Regulations related to Creeks, customised for the Barron Park Neighborhood
Caveat: This is a collection of some of the more useful
and relevant links.
This is NOT an official site.
Creek Protection Zone
Creek itself
Creek banks
Top of creek banks extending 50 feet from the center of the creek.
In many places, the creeks and a strip along the tops of the banks
are owned by a government agency.
However, in the Barron Park neighborhood, the creeks are
privately owned - typically properties extend to the middle
of the creek.
Primary government agencies regulating work within this protection zone,
including privately owned property:
Basic maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.
There are some possibilities for cost-sharing between the property owner
and the Water District,
but with the budget crunch,
it is questionable if much cost-sharing will actually occur.
However, there are regulations for work within the protected zone,
and some of this work requires permits from the Water District
and some work may require a permit from Cal DFG.
Tree Pruning / Tree Removal:
Tree pruning and removal requires a permit from the Water District,
which can be submitted online (below).
The permit is free - the purpose is to ensure that you are aware
of the rules for working around the creek.
For protected trees (oaks and redwoods of a certain size),
the City of Palo Alto also has
rules on pruning and removal.
Creek Protection Zone: Restrictions, Permits, Cost-sharing
To protect the creeks, a 50-foot protection zone has been
established.
Working around Watercourses: What requires a permit plus links to the permit form.
Permits are free and can be filed online. Note: Landscaping, including tree pruning requires
a permit.
Good Neighbor Fences : Information on cost-sharing for fences along the creek (if you choose to have one).
Version Info: $Revision: 1.6 $ $Date: 2002/12/22 10:16:06 $