HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4c. 977 Bluebell Way Tree Removal Application
TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
DATE: October 13, 2022
TO: Tree Committee Members
FROM: Anthony Whipple, Acting City Arborist/Urban Forest Supervisor
(805) 781-7021
awhipple@slocity.org
SUBJECT: Tree Removal Application SR# 12967
On October 12, 2022, I posted one (1) Redwood tree at 977 Bluebell W ay in response to
Tree Removal Application SR#12967. The removal of the mentioned application was
submitted based on:
San Luis Municipal Code 12.24.090.E.3.
E. 3. Tree removal requests based on property owner convenience sh all be
subject to tree committee review in accordance with the process set forth in
subsection (F)(2) of this section, the relevant additional application
requirements set forth in subsection (D)(2) of this section, and the criteria
set forth in subsection G of this section
ATTACHMENTS
A - Tree Inspection Report
B - Proof of Posting
C - Tree Removal Application
Meeting Date: 10/24/2022
Item Number: 4c
Time Estimate: 15 minutes
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Tree Removal Inspection Report
TO: Rachel Cohen and Ben Erchul
FROM: Anthony Whipple, City Arborist/Urban Forest Supervisor
SUBJECT: Removal Application SR#12967
On October 12th, 2022, I Posted a Public Notice for a Tree Committee hearing for a tree(s)
located at address 977 Bluebell Way in response to tree removal application SR#12967.
The removal of the mentioned application was submitted based on:
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.24.090 (E) 3
E. 3. Tree removal requests based on property owner convenience shall be subject to
tree committee review in accordance with the process set forth in subsection (F)(2) of this
section, the relevant additional application requirements set forth in subsection (D)(2) of this
section, and the criteria set forth in subsection G of this section.
F. 2. For all tree removal requests related to ministerial development permits, other
than as specified in subsection (F)(1) of this section, the tree committee shall review and
make a recommendation on the tree removal application to the community development
director based on the criteria in subsections G and J of this section. The director shall
consider the recommendation of the tree committee, as well as the consistency of the tree
removal application with other city development policies and standards applicable to the
site, and shall either approve, conditionally approve, or deny the tree removal request,
subject to appeal as set forth in Section 12.24.180.
The Subject tree Coast Redwood (Sequoia simpervirens) The tree committee shall review
and make a recommendation on the tree removal application to the Community
Development Director. authorized by the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Title 12,
Tree Regulations
Thank you,
Anthony Whipple, Acting City Arborist/Urban Forest Supervisor (805) 781-7021
awhipple@slocity.org
Public Works - Urban Forestry
25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
805.781.7220
slocity.org
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TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, DEVELOPMENT
Follow Non-Construction Tree Removal Criteria and Process here (SLOMC 12.24.090.E)
Follow Construction Tree Removal Criteria and Process here (SLOMC 12.24.090.F)
Owner: Applicant:
Address: Address:
City: Zip: City: Zip:
Phone: Phone:
Email: Email:
Address of Tree(s): Number of trees applying to remove? ____
Tree Species:
Reason:
Is this removal a City Tree?____ YES_____ NO_____ UNKNOWN Dog in yard?___ YES____ NO
Is this property governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA)?___ YES____ NO If YES, please provide
HOA Board Approved Meeting minutes authorizing tree removal(s) with your tree removal application.
1 Please include a photo log that clearly shows the trees requested for removal. All
Tree(s) must be uniquely identified by a number and a ribbon or an identifier wrapped
around the truck in the photo and prior to inspection
2 Please include a replanting plan in accordance with Section 12.24.090(J) of the City’s
Municipal Code. A minimum of one new tree shall be planted for each tree authorized to be
removed on the same property (on site) or two new trees shall be planted for each tree
authorized to be removed when planted on a different property or within the public right-of-
way (off site).
, retaining wall, hardscape and fencing.
and Ben Erchul
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Page 2
Tree Removal Decisions as outlined in Section 12.24.090 of the City’s Municipal Code
SELECT ONE CRITERIA FROM BELOW
SUPPORTING TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION DECISION MAKER APPEAL BODY
Imminent Hazard to Life or Property Section
12.24.090(E)(1)(a)
City Arborist No Appeal
Tree Health and Hazard Mitigation
Section 12.24.090(E)
City Arborist Tree Committee
Convenience Removal (Tree Committee makes
recommendation to Community Development
Director) 12.24.090(E)(3)
Community
Development Director
Planning Commission
City Council
Minor Ministerial Development Permit (removal for
residential or accessory construction on an R-1 or
R-2 lot) Section
City Arborist Community
Development Director
Criteria for Discretionary Permits Construction Tree
Removal Section 12.24.090(F)(3)
Community
Development Director
Planning Commission
City Council
Major Development / Tentative Tract Map/
Conditional Use Permit Section 12.24.090(F)(4)
Community
Development Director
City Council
Please include a check for $175.69 along with completed application & documentation.
