HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2024 TC Agenda Packet - Special Meeting
Tree Committee
AGENDA
Monday, February 12, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
TREE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
The Tree Committee holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be supported at this time.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting):
Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401.
Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your
email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not
be read aloud during the meeting.
Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the
agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be
limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting.
*All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received
after the deadline ma not be processed until the following day.
Public Comment during the meeting:
Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be
present at the meeting location.
Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy,
Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire
to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation are encouraged to provide
display-ready material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the
City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chair Elizabeth Lucas will call the Special Meeting of the Tree Committee to
order.
2.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The public is encouraged to submit comments on any subject within the
jurisdiction of the Tree Committee that does not appear on this agenda.
Although the Committee will not take action on items presented during the
Public Comment Period, the Chair may direct staff to place an item on a future
agenda for discussion.
3.CONSENT
Matters appearing on the Consent Calendar are expected to be non-
controversial and will be acted upon at one time. A member of the public may
request the Tree Committee to pull an item for discussion. The public may
comment on any and all items on the Consent Agenda within the three-minute
time limit.
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - JANUARY 22, 2024 TREE
COMMITTEE MINUTES
5
Recommendation:
To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of January 22, 2024.
4.NEW BUSINESS
4.a ISSUE DECISION ON 163 SERRANO HEIGHTS DRIVE
ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION
9
On January 22, 2024, the Tree Committee, upon a 5-0 vote (one
member absent, one vacant seat), upheld the Administrative Citation
and fine issued to John Rourke, property owner of 163 Serrano Heights
Drive, for improper pruning of three (3) Coastal Live Oak (Quercus
agrifolia) trees, in violation of the City's Tree Regulations (SLOMC
12.24.150).
Pursuant to San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 1.24.130, the Tree
Committee shall formally issue their decision regarding the
Administrative Citation in the form of voting to approve a written
statement, prepared by Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens; this action
is to approve or modify the statement only, not to re-vote on whether to
uphold the citation and fine.
Recommendation:
The Tree Committee will review and approve a written statement,
prepared by Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens, to formally issue their
decision made on January 22, 2024, pursuant to San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code Section 1.24.130, regarding an Administrative Citation
for improper pruning of three (3) Coastal Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
trees located at 163 Serrano Heights Drive.
5.TREE REMOVAL APPEALS
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 as set forth in Section
12.24.180 of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. Appeals 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 actively relying on the subject tree removal until the
appeal is heard and a decision is reached.
5.a 1120 MARSH STREET TREE REMOVAL APPEAL 13
Recommendation:
Review a Tree Removal Appeal of the City Arborist's decision to allow
removal of one (1) Indian Laurel Fig (Ficus macrocarpa) tree located at
1120 Marsh Street.
6.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a ARBORIST REPORT
Receive a brief update from Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple.
7.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee meeting is scheduled for
March 25, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo. The Regular Meeting on February 26, 2024 will be
cancelled.
LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible
to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate
alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who
requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting
should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least
48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (805) 781-7410.
Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Tree Committee are
available for public inspection on the City’s website:
https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and-
minutes. Meeting video recordings can be found on the City’s website:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=61087&dbid=0&repo=CityCl
erk
1
Tree Committee Minutes
January 22, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tree Committee
Members Present:
Member Alan Bate, Member Henry Bonifas, Member Emily
Rosten, Vice Chair Ben Parker, Chair Elizabeth Lucas (one
vacant seat)
Tree Committee
Members Absent:
Member Daniel Canella
City Staff Present: Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple, Public Works Director Matt
Horn, Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens, Deputy City Clerk
Megan Wilbanks
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tree Committee was called to order
on January 22, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Lucas.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 23, 2023 TREE
COMMITTEE MINUTES
Motion By Vice Chair Parker
Second By Member Rosten
To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of October 23, 2023.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Parker, and Chair Lucas (one vacant seat)
Absent (1): Member Canella
CARRIED (5 to 0)
Page 5 of 26
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4. NEW BUSINESS
4.a 163 SERRANO HEIGHTS DRIVE - APPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE
FINES DUE TO IMPROPER PRUNING
Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens provided an overview of the scope of
the appeal and the appeal process, pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter
1.24.130.
