Strategic Plan & Ordinance Review

The City of Sacramento has a long-standing reputation as the City of Trees, and emphasis on the importance of trees in Sacramento dates back to its founding in 1849. In the late 1970s and the 1980s, Sacramento’s urban forestry program was internationally recognized for its beautiful tree canopy, partnerships and innovative elm preservation programs. Over the past three decades, tree-related programs and policies have become outdated and must be reviewed and revised in order to provide a more efficient and friendly framework for maintaining urban tree canopy.

Project Purpose

The purpose of this project is to gather public input and professional guidance to re-establish effective citywide urban forestry policies. In turn, it will serve as the foundation for an updated urban forestry management plan and the development of specific urban forestry guidelines, standards and specifications for maintaining, expanding and enhancing the City’s urban forest.

Project Goals

Incorporate three separate current ordinances into a single ordinance.
Ensure that the updated ordinance is clear and concise.
Align updated policies with new development, capital improvement projects, streetscapes, park maintenance, and water and energy conservation programs.

Project Timeline

A review of the City’s current tree-related ordinance and development of an updated proposed tree ordinance is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

Stakeholder Input

The project team assembled a Stakeholder Advisory Committee that includes representatives of numerous neighborhood, business and environmental organizations throughout Sacramento to ensure significant community input.

Project Resources

City of Sacramento General Plan

External Resources