by affected by any other
planting practice. For example, within the general climate zone of Saratoga, one
species may need full sun in order to perform well, where another would only
thrive in part shade. Tolerance to heat, wind, smog or alkaline soils, as well as
requirements for water vary greatly between species of trees. A tree which is well
adapted to its environment will generally be healthier, more attractive, have less
disease problems, and need less maintenance.
16
Knowing existing trees in an area and their success or problems can help in
selecting new trees. ✓ Native trees have the advantage of being well suited to
their area's climate and natural conditions, while many other disease resistant tree
varieties are also widely available. ✓ Planting a diversity of trees species and ages
can help limit the spread of pest infestations by eliminating continuous stands of
trees which all have the same vulnerability. Pine beetles and borers, for example,
are a large problem in northern California where one type of age of pine has
been used extensively.
In the same way, the appropriateness of a site itself should be considered when
selecting trees. The proximity of building, walks, sewers or other lines, and soil
type and condition should be addressed. The growth rate, life span and ultimate
size of a tree and its root system should also be considered to prevent property
damage. The cooling shade cast by a new tree may be welcome for a building but
not for existing landscaping or trees which may need more light. Similarly,
building may interfere with a tree's own need for light or air.
Many factor need to be weighed in order to make compatible choices between
trees and their placement in the landscape. ✓ An ideal tree would have a straight,
tapered trunk, able to stand upright without staking, with branches evenly
spaced, and along the length of its trunk. Trees which have been "topped" and
have so many branches growing close together near the top of the tree may
develop a poor structure and need corrective pruning later on. An ideal tree has
a good balance between the size of its roots and its top or crown. Its roots are
able to supply the size of the crown with water and nutrients as it grows.
An overly large tree in the same size container may likely to be root bound and
not have enough roots to support vigorous top growth, or may have be pruned
later to reduce the crown to a size the roots can support. Avoid trees with
circling or kinked roots as they can lead to poor root support and growth. bark
should be free of obvious wounds or cracking from injuries or sunscald.
✓ After selecting an appropriate tree and size, several steps can be followed for
planting:
1) Thoroughly water plants in containers the evening before planting.
2) Dig planting holes two time the width and as deep as the nursery plant
17
container. Gouge side of holes to loosen; loosen 3 -4" of soil under plant hole.
3) Add appropriate amendments to native soil for the planting (backfill) mix. In
general, backfill can be 70% native soil and 30% added amendment such as
redwood conditioner or any other humus containing organic material. This
basically helps aerate and loosen soil. A slow release granular fertilizer, one
pound per cubic yard (Osmocote 18 -6 -12) can be added if a nutrient deficiency
is suspected. For best results, use a soils analysis to determine recommended
amendments and fertilizer rates for planting and maintenance.
4) Remove the entire root ball intact from the container by supporting it from
below. Cut any visibly circling roots (3/16" diameter or larger) with sharp shears
or a knife. This will encourage new roots to form. Do not pull the root ball
apart
5) Set plant in hole and adjust height of rootball so that plant soil level (root
crown) is even with the finish grade, or slightly higher. For trees in lawns, set
root crown 1" above finish grade to drain. Fill around rootball with backfill,
packing soil to firm. Disturb the rootball as little as possible. Make sure to keep
the same level of soil around the planter as it was in the original nursery
container.
6) Form basin around tree root ball with remaining native soil to retain water.
7) Fill basin with water, allow to drain and fill and drain two more times. New
trees will need regular, frequent watering during the first year or until
established. Generally after two years, infrequent, thorough soaking will
encourage deep roots and a healthy root system.
8) Install stakes as illustrated ! f . Brace if needed with 1/4' board nailed
between stakes to keep stakes from leaning together. Make sure neither brace for
stakes touch tree trunks.