Public Works Director Matt Horn and City Arborist Anthony Whipple
presented the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries.
The Appellant, John Rourke, testified in support of the appeal and
responded to questions raised by the Committee.
Chair Lucas opened Public Comment
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Lucas closed Public Comment
Motion By Member Bonifas
Second By Chair Lucas
The Tree Committee reviewed an appeal for improper pruning of three (3)
Coastal Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees located at 163 Serrano Heights
Drive and determined that the appellant violated the City’s Tree Regulations,
thus upholding the administrative citation and fine.
Per San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 1.24.130, the Tree Committee shall
provide a written decision to the Appellant within 30 days of the decision.
As such, a subsequent meeting of the Tree Committee will be convened
on a date to be determined to review and approve the written decision,
which will be prepared by the City Attorney's Office. The draft decision will
be published with the agenda for the Special Meeting.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Parker, and Chair Lucas (one vacant seat)
Absent (1): Member Canella
CARRIED (5 to 0)
Page 6 of 26
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5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a ARBORIST REPORT
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple provided an update of upcoming
projects and activities in the Tree Division:
Tentatively scheduled for the February 26, 2024 Tree Committee
meeting, is review of an Appeal for a property located at 1120
Marsh Street.
Staffing in the Tree Division is still in progress.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tree
Committee is scheduled for February 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council
Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
_________________________
APPROVED BY TREE COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2024
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City of San Luis Obispo Tree Committee Resolution No. 24-01
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TREE COMMITTEE RESOLUTION NO. 24-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE TREE COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO,
CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE APPEAL OF JOHN ROURKE OF AN
ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION FOR VIOLATION OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 12.24.150 AND CIVIL PENALTY
WHEREAS, the Tree Committee of the City of San Luis Obispo (the “Committee”)
conducted a public hearing in the Council Hearing Room of San Luis Obispo City Hall on January
22, 2024, at 5:30pm (the “hearing”), on the appeal of John Rourke (the “Appellant”) of an
administrative citation issued on or around October 20, 2021, for the illegal pruning of trees, a
violation of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code (“SLOMC”) Section 12.24.150, which occurred at
Appellants’ property located at 163 Serrano Heights Drive within the city limits of San Luis
Obispo (the “subject property”); and
WHEREAS, at the hearing, the Committee heard testimony of Appellant, Director of
Public Works Matt Horn, and City Arborist Anthony Whipple and voted 5-0 (Chair Elizabeth
Lucas, Vice Chair Ben Parker, Board Member Alan Bate, Board Member Henry Bonifas, and
Board Member Emily Rosten voting aye, Board Member Daniel Canella absent, one seat vacant)
to uphold the administrative citation and civil penalty issued to Appellant for the violation of
SLOMC Section 12.24.150 for illegal pruning of trees; and
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was made at the time and in the manner required
by law; and
WHEREAS, Section 1.24.100 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code establishes a right
to appeal an administrative citation; and
WHEREAS, Section 12.24.010 authorizes the Director of the Public Works department to
enforce, implement, and carry out the policies and provisions of the City’s Tree Regulations, and
WHEREAS, it was determined by the Department of Public Works that the Tree
Committee was the appointed body most appropriate to hear this appeal in accordance with
Chapters 1.24 and 12.24 of the Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the Committee duly considered all documents and information, including the
administrative citation dated October 20, 2021, the City Arborist report, the City’s staff reports
and accompanying presentations, oral argument by the City, photographs from the site, the
Replacement Cost calculation report, correspondence between the City and the property owner, a
report from Greenvale Tree Company dated September 23, 2021, the Appellant’s appeal and
subsequent written documentation and oral argument by the Appellant, and all written or other
evidence, and evaluation and recommendations by staff presented at such hearings.
