Projects in the City of Glendale that result in encroachment on protected trees will require submission of an Indigenous Tree Report (ITR) per Glendale Municipal Code Section 12.40 (Indigenous Trees).  All Indigenous Tree Report(s) must be submitted by a “Qualified Tree Expert” as defined in Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) Section 12.44.020 and 12.44.070:

• A Registered Consulting Arborist as provided by the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
• Certified Arborist (CA) as provided by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
• Certified Urban Forester as provided by the California Urban Forest Council (CaUFC)
• Registered State Forester as registered by the California State Board of Forestry.

Professionals of other disciplines, such as California licensed Landscape Architects and Registered Pest Control Advisors, must posses any of the listed certifications in order to be recognized as qualified tree experts.

Please note that an indigenous tree is protected per GMC 12.44.020 once it measures 6 (six) inches in diameter as measured at a height of 54 inches above the lowest point where each trunk meets the soil. If a tree has multiple stems or trunks, the sum of these must be equal to or greater than 6 (six) inches. For example, a coast live oak with 6 (six) stems each measuring 1 (one) inch in diameter would be protected, as would a coast live oak with one single 6 (six) inch diameter trunk.

An Indigenous Trees Report (ITR) shall contain the following information:

• The qualified tree expert shall state the expert's name, company name, address and telephone number. The qualified tree expert shall attach to the report a copy of the expert's certification or registration and state license, if required by law to have one. If the property owner or developer is hiring an individual or a company to perform work on a protected indigenous tree, the permit applicant shall state on the permit application the individual's or company's name, address, daytime telephone number, and state contractor's license number, if required by law to have a license;
• Project location address with short geographic description and ecological representation, (i.e. urban interface, oak woodland, etc.)
• Date ITR is prepared.
• Date of ITR field inspection.
• Statement of purpose for the report.
• Project narrative, with analysis and conclusion will include, but is not limited to:
• Project description and background.
• Observations including site, project and tree descriptions.
• The reason for the removal, relocation or encroachment of a protected indigenous tree must be described. The qualified tree expert shall state that the expert has inspected and verified the health and structure of any tree declared diseased, dying, or otherwise proposed for removal, and provide sufficient evidence, based on sound arboricultural standards and including identification of disease, inspects or pest, for the director to confirm such a declaration.
• Impacts and guidelines for protection of indigenous trees during construction to minimize impacts. If applicable, an evaluation of the applicant's construction or development proposal as it impacts each protected tree shown on the site plan, including suggested mitigation.
• Proposed protection measures including a post construction maintenance plan.
• Spreadsheet summarizing field observations of all protected tree(s) on subject and adjacent properties that may be impacted by project. Spreadsheet must list trees by numbers identical to the trees tagged in field, and include tree species, tree height, DBH, spread, physical condition, suggested treatment, tree rating, and any other related information.
• Spreadsheet of proposed protected tree removals.
• Spreadsheet of proposed protected trees to remain.
• Color photographs of all proposed trees to be removed, pruned or encroached upon, or retained on the property and within 20 feet of the property. Multiple trees may be shown on a photo if there is some method to differentiate between individual trees. Photographs should include the full canopy and a close up of the leaves, trunk, and root flare, and any identified diseases or pests impacting the health of the tree must be provided if relevant.
• Topographical map and trees’ location and drip line on proposed grading plans. (All protected trees to be plotted with accurate drip line.) Included on the plan shall be the footprint of any proposed buildings, walls, patios, pools, etc. Also to be included on plan is lot size and square footage of proposed building(s) and or construction. Plan must show vertical elevation(s) in relation to the indigenous trees remaining on the developed site.
• A plan or map upon which every tree on the property and within 20 feet must be identified by species, diameter measured at a height of 54 inches above the lowest point where the trunk meets the soil, height, outline and dimensions of the canopy and drip line, and health and condition. For any protected indigenous tree, the report must provide recommendations to remedy structural, disease, or pest problems where feasible. In cases of development activity, the report shall be inclusive of each indigenous or city-owned tree on the property and within 20 feet of the subject property, and it must be indicated if a tree is proposed to be removed, moved, or encroached upon on the plan or map.
• Any further information that, in preparers’ opinion, is pertinent to the project.
• Reporting tree expert signature with verification of current licenses and certifications
• If a tree will be moved or relocated to another location on the property, the relocation site must be identified, and site preparation and relocation methods must be described;