Maintenance for young or new trees should involve good planting and staking
techniques such as these. ✓ Staking should be checked periodically and removed
when a tree can hold its shape and trunk straight. Staking should be considered
at best a needed but temporary measure, as staking after two years of growth
creates weaker trees and less developed supporting roots. Protect the trunks of
TREE PLANTING AND STAKING
i`or- sH "S . Ma-TE
lsr�Kel:-V.
tVp- NA ?NE 1j//A HT5
FI/mIr WITH po0'tG} Ir"s
swc"I -q vr IA15014-- C-K
ecor o ,sm, -fo p/1A1N
pWaY 11WOM 'ry -UNY -5
fnZ 112fbV:p IN AWNS'
"Ag 11*-% IN 5oq M&
Gbpl,(-, AFOUf42 jfig
r-1w (v Gi�OWIN6t
Stt44ONG
2 it - Op,4AM(i MWGN
S4*e-"O 1�?412K, Cr- %
two LV 4ATlvf. su m
136N�cp,-(H 191,04 H (A 001
SeT F-OOT6 .l, 6"t,4
aT �I. ag
fU.IISH ErRAft-, cam- °►hf
NIC -�NE�-
Iti1 L AwN0, serf rOOTCfO" l
I ", 60V( - GCE To tgdN
V-r- -W SH012T F- WANG1C--G
AI.ONC, L NG H rf-- TF-uN K
1,ocaaE-
pOL0 6�K-,OG (2 ref- -rl?v)
r*N WINV4A4= -17
seq 2' 1�4 uPCVHO
KEto1° 01 861wtV4 sWtGA.14n
-rp6o (MINIMOM)
pl,046E C-W66 OuTsum- goOT-
1?,A� WHO p0OSllAO.
(z) MAt1" 8 TW *T F.12-
4 11HI4H -rWMgAf -Y "W ft, -
W,A1- f!?44a4
W"-.flw MLK Or-mer .lvr%:7
^"n r-c-,F -jlw;W AAeTN)�,,SOII.
PX4' V,A'(r;- pt6N?►N4 HOW TO
'(vJ0 -TIME* WltgfH OF a4t7f-
1 l,li pNa OdhAL 10 ITC, VorfH.
Y-w19 r-Oote-p&w INwT wHiLo
FLIANIINCI A"V rflWING HOL*
wA'tCa -dc, - roor-olYAHt,Y
ANO THROLr H
p1w
UN'IIV �'%I%�IgU�j7
figure 6
young trees from mechanical injury by surrounding them with short stakes,
especially in lawns, just outside the rootball. ✓ Keep lawns and weeds at least
thirty inches away from trunks until established.
✓ Proper pruning which follows the natural form of a tree is an important part
of good maintenance, especially for young trees. Selective pruning helps to
develop a strong framework, space branches evenly and remove dead, diseased or
crossing branches. This helps maintain a tree's natural shape and safe structure.
✓ When hiring tree workers, ask that the work follows the Western Chapter ISA
Pruning Standards for amounts and types of pruning done. This may prevent
hazardous conditions or injuries to a tree that topping or other severe pruning
method create.
Regular observation is an essential step in good tree maintenance. By noting
changes in their appearance and size, clues to a tree's overall health can be found.
✓ Note the general vigor of a tree, the amount of yearly growth, and watch for
changes. A decline in growth rate can be a first sigh of many problems, from
root disease, mineral deficiency or compacted soil. Changes in leaf color or size
can also alert a homeowner of potential concerns. If changes happen after periods
of stress, such as an injury, drought, transplanting, etc., they may signal a need
for care.
✓ Proper irrigation, nutrition and growing conditions can go a long way in
preventing the stresses that impair tree health. Trees, like many living things, are
better able to resist diseases or infections when they are vigorous and healthy.
Providing conditions as close to, those that trees naturally thrive under is one of
the fundamental goals in the care of urban trees.
Poor soil, bark and root injury, air pollution and bad pruning can stress trees and
leave them open to the injury from pest attacks. A number of strategies have
been developed by horticultural professionals to emphasize the least toxic
solutions to pest control.