Tree Removal applications may be submitted in person at 25 Prado Road at the City’s
Corporation Yard in SLO or mailed to:
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works- Urban Forest Services
25 Prado Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
12.24.090(F)(1)
Pursuant to San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.24.180, any person aggrieved by an act or
determination of the authorized approving authority exercising the authority herein granted
shall have the right to appeal the decision of the authorized approving authority.
Appeals must be received by the city clerk within ten calendar days from the date of
determination or act shall cause the director to withhold tree removal permits and any
permits for construction or demolition activity relying on the subject tree removal until the
appeal is heard and a decision is reached.
The fee to appeal to the Tree Committee is $135.64
This tree removal application must be signed by the property owner or an Authorized Agent. I
declare under penalty of perjury that all the facts stated within this tree removal
application are true and correct.
Property Owner Signature: _________________________________ Date:___________
Applicant’s Signature: _____________________________________ Date:___________
Please make check payable to the City of San Luis Obispo $175.69 Check#: __________
9/2/2022
9/2/2022
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Tree Removal Request
977 Bluebell Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Owner / Applicant: Rachel Cohen and Ben Erchul
Site: Zoned R-2-SP (medium density residential)
Housing Type: Duplex condominium
Request: To remove a 24.5-inch diameter redwood tree
Location: 9 feet from the duplex; 18.5 feet from the public right of way
Background:
The duplex unit was constructed in 1989 and the redwood tree was planted as part of the landscape
(there are several redwoods within the neighborhood). The house was purchased by the applicant
in 2005. In 2018, the applicant completed an outdoor patio remodel and installed all new patio
pavers, garden beds and re-built an existing retaining wall.
Redwood Tree:
On July 11, 2022, the applicant hired Rodney Thurman, certified arborist with Heritage Trees
Consulting, to consult on the redwood. Mr. Thurman confirmed that the redwood tree was in good
health but noted that the tree was planted too close to the house. He also confirmed that the roots
were growing towards the foundation of the house.
Options Considered for the Tree:
The applicant discussed with Mr. Thurman what options there were regarding the care of the tree
and protecting the foundation of the duplex. Mr. Thurman noted that because the redwood tree was
planted so close to the residential structure, that unfortunately root pruning was not an option. Any
root pruning would be too close to the trunk of the tree and would destabilize it.
Damage:
Minimal damage has occurred. The photos below show: 1) retaining wall being lifted, 2) fence
being lifted, 3) see the roots under the faux grass (you can also feel the roots as you walk or run
your hands over the ground) and 4) cracks starting to form between pavers as they are being lifted
up.
According to Mr. Thurman, the redwood tree will continue to push the wall and fencing up. As
noted above, the whole yard was re-landscaped in 2018 and was all flat and smooth. Overall, the
damage is not extensive, yet. The applicant is most concerned about what cannot be seen and the
damage that may be occurring with the foundation, especially since the duplex is owned by two,
different private parties.
Tree Removal Request and Replanting Plan:
The applicant would really like to find a way to preserve the tree but after discussing options with
Mr. Thurman, removal appears to be the only way to prevent damage to the foundation of the
duplex. The applicant proposes to remove the tree and replant one 15-gallon tree in the grassy
parkway approximately 8 feet from the redwood’s current location. Section 12.24.090(J) of the
City’s Municipal Code states that minimum of one new tree shall be planted for each tree
authorized to be removed on the same property (on site) or two new trees shall be planted for each
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tree authorized to be removed when planted on a different property or within the public right-of-
way (off site). The proposed replanting is off-site and there is no room for two trees. Unfortunately,
on-site there is only space for a new tree to be planted where the existing redwood is as the
applicant has recently (1-3 years ago) planted mandarin and lime trees. Planting a new tree at the
same location as the redwood does not seem like a good idea. However, if feasible and a best
practice, the applicant would be open to planting in place.
The applicant asked Mr. Turman to recommend replacement trees. Below is a list of the
recommended tree species as options for replanting as they can tolerate irrigation from the lawn,
have low root disease, litter is minimal and have low root intrusion. They also can be somewhat
drought tolerant if lawn is removed at some point.
Chinese Pistache - Pistacia chinensis
Fatigiata Ginkgo - Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata'
Chinese Flame Tree - Koelereuteria bipinnata
Honey Locust - Gleditsia triacanthos
Brisbane Box - Lophostemon confertus
Hybrid Crape Myrtle – Lagerstromea ‘Muskogee’ / ‘Naches’ / ‘Tuscarora’
The applicant would be open to any direction or recommendations regarding the replanted tree
species.
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Figure 1: Retaining wall beginning to lift up and separate due to the
redwood tree
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Figure 2: Image of the damage to the fence
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Figure 3: Image showing the bumps the roots are now making in the faux lawn
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Figure 4: Image of the Redwood tree requested for removal
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