HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a. 10 Higuera St (ARCH-0358-2023) Tree Removal Application
TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO REMOVE TW O TREES AND REPLANT 25 TREES AS PART
OF A NEW MIXED-USE PROJECT THAT CONTAINS APPROXIMATELY 23,164
SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE, A ONE BEDROOM RESIDENTIAL
UNIT, AND ASSOCIATED SITE IMPROVEMENTS
FILE NUMBER: ARCH-0358-2023 PROJECT ADDRESS: 10 Higuera St.
BY: Rachel Cohen, Senior Planner FROM: Walter Gault, Urban Forestry
Phone Number: (805) 781-7574 Program Coordinator / City Arborist
Email: rcohen@slocity.org Phone Number: (805) 783-7883
Email: wgault@slocity.org
APPLICANT: Keith Sweeny
REPRESENTATIVE: Neil Miller, TenOver Studios
RECOMMENDATION
Review the proposed tree removals for consistency with the City’s Tree Regulations and
provide a recommendation to the Planning Commission.
SITE DATA
Zoning: Service Commercial with a special
consideration overlay (C-S-S) & Tourist
Commercial with a mixed-use overlay (C-T-
MU) zone
General Plan: General Retail and Services
& Manufacturing
Site Area: 2.96-acre parcel (128,938 square
feet)
Environmental Status: The project is
categorically exempt from environmental
review under CEQA Guidelines section
15332 (Class 32, Infill Development Projects)
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Keith Sweeny (Applicant) has applied for a Major Development Review (ARCH -0358-
2023) to allow for the construction of a new mixed-use project that contains approximately
23,164 square feet of commercial space [proposed to be occupied by a distillery,
restaurant, tasting room, and associated spaces] and a one -bedroom residential unit with
associated site improvements, a sign program, and a request to remove two trees. The
project is proposed on property located at 10 Higuera Street (Assessor Parcel Numbers
[APN] 004-511-015, 004-511-022) that is 2.96 acres in size located in the Service
Commercial with a special consideration overlay (C-S-S) & Tourist Commercial with a
mixed-use overlay (C-T-MU) zone (see Attachment A, Project Plans).
Meeting Date: 5/20/2024
Item Number: 4a
Time Estimate: 20 Minutes
Figure 1: Subject Property Location
Page 9 of 46
Item 4a
ARCH-0358-2023 (10 Higuera Street)
Tree Committee Report – May 20, 2024
Along with the new mixed-use structure, the project will include various site
improvements. Demolition activities would include the removal of asphalt, concrete,
various accessory structures, and two pepper trees. The project also proposes site
improvements including installation on-site water lines, a backflow preventer, new water
meters, sewer service lines within the site and a connection to existing City wastewater
infrastructure. Underground electrical service would be installe d throughout the project
site and connect to a new transformer. The project would include on -site amenities
including a trash enclosure, a parking lot, bicycle parking, and landscaping (including the
planting of 25 trees).
2.0 COMMITTEE PURVIEW
The Tree Committee’s role is to review the project and provide a recommendation to the
Planning Commission regarding consistency with the policies and standards set forth in
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code (SLOMC) Section 12.24 (Tree Regulations).
3.0 TREE REGULATIONS
The City’s Tree Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 12.24) was adopted in 2010 and
recently updated 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.
Criteria for Construction Related Tree Removal Recommendations. SLOMC §12.24.090
subsection F.4 requires review by the Tree Committee for tree removal requests related
to discretionary permit applications for Major Development Review and make a
recommendation based on criteria set forth in subsection G. Applicable criteria are
provided below with a description of how the proposed project responds.
Size of Tree. The applicant is requesting to remove two trees (identified as Tree 1
and Tree 2 in the Arborist Report, Attachment C). Tree 1 is a Schinus mole
(Peruvian pepper) that is in good health, structure, and form and is 48-inches in
diameter at standard height (4.5-feet above natural grade). Tree 2 is also a
Schinus mole (Peruvian pepper) and is in good health but fare structure and poor
form. The issues with Tree 2’s form and structure are due to pruning for overhead
utilities that has created an off-balanced tree. It is 36-inches in diameter at
standard height.
Location of Tree on Private Property. The two trees are located interior to the
almost 3-acre project site. Tree 1 is located over 400 feet from the public right of
way behind an existing structure. It can be seen from the public right of way but is
not of high visual impact to the neighborhood. Tree 2 is located behind a structure
located at 6 Higuera Street and not easily visible from the public right of way.
Page 10 of 46
Item 4a
ARCH-0358-2023 (10 Higuera Street)
Tree Committee Report – May 20, 2024
Species of Tree. Trees 1 and 2 are both non-native trees. The Peruvian pepper
tree, according to the Arborist Report, is mildly invasive and can be problematic
near washes, creeks, and waterways. The project site is bordered by the San Luis
Obispo Creek to the west and Exposition Creek to the south.
Compliance Regarding Compensatory Plantings. The applicant is proposing to
replant 25 trees on the site. Project Plans sheet L1.0 (Attachment A) shows the
location and species of the new trees. The Plans include 6, 15 -gallon Aesculus
californica (California Buckey), 11, 24-inch box Arbutus (Marina Strawberry Tree)
and 3, 24-inch Quercus rubra (Red Oak). This proposal is beyond the one -to-one
replacement planting outlined in Municipal Code Section 12.24.090(J).
Based on the criteria above, Trees 1 and 2, although larger in size, are not native, do
not appear to provide high visual impact to the neighborhood, and the applicant is
replacing the two trees with 25 trees and as such the proposed tree removals appear
to be consistent with the City’s Tree Regulations.