✓ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach which considers the plant,
pest and their environment as parts of a total system. A variety of techniques are
combined to keep pest damage down to an acceptable level Physical, biological,
19
cultural and chemical methods work together with knowledge of pest life cycles
to the find the least toxic solution. The contamination of surface and
groundwater supplies from pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals is a growing
concern all over the country. The indiscriminate use of pesticides also kills
beneficial insects, as well as birds and other organisms, which work to keep
unwanted pests in check. A horticultural consultant familiar with IPM can set
up a management program.
✓ An excellent IPM guide is Pests of Landscape Tree and Shrubs: An Integrated
Pest Management Guide, by Dr. Steve Dreistadt. This guide is available from the
U.C. Statewide IPM Project, IPM Education and publications, University of
California, Davis (916/752- 7691), publication number 3359.
MANAGING TREES YOURSELF
Many steps can be taken by homeowners themselves to manage their own
properties and help trees resist insect and disease attacks. ✓ For new trees,
planting disease resistant types can help by preventing some types of damage.
Planting a diversity of types and age of trees can also help limit pest outbreaks.
Beside direct pest damage, disease can also be spread by insects and by contact
with diseased plant material, through the air water or soil. ✓ Good hygiene can
help lessen their spread by restricting disease sources. Remove any infected
cuttings. leaves of plants from the property and do not compost. Piles of debris
left near trees may allow unwanted pests to overwinter and appear the next year
should be removed regularly. These can be composted and reapplied the
following spring.
✓ Protect tree bark and limbs from pruning or other injuries such as tears, rips
or stubs which can allow infections to enter. Clean cuts should always be made
outside the branch collar, the thickening where the branch being cut meets the
trunk or a larger branch, which is a natural barrier to decay.
Wise use of water has many advantages. ✓ Watering with drip or soaker
irrigation instead of sprinklers can help reduce the spread of fungal diseases, put
water directly into the root zones where it is need and save water too. Summer
wet conditions, that allow root fungi to thrive can be avoided by planting
drought tolerant and native plants around susceptible trees such as native oaks.
w
✓ If sprays are necessary, try to use them effectively, timing their application to
when the pests are most vulnerable. Eggs are more protected by their armor
than the soft bodied larvae that hatch later. Insecticidal soaps mixed with water,
available at most nurseries, are fatty acids which desiccate a wide range of soft
bodies insects such as aphids. Dormant oil sprays are very effective for deciduous
trees, fruits, etc., by smothering many overwintering pests on the bark when the
tree is dormant.
✓ Mulching soil surfaces around trees and shrubs with organic matter helps
prevent soil disease spores from splashing up onto leaves and improves soils by
adding nutrients, conserving moisture, increasing aeration and buffering soil
temperatures.
PRUNING STANDARDS
The Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture Pruning
Standards are the recommended guideline for structural pruning of protected trees
(see appendix f).
the Gity must possess a Saratoga business heense and have an ISA eer-tified
A M��t an J l.L V t.l V tree.
While pruning in excess of ISA Pruning Standards (which provides that no more
than 25% of a tree canopy should be removed), is not encouraged or
recommended, it is possible that larger amounts of pruning can be justified in
some cases where a large imbalance exists, or where disease or injury has caused
unsafe or undesirable situations.
"Topping" or other destructive heading cuts on otherwise healthy trees are-iet
aeeeptable for any prateeted tree on publie property and are is** not encouraged
for any tree.
WHY DO I NEED A CERTIFIED ARBORIST?
Certified arborist are widely recognized plant care professionals. They are
educated and trained in:
Diagnosis and treatment of landscape problems.
Proper pruning and management techniques for trees.
21
Tree biology and structure.
Selection and installation of appropriate trees and other plants.
Soil, Water and nutritional requirements to keep plants in peak form.
Recognizing tree hazards and construction damage.