//
//
//
Page 9 of 26
City of San Luis Obispo Tree Committee Resolution No. 24-01
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Tree Committee of the City of San
Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Tree Committee finds:
1. The above statements are true.
2. The names of all people participating in the hearing and their capacity:
a. Appellant: John Rourke
b. City staff: Matt Horn, Director of Public Works; Anthony Whipple, Acting City
Arborist
c. Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens, legal advisor to the Tree Committee
3. The hearings were recorded with audio and video recording, which is in the custody of
the City Clerk.
4. The Appellant was present for the public hearing.
5. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 1.24.110(E), the Committee received the
Administrative Citation and supporting information (documents, exhibits, or materials
prepared by city staff) concerning the Appellant’s violations of Municipal Code Section
12.24.150 as prima facie evidence of the Appellant’s code violations and of the facts
stated in such documents.
6. The following submissions were submitted to the record, including, but not limited to
photographs, drawings, and documents:
a. City staff report, dated January 22, 2024, and accompanying Attachments 1-10;
b. Documents from Appellant, received January 22, 2024 and submitted as agenda
correspondence, with accompanying photographs
7. The Committee decided to uphold the Administrative Citation issued to Appellant for
violations of Municipal Code Section 12.24.150(A).
8. The Committee found the following information, presented by oral and physical
evidence, credible in support of its decision to uphold the Administrative Citation and
deny the appeal for violations of Municipal Code Section 12.24.150(A) for pruning done
out of conformance with the municipal code and the International Society of
Arboriculture standards:
a. SLOMC 12.24.150(A)(1) states that “No person shall…Trim, prune, or cut any
tree unless such work conforms to this chapter and is performed in accordance
with all International Society of Arboriculture standards. In no case shall more
than one-third of the tree canopy be removed.”
Page 10 of 26
City of San Luis Obispo Tree Committee Resolution No. 24-01
3
b. SLOMC 12.24.150(A)(3) states that “No person shall… Willfully injure, disfigure
or intentionally destroy by any means any tree, except with permits described
elsewhere in this chapter.”
c. SLOMC 12.24.170(A)(5) states that “For damaged trees, in addition to civil
penalties, the property owner will be required to obtain the services of an ISA
certified arborist to determine the future viability of the tree and, if salvageable,
create a maintenance plan to restore the tree.”
d. On or about August 30, 2021, City staff inspected the property owned by
Appellant located at 163 Serrano Heights Drive and observed three oak trees that
had been pruned in violation of SLOMC 12.24.150.
e. On October 20, 2021, in accordance with SLOMC 12.24.170, City staff issued an
administrative citation to Appellant imposing a civil penalty for the tree damage.
f. The notice dated October 20, 2021, included a civil penalty of $16,040. This
calculation included a multiplication factor of four times the value of the tree
because it was believed that the damage was related to a development or
subdivision (SLOMC 12.24.170(A)(3).)
g. Upon learning that the damage was not related to a development or subdivision,
staff recalculated the fine in accordance with SLOMC 12.24.170(A)(1). Staff
issued to Appellant a subsequent Replacement Cost Method worksheet reflecting
a corrected fine amount of $8,020.
h. Photographs of the trees taken before and after the pruning show significant
removal of the tree canopies and limbs.
i. Greenvale Tree Company observed the subject trees and prepared an Arborist
Report dated September 23, 2021. The report noted that “owner pruned four (4)
Coast Live Oaks (CLO) for view. Trees are extensively pruned leaving stubs and
large pruning wounds,” and that “Very large cuts were made, and stubs were left
as trees were topped. Two trees have very little foliage left.” The report included
recommendations for canopy restoration of the pruned trees, with tasks to be
completed starting immediately in 2021 and through and including 2024 (the
“restoration plan.”) The report stated that “Failure to follow these guidelines may
reduce the trees’ survivability or complete restoration of the canopy” that was
destroyed.
j. Appellant requested an appeal of the fines on or about November 15, 2021. On
November 17, 2021, Appellant submitted a request for public records. The appeal
was postponed at Appellant’s request in order for Appellant to review the City’s
responses to said records request. That request was substantially completed on or
around January 11, 2024, at which time the appeal on the violations was
scheduled to move forward.
k. Appellant admitted at the hearing to personally pruning the three oak trees for
which he was cited. Appellant stated he did not consult an arborist before pruning
the trees.
l. Appellant provided no evidence that he consulted the International Society of
Arboriculture standards before pruning the trees nor that he pruned the trees in
conformance thereof.
