The City Council is considering a new and more restrictive tree ordinance that will impose higher fees and more rules on Belmont homeowners. Many cities have rules protecting certain types of native trees (mainly redwoods and oaks), but the new ordinance will cover ALL large trees. What is being considered? – more permit requirements, more required inspections, much higher fees, stump removal requirements, notification requirements and even rules covering when trees can be removed. Belmont continues down the path toward a Nanny state.
I have lived in Belmont more than 30 years and I have never seen people cut down tress without good cause. Over the years, the only entity that removes trees and fails to replace them is the City of Belmont. Belmont residents are responsible people and do not need Big Brother telling them what to do and how to live their lives. There is no need for a new tree ordinance. If the Council wants to impose new tree rules then they should also take up the responsibility to maintain some of the big old trees and they should also be responsible for any damage or harm caused by falling trees, at least in cases where ordinances interfered with home owners tree removal desires.
We would be better off with less Red Tape, better roads and the downtown (with some businesses) we have been promised for the past 30 years. We do not need more rules!