To qualify as a certified arborist, these professionals must pass an examination on
technical competency and knowledge developed by the International Society of
Arboriculture. To maintain certification, arborist must update their knowledge
through continuing education programs.
22
GLOSSARY
Absorbing Roots - The roots produced in the upper two to three feet of soil
which absorb water minerals and oxygen. The most effective ones are found in
the top two inches if a mulch is maintained on the soil surface. See figure 1.
Arborist Report - A report prepared by a certified arborist containing specific
information on the location, species, condition, structure, potential impacts of
development and recommended actions and mitigation measures for one or more
protected trees on a project site.
Buttress Roots - The major roots which join the trunk at the ground level. The
buttress roots support the above ground tree structure. Soil levels raised above
original grade around buttress roots provide an ideal environment for disease. See
Figure 1.
Canopy, Tree Canopy - All portions of the tree with foliage. Also defined as the
area inside the dripline. See figure 2.
City Arborist - The ISA Certified tree care professional e layed by
the City to review development applications involving trees.
City Xerescape Guidelines - a set of documents available at City Hall which lists
plant materials recommended for drought tolerant landscapes.
23
Deadwood - Limbs, branches or a portion of a tree that contains no green leaves
during a period of the year when they should be present.
Dripline - The outermost edge of a tree's canopy. Also the irregularly shaped
circle that follows the contour of the tree's branches as seen from overhead See
Figure 2. atid Sample Tree Preservation Plan eontained in Appeftd
Encroachment - Any intrusion or human activity into the p�eeted t zone
of a tree..
Guideli 1: - The Tree Protection Guidelines. this
document). .. ...............................
Impervious Paving or Hardscape - Asphalt, concrete and similar surfaces that
prevent water percolation and the exchange of air and gases between roots, soil
and atmosphere.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Use of a combination of pest control
methods, emphasizing the least environmentally damaging solutions. IPM
considers plants and pests as part of a system.
ISA Certified Arborist- Professional tree care specialist certified for technical
competency and knowledge by the International Society of Arboriculture.
ISA Pruning Standards or Pruning Standards - The pruning standards
established by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
as revised from time to time. See appendix I.
Leaf Litter - The natural built up layer of leaves and debris under the canopies
dropped by the tree itself.
Mulch - Any organic material, such as shredded bark or leaves, compost, etc.,
which covers and enriches the soil, providing ideal conditions for tree roots.
Native Oak Species - The most common native oak species in the Saratoga area
are: Quercus agrifolia(Coast Live Oak), Quercus lobata(Valley Oak), Quercus
Kellogi(Black Oak), Quercus douglasi(Blue Oak) and Quercus dumosa(Scrub
Oak).
24
Oak • oak tree of the genus • :
NUNN 11
Organic Amendments - Any soil conditioner, such as compost, peat moss and
nitrolized redwood which adds humus to soil, improving its drainage, aeration
and fertility.
Protected Tree - Any tree eta defined by Section 15- 50.020(m) of the City Code.
The definition ineltuded afi� of the following: 1) Any pak tree ha-viftg one of
--
reteeted #00t Zone - An area totally encompassing a protected tree where
activities are strictly controlled. When shown on a map or plan, the protected
zone appears as an irregularly shaped circle that follows the contour of the tree
canopy and extends from the trunk to at least five feet beyond the dripline.
Protective Fencing - Temporary fencing installed before construction to prevent
direct damage to trees.
Pruning - Any work performed on the roots, branches or limbs of a protected
tree.
Root Collar - Where the root system meets the trunk at natural ground level.
Root System, Root Zone- The portion of the tree which supplies water and
minerals to the foliage (absorbing roots) and which provide structural support for
the trunk (buttress roots).
Saratoga City Code - The codified laws of the City of Saratoga. The Cit Code
is available for review or purchase from the City Clerk's office.
25
Soil Compaction - Compression of soil particles by heavy machinery,
construction, materials, structures, paving, etc., which eliminate air spaces
between particles. This damages roots and prevents their growth.