4.0 ACTIONS
4.1 Recommend findings of consistency with the Tree Regulations. An action
recommending approval of the application based on consistency with the Tree
Regulations (SLOMC Section 12.24) will be forwarded to the Planning
Commission for final action. This action may include recommendations for
conditions to address consistency with the Tree Regulations.
4.2 Continue the project to a hearing date certain, or uncertain. An action
continuing the application should include direction to the applicant and staff on
pertinent issues.
4.3 Recommend findings of inconsistency with the Tree Regulations. An action
recommending denial of the application should include f indings that cite the
basis for denial and should reference inconsistency with the General Plan, Tree
Regulations, or other policy documents.
5.0 ATTACHMENTS
A - Project Plans (ARCH-0358-2023)
B - Tree Removal Site Plan (ARCH-0358-2023)
C - Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan (ARCH-0358-2023)
D - Tree Removal Application (ARCH-0358-2023)
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for
10 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Prepared for:
Ten Over Studio, Inc.
Neil Miller
539 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Prepared by:
Sam Oakley
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist # WE-9474B
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #556
The Oakley Group LLC
PO Box 2412
Pismo Beach, CA 93448
February 2, 2024
Page 33 of 46
Page 2 of 12
Project Assignment
This report was prepared for the proposed project at 10 Higuera Street within the city-limits of San Luis
Obispo. The proposed project consists of the development of a 21,900-sf commercial building and
associated site improvements on an existing 2.96-acre lot.
As part of a Project Completeness Letter issued by the City of San Luis Obispo on August 10, 2023, you
were asked to identify all tree removals on the site plan (as described in Municipal Code Section
12.24.090(D)(2)) as well as submit a tree removal application and arborist report for review by the City
Arborist.
This report identifies the proposed removals related to the project and provides additional tree
protection guidelines to successfully retain trees that are directly adjacent to the project/property.
Figure 1: 10 Higuera Street. Courtesy of Ten Over Studio, Inc.
Analysis
1. Site Visit on August 25, 2023.
2. Identify tree location, species, trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above grade, and size.
3. Digitally image trees & their surroundings.
4. Evaluate trees and their surroundings.
5. Analysis of basic impacts based on a discussion about the scope of the project.
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Page 3 of 12
Site Description
The project location is situated between 101 highway and Higuera Street. Directly south of the property
is a cemetery, and to the north is a CalTrans corporate yard. The property is bordered to the east and
south by Exposition Creek and San Luis Creek, respectively.
There are two existing buildings on the Higuera Street-side of the property housing a distillery and
brewery. The rear portion of the property, where the proposed development is to occur, is an
unmaintained open field (Fig. 2). The rear of the lot faces a perennial stream that is densely vegetated.
The lot is sparsely vegetated with a large pepper tree prominently growing towards the middle of the lot,
another pepper in the southwest corner of the lot, and overgrowth towards the back and south-side of
the property. There are no structures on the property (Fig. 3).
Figure 2: looking southeast across the open lot toward exposition creek.
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Page 4 of 12
Site Plan
I reviewed the preliminary Site Plan prepared by Ten Over Studios, dated July 14, 2023. The main structure
is to be built directly over the location of Tree 1 towards top of the property. Tree 2 is located at the
southwest corner of the project and is in the footprint of the proposed parking lot.
Although there are trees located in San Luis Creek and Exposition Creek, the impact will be negligible if
basic tree protection is performed as outlined in this report. A fence will help mitigate any encroachment
into the creek trees’ critical root zones.
Figure 3: (top) site plan of existing conditions—numbered tree locations for removal. Tree protection locations in green. (bottom)
A site plan of the proposed site improvements.
1
2
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Page 5 of 12
Tree Disposition
The two (2) trees on-site will need to be removed due to proposed improvements that cannot be
reasonably designed to avoid the need for tree removal.
These trees are:
Tree 1 is a Schinus mole (Peruvian pepper) is good health, structure, and form. It is 48-inches in diameter
at standard height (4.5-feet above natural grade).
Tree 2 is also Schinus mole (Peruvian pepper) is good health but fare structure and poor form. The issues
with the tree’s form and structure have been create by clearance pruning for overhead utilities, creating
an off-balanced tree. It is 36-inches in diameter at standard height (4.5-feet above natural grade).
The Peruvian pepper tree, as a species, is mildly invasive and can be problematic near washes, creeks, and
waterways. These trees may need to be mitigated 1:1 with the appropriate size and species of tree. I
recommend placing replacements on the creek-side and perimeter of the property to provide screening
from adjacent properties.
The proposed improvements have the potential to impact creek trees that are to be preserved. These
impacts can be mitigated by erecting tree protection fencing along the boundary of the existing top of bank.
Figure 4: Tree 1 located towards the center of the lot.
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Page 6 of 12
Figure 5: Tree 2 located along the south property line.
Tree Protection Measures
The objective of this section is to reduce the negative impacts of construction on trees to a less than
significant level. Trees vary in their ability to adapt to altered growing conditions, while mature trees have
established stable biological systems in the preexisting physical environment. Disruption of this
environment by construction activities interrupts the tree’s physiological processes, causing depletion of
energy reserves and a decline in vigor. This sometimes is exhibited as death.
The tree protection regulations are intended to guide a construction project to ensure that appropriate
practices will be implemented in the field to eliminate undesirable consequences that may result from
uninformed or careless acts and preserve both trees and property values.
The following details are required to be implemented prior to any construction activities:
The Project Arborist or contractor shall verify, in writing, that all preconstruction conditions have been met
(tree fencing, erosion control