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City of San Luis Obispo Tree Committee Resolution No. 24-01
4
m. Appellant admitted at the hearing that he did not comply with the restoration plan.
n. The Administrative Citation, together with the attachments contained in the staff
report, admitted as prima facie evidence under Paragraph 5 above, demonstrate
that the citing Acting City Arborist personally observed Appellant’s violations.
o. Appellant failed to submit any information that the Violations did not occur and
failed to submit any credible information that there is a defense to the citation.
9. The due date for payment of the fine ($8,020) shall be thirty (30) days after the date this
decision is mailed.
SECTION 2. Action: Based on the above findings, documentation, and information
submitted in support thereof, the Tree Committee does hereby deny the appeal of John Rourke and
uphold the citation and civil penalty issued against Appellant for violations of San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code Section 12.24.150(A).
SECTION 3. Appeal or Review by Writ. This Resolution is the City of San Luis
Obispo’s final administrative decision, under Municipal Code Section 1.24.140(A), on the
Administrative Citation. A person contesting this decision may do so in either of two ways. First,
pursuant to California Government Code Section 53069.4(b)(1), within 20 days after the service
of this Resolution, a person contesting this decision may seek review by filing an app eal to be
heard by the Superior Court of the County of San Luis Obispo. Alternatively, a person contesting
this decision may file a petition for writ with the Superior Court of the County of San Luis Obispo.
The time within which the petition must be filed, and the applicable requirements are governed by
the California Code of Civil Procedure. Either the appeal or the petition for writ filed with the
court must contain proof of service showing a copy of the appeal or petition for writ was served
upon the city clerk. The petitioner must pay the superior court the appropriate court filing fee when
the appeal or petition is filed.
Upon motion of Board Member Bonifas seconded by Chair Lucas to uphold the
administrative citation for pruning of three oak trees in violation of the San Luis Obispo Municipal
Code Section 12.24.150, and on the following roll call vote taken on January 22, 2024:
AYES: Chair Lucas, Vice Chair Parker, Board Member Bate, Board Member Bonifas, and
Board Member Rosten
ABSENT: Board Member Canella
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 12th day of February, 2024.
____________________________________________________
Elizabeth Lucas, Chair Date of Signature
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TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: 1120 MARSH STREET TREE REMOVAL APPEAL
FROM: Anthony Whipple, City Arborist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7021
Email: awhipple@slocity.org
1.0 SUMMARY
A Tree Removal Application #14483 was submitted for removal of one (1) Indian Laurel
Fig (Ficus macrocarpa) tree at the above address under San Luis Obispo Municipal Code
(SLOMC) Section 12.24.090(E)1 of the City’s Tree Regulations. Staff approved the tree
removal due to tree canopy decline. The decision has since been appealed to the Tree
Committee.
2.0 COMMITTEE PURVIEW
The Tree Committee’s role is to be the final decision maker in this workflow type and may
approve, deny, or approve with conditions the tree removal, regarding consistency with
the policies and standards set forth in SLOMC Chapter 12.24 (Tree Regulations).
4.0 TREE REGULATIONS
The City’s Tree Ordinance (Chapter 12.24) was adopted in 2010 , with the last update in
2019, with the purpose of establishing a comprehensive program for installing,
maintaining, and preserving trees within the City. This ordinance establishes policies,
regulations, and specifications necessary to govern installation, maintenance, removal,
and preservation of trees to beautify the city; to purify the air; to provide shade and wind
protection; to add environmental and economic value; and to preserve trees with historic
or unusual value.