Terminal Buds - The tips of tree stems from which growth in the canopy takes
place.
Topping - Indiscriminate pruning which cuts all limbs back to stubs and
produces hazardous new growth.
Tree Ordinance - Article 15 -50 of the City Code which deals with he protection
of trees in Saratoga.
Tree Removal Permit - A permit issued by the City for removal of one or more
pursuant.. tta.. tc 15 p r otected trees
5.
treehnbk
26
SELECTED REFERENCES
Beaudoin, Mark. City of San Jose Arborist, San Jose, California. Telephone
interviews, 1993 -1995.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Urban Forestry Program,
Guidelines for Developing and Evaluating Tree Ordinances. Sacramento:
1991.
California Oak Foundation. "Care of Native Oaks." Sacramento: undated
pamphlet.
Chan, Franklin et al. The World of Trees. San Francisco: Ortho Books, 1977.
Damrosch, Barbara. The Garden Primer. New York: Workman Publishing, 1988.
Hagen, Bruce. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Urban
Forester. Telephone interview, January, 1995.
Hagen, Bruce. "Keeping Native California. Oaks Healthy." California Oaks.
Spring /Summer 1994.
Hagen, Bruce; Coate, Barrie; and Oldham, Keith. Compatible Plants Under and
Around Oaks. Sacramento: California Oak Foundation, 1991.
Harris, Richard. "Root Protection in a Soil Cut." In Arboriculture: Care of Trees.
Shrubs and Vines in the Landscape. University of California, Davis: Undated
detail.
Iaquinto, John. Town of Los Gatos, Parks and Forestry Maintenance, Los Gatos,
California. Telephone interviews 1993 - 1995.
Moore, George. City of Thousand Oaks Arborist, Thousand Oaks, California.
Telephone interviews, 1993 -1994.
Noblett, Sheri. County of Sacramento, Department of Public Works, Sacramento,
California. Telephone interviews, 1990 1994.
Organic Gardening, ed. The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. Emmaus, Penn.:
Rodale Press, 1978.
Palmer, Tim. "The Native California Landscape." In California's Threatened
Environment. Washington, D.C.: Island Press & Planning and Conservation
League Foundation, 1993.
Pavlik, Bruce M.; Muick, Pamela C.; Johnson, Sharon;and Popper, Marjorie. Oaks
of California. Los Olivos, Calif.: Cachuma Press & The California' Oak
Foundation, 1991.
Powell, Charles C.; and Lindquist, Richard K. Ball Pest and Disease Manual.
Geneva, Ill.: Ball Publishing, 1992.
Sacramento County Department of Public Works, Highways and Bridge Division.
Detail, "Aeration System for Tree Roots." Sacramento, Calif.: 1984.
Strong, Ginger. City of Visalia. Telephone interviews, 1990 -1991.
Sunset Magazine, ed. Sunset Western Garden book. Menlo Park, Calif.: Lane
Publishing Co., 1989.
Taylor, Norman. Taylor's Guide to Trees. Edited by Gordon P. Dewolf, Jr. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin Co., 1988.
University of California, Cooperative Extension of Berkeley, Natural Resources
Program. "Living Among the Oaks - A Management Guide for Landowners."
Berkeley: undated.
University of California, Department of Forest and Resource Management.
Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program. Berkeley: Department of
Forest and Resource Management, 1990.
Weier, T.; Stocking, C.; and Barbour, M. Botany, An Introduction to Plant Biology.
New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1974.
a'
WESTERN
CHAPTER
PRUNING STANDARDS
Purpose:
Trees and other woody plants respond in specific and predictable ways to pruning and
other maintenance practices. Careful study of these responses has led to pruning
practices which best preserve and enhance the beauty, structural integrity, and
functional value of trees.
