OJAI : Law Would Expand Protection to All Mature Trees

Cutting down any species of mature tree without a $60 permit could soon be illegal in Ojai.

The city’s tree preservation law, adopted in 1981, only protects oaks and sycamores now.

Ojai residents are invited to comment Wednesday on changes to the ordinance that the city arborist has recommended.

The Ojai Planning Commission will hold the public workshop at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall.

One proposed change would require tree cutters or property owners to obtain a permit to remove any tree of more than 8 inches in diameter.

Another revision would allow the removal of all dead tree limbs and branches without a permit.

The law now requires a permit to prune any limb more than 3 inches in diameter on an oak or sycamore tree, which the city’s arborist said amounts to a disincentive for proper care.

However, pruning live tree limbs of more than 5 inches in diameter on developed property, or more than 3 inches in diameter on vacant or undeveloped property, would require a permit.

All tree permits currently cost $60, regardless of the purpose.

No fee changes are proposed.

Violations of the law are considered a misdemeanor.