5.0 ATTACHMENTS
A - 1120 Marsh Tree Inspection Report
B - 1120 Marsh Proof of Posting
C - 1120 Marsh Tree Removal Application
D - 1120 Marsh Tree Appeal
Meeting Date: 2/12/2024
Item Number: 5a
Time Estimate: 30 minutes
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Tree Removal Inspection Report/ Permit
TO: City of San Luis Obispo Maintenance Operations
FROM: Anthony Whipple, City Arborist/Urban Forest Supervisor
SUBJECT: Removal Application SR#14483
On Date: January 2,2024, I inspected one Indian laurel fig (Ficus microcarpa) tree(s) at 1120 Marsh
Street in response to tree removal application SR#14483. The removal of the mentioned application
was submitted based on:
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.24.090. (E)1
b. The tree is dead or dying or diseased or damaged beyond reclamation.
During an inspection of the Indian laurel fig (Ficus microcarpa) tree on January 2nd, I
observed several concerning signs. On the west side of the tree, facing Santa Rosa St., I
found multiple dead branches and dieback affecting approximately 50% of the crown. The
dieback appears concentrated in the upper branches. Additionally, I noticed two deadwood
cuts, each measuring approximately 2-3 inches in diameter. The cuts are recent, and While
Ficus Canker is a possible cause of the dieback, other factors such as drought, pests, or
other diseases should also be considered. I have attached photos of the affected areas for
reference.
Ficus canker—Neofusicoccum mangiferae (=Nattrassia mangiferae) and Botryosphaeria spp.
Indian laurel fig, or Chinese banyan, Ficus microcarpa =F. retusa, when stressed, is highly
susceptible to Ficus canker. The disease, also called Ficus branch canker, bot canker, or sooty
canker, is caused by a complex of fungi.
Identification
Apparently healthy branches are often interspersed with diseased or dead branches. New shoots
often sprout on the limb or trunk below dead branches.
The main symptoms are branch dieback, crown thinning, and, if the disease progresses to the trunk,
eventual tree death. The entire tree can die within 2 or 3 years after the initial symptoms.
Public Works - Urban Forestry
25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
805.781.7220
slocity.org
Page 15 of 26
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Life cycle
The fungi infect Indian laurel fig through mechanical injury or pruning wounds and cause disease
when trees are stressed. Disease generally progresses from leaf fading or yellowing, to premature
leaf drop, canopy thinning, and then branch death.
Advanced age (which reduces tree vigor) and unfavorable growing conditions (e.g., the root zone
compacted or paved over) make Indian laurel fig highly susceptible to disease. Dying trees also
commonly received inadequate irrigation, excessive canopy pruning, or root pruning to repair
pavement.
Solutions
Provide proper cultural care to minimize tree stress. Avoid severe pruning of Ficus and conduct
needed pruning during dry weather. Prune off cankered or dying limbs at least 6 inches below any
cankers. To avoid spreading the pathogens, scrub cutting blades clean and disinfect them between
cuts and avoid using chain saws.
I contacted our CalFire pathology expert Kim Corella, and she visually confirmed my assessments
and I APPROVE the tree removal(s).
Replanting one 36-inch box tree(s) off Master Tree list within 45 days of removal. Owner or
Applicant shall submit a photo taken after tree(s) are planted and mailed to Urban Forest Services
25 Prado RD. San Luis Obispo CA 93401 or emailed to City Arborist awhipple@slocity.org is a
condition of this approval.
NOTE: All trees replanted shall be maintained as a condition of their approved tree removal.
Thank you,
Anthony Whipple,
City Arborist/Urban Forest Supervisor
(805) 781-7021 awhipple@slocity.org
Page 16 of 26
Public Works - Urban Forestry
25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
805.781.7220
slocity.org
Page 17 of 26
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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).
City of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo 93401
(805)540-0895
nniles@slocity.org
11120 Marsh st.
990 Palm st.
Nick Niles
990 Palm st.
(805)540-0895
San Luis Obispo 93401
nniles@slocity.org
Tips of tree are dying and another tree is growing into it. Spacing issue
X
X
Indian Laurel Fig
Page 19 of 26
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)
Planning Commission City Council
Please include a check for $182.37 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 $140.80
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 $182.37 Check#: __________
X
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