"Bill Analysis: Don’t Penalize Landowners for Maximizing the Potential of their Land" contains Bill Peacock and Samuel Barr's analysis of House Bill 133 and Senate Bill 362.
Property Rights
Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.
Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...
August 27, 2026