That the enclosed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance be adopted to extend the temporary prohibition on tree cutting permits until February 28, 2021

City of Cambridge O-5 CAL-6 FIRST IN COUNCIL November 16, 2020 November 30, 2020 COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER COUNCILLOR NOLAN WHEREAS: The City Council and the Department of Public Works are working on lasting amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance based on the detailed findings of the Urban Master Plan Task Force; and WHEREAS: The discussion has been advanced out of the Health & Environment Committee into the Ordinance Committee, but the next hearing cannot be scheduled until draft ordinance language is available, and ordination is unlikely before the current language’s expiration date of December 31, 2020; and WHEREAS: Despite significant delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that there is no gap between the expiration of the current regulations and the commencing of the new ones; and WHEREAS: Cambridge’s tree canopy has declined by nearly 20% over the course of the last decade, with the most severe impacts felt in the most vulnerable neighborhoods; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the following amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance be adopted to extend the temporary prohibition on tree cutting permits until February 28, 2021.

8.66.055 - Procedure for Other Significant Tree Removals. For any significant tree removal not subject to Section 8.66.050, a permit will be required from the City Arborist. In all cases, the City Arborist shall keep a record of the type and size of tree removed, the reason for the removal, photographs of the tree documenting the reason for removal, the date, the contractor(s) involved, and the name and address of the property owner. No such permits will be issued until February 28, 2021 December 31, 2020 or sooner by further amendment to this section, except for emergency circumstances, significant utility infrastructure projects undertaken pursuant to State or Federal regulations or programs, for City park projects, or where a tree poses significant negative impact to an adjacent existing structure, or for dead or dangerous trees, or where a lot is of such density with existing trees that the removal of certain significant trees is considered beneficial to the health of the tree canopy. Any tree removed in violation of this section, prior to February 28, 2021 December 31, 2020, shall require a payment into the tree replacement fund as per Section 8.66.070 according to a schedule as follows: Ten percent (10%) of the replacement value for property owners who qualify for the City of Cambridge residential real property tax exemption, no fee for property owners that receive established forms of financial assistance, and the full replacement cost in all other circumstances. The value to be paid into the tree replacement fund shall be equivalent to the cost of purchasing, planting, watering and maintaining said Replacement Trees for a period of not less than five years. ORDERED That the city manager communicate this extension to the residents and property owners of the City of Cambridge as done previously. In City Council November 30, 2020. Ordained by Yeas 7; Nays 1; Absent 0, Present 1. Attest:- Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk

History: 11/16/20 City Council PASSED TO A SECOND READING Next: 11/23/20 11/23/20 City Council NO ACTION TAKEN Next: 11/30/20