Santa Cruz Municipal Code §9.56.100 requires mitigation for approved and unapproved removals of heritage trees or heritage shrubs. Replacement is typically based on appraised value or species-and-size formulas.
Approved removals require replacement plantings or in-lieu fees set by council resolution. Unapproved removals carry enhanced mitigation, potentially multiple replacement trees per tree removed. Work must be done by a state-licensed tree contractor under §9.56.090. The Parks & Recreation Director enforces mitigation orders. Emergency removals are allowed but must be reported promptly under §9.56.080.
Misdemeanor under §9.56.110 with mitigation orders. Cost-recovery liens for noncompliance.
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