Meet the District 2 Candidates: Should S.F. loosen rules for planting and removing trees?

"Currently, residents can file an appeal if the city plans to remove a tree. This new legislation would take that right to appeal away. It would also allow developers and homeowners doing renovations to pay a $2,590 tree planting fee to the city instead of planting a tree outside their property themselves."

"A spokesperson for the Department of Public Works told the Chronicle that they anticipate that money from the fees will lead to more trees being planted, not fewer. Tree removals are a "last resort" that mostly happen when a tree has become hazardous, she added."

"Other city residents disagree. 800 have signed onto an opposition petition and dozens have sent letters to the city. They see the appeals process as creating an "opportunity for accountability and discussion," one advocate said."

San Francisco's Mayor Daniel Lurie and District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong introduced legislation to modify street tree regulations. The proposal eliminates residents' ability to appeal tree removals and permits developers and homeowners to pay $2,590 fees to the city instead of planting replacement trees on their properties. The Department of Public Works anticipates fee revenue will increase tree plantings citywide, noting removals occur only as a last resort for hazardous trees. However, 800 residents have signed an opposition petition, viewing the appeals process as essential for accountability and community discussion. District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill supports the fee structure, consistent with his previous backing of mayoral initiatives to streamline city permitting processes.

Read at Mission Local