In an effort to promote practices which encourage the preservation of tree structure
and health, the W.C. ISA Certification Comn-ritte•: nas established the following
Standards of Pruning for Certified Arborists. The Statdards are presented as working
guidelines, recognizing that trees are individually unique,in form and structure, and that
their pruning needs may not always fit strict rules. The Certified Arborist must take
responsibility for special pruning practices that vary greatly from:these Standards.
1. Pruning Techniques
A. A thinning cut removes a branch at its point of attachment or shortens it to a
lateral large enough to assume the terminal role. Thinning opens up a tree,
reduces weight on heavy limbs, can reduce a tree's height. distributes ensuing
invigoration throughout a tree and helps retain the tree's natural shape.
Thinning cuts are therefore preferred in tree pruning.
When shortening a branch or leader, the lateral to which it is cut should be at
least one -half the diameter of the cut being made. Removal of a branch or
leader back to a sufficiently large lateral is often called "drop crotching:'
B. A.heading cut removes a brancn Lu a stub, a bud or a lateral branch not large
enough to assume *the terminal roar. Hieaoing cuts should seldom be used
because vigorous, weaklyattacned upr +gnt sprouts are forced just below such
cuts, and-the tree's natural forms aftereci.:1; some situations, branch stubs die
or produce only weak sprouts.
Certification Committee • Po. Box 424 - St Helena. California 94574
C. When removing a live branch, pruning cuts should be made in branch tissue
just outside the branch bark ridge and collar, which are trunk tissue. (Figure 1)
If no collar is visible, the angle of the cut should approximate the angle formed
by the branch bark ridge and the trunk. (Figure 2)
1
D. When removing a dead branch, the final cut should be made outside the collar
of live callus tissue. If the collar has grown out along the branch stub, only the
dead stub should be removed, the live collar should remain intact, and
uninjured. (Figure 3)
E. When reducing the length of a branch or the height of a leader, the final cut
should be made just beyond (without violating) the branch bark ridge of the
branch being cut to. The cut should approximately bisect the angle formed by
the branch bark ridge and an imaginary line perpendicular to the trunk or
branch cut. (Figure 4)
F. A goal of structural pruning is to maintain the size of lateral branches to less
than three - fourths the diameter of the parent branch or trunk. If the branch Is
codominant or close to the size of the parent branch, thin the branch's foliage
by 15% to 25%, .particularly near the terminal. Thin the parent branch less, if at
all. This will allow the parent branch to grow at a faster rate, will reduce the
weight of the lateral branch, slow its total growth, and develop a stronger
branch attachment. If this does not appear appropriate, the branch should be
completely removed or shortened to a large lateral. (Figure 5)
G. On large- growing trees, except whorl- branching conifers, branches that are
more than one -third the diameter of the trunk should be spaced along the
trunk at least 18 inches apart, on center. If this is not possible because of the
present size of the tree, such branches should have their foliage thinned 1596
to 25%. particularly near their terminals. (Figure 6)
H. Pruning cuts should be clean and smooth with the bark at the edge of the cut
firmly attached to the wood.
I. Large or heavy branches that cannot be thrown clear, should be lowered on
. ropes to prevent injury to the tree or other property.
J. Wound dressings and tree paints have not been shown to be effective in
preventing or reducing decay. They are therefore not recommended for
routine use when pruning.
2
r
branch
bark .E
ridge
branch./
collar
F/CURE 2. In removing a limb without. o
branch collar, the angle of the
final cut to the branch bark
ridge -should approximate the
angle the branch bark ridge
forms with the limb. Angle AB
should equal Angle BC.
c
i
1
1. When removing a branch, the final cut
should be just outside the branch bark
ridge and collar.
X17
FICURE 3. When removing a dead branch, cut out-
side the callus tissue that has begun to
or,r; around the branch.
3
A -"
�C
8
FIGURE 4. In removing the end of a limb to c
large lateral branch, the-final cu
is made along a line that bisect:
the angle between the branch bare
ridge and a line perpendicular tc
the limb being removed. Angle Al
is equal to Angle BC.
FIGURE 5. A tree with limbs tending to be equal- -
sized, or codominant. Limbs marked B
are greater than % the size ofthe parent
limb A. Thin the foliage of branch B more
than branch A to slow its growth and
develop a stronger branch ottochment.
%..,.r .
1-�
FIGURE 6. Major branches should be ri
spaced both along and Grob
the stem.
4
r .
I I. Types of Pruning — Mature Trees
A. CROWN CLEANING
Crown cleaning- or cleaning out is .the removal of dead, dying, diseased,
crowded, weakly attached, and low -vigor branches and watersprouts from a
tree crown.
B. CROWN THINNING
Crown thinning includes crown cleaning and the selective removal of branches
to increase light penetration and air movement into the crown. Increased light
and air stimulates and maintains interior foliage, which in turn improves
branch taper and strength. Thinning reduces the wind -sail effect of the crown
and the weight of heavy limbs. Thinning the crown can emphasize the structural
beauty of trunk and branches as well as improve the growth of plants beneath
the tree by increasing light penetration. When thinning the crown of mature
trees.. seldom should more than one -third of the live foliage be removed.
At least one -half of the foliage should be on branches that arise in the lower
two-thirds of the trees. Likewise, when thinning laterals from a limb; an effort
should be made to retain inner lateral branches and leave the same
distribution of foliage along the branch. Trees and branches so pruned* will
have stress more evenly distributed throughout the tree or along a branch.
An effect known as "lion's- tailing" results from pruning out the inside lateral
branches. Lion's- tailing, by removing all the inner foliage, displaces the weight
to the ends of the branches and may result in sunburned branches, water -
sprouts, weakened branch*. structure and limb breakage.
C. CROWN REDUCTION
Crown reduction is used to reduce the height and /or spread of a tree. Thinning
cuts are most effective in maintaining the structural integrity and natural form
of a tree and in delaying the time when it will need to be pruned again. The
lateral to which a branch or trunk is cut should be at least one -half the diameter
of the cut being made.
D. CROWN RESTORATION
Crown restoration can improve the structure and appearance of trees that
have been topped or severely pruned using heading cuts. One to three sprouts
on main branch stubs should be selected to reform a more natural appearing
crown. Selected vigorous sprouts may need to be thinned to a lateral, or even
headed, to control length growth in order to ensure adequate attachment for
the size of the sprout. Restoration ma; require several prunings over a number
of years.
5
.-
II. Types of Pruning — Mature Trees (continued)
E. CROWN RAISING
Crown raising removes* the lower branches of a tree in order to provide
clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas. It is important that a
tree have at least one -half of its foliage on branches that originate in the lower
two- thirds of its crown to ensure a well- formed, tapered structure and to
uniformly distribute stress within a tree. .
When pruning for view, it is preferable to develop "windows" through the
foliage of the tree, rather than to severely raise or reduce the crown.
111. Size of Pruning Cuts
Each of the Pruning Techniques (Section 1) and Types of Pruning (Section II) can be
done to different levels of detail or refinement. The removal of many small
branches rather than a few.large branches will require more time, but will produce a
less- pruned appearance, will force fewer watersprouts and will help to maintain the
vitality and'structure of the tree. Designating the maximum siie (base diameter)
that any occasional undesirable branch may be left within the tree crown, such as
1/2". V or 2' branch diameter, will establish the degree of pruning desired.
IV. Climbing Techniques
A.. Climbing and pruning practices should not injure the tree except for the
pruning cuts.
B. Climbing spurs or gaffs should not be used when pruning a tree, unless the
branches are more than throw -line distance apart. In such cases, the spurs
should be removed once the climber is tied in.
C. Spurs may be used to reach an injured climber and when removing a tree.
D. Rope injury to thin barked trees from loading out heavy limbs should be
avoided by installing a block in the tree to carry the load. This technique may
also be used to reduce injury to a crotch from the climber's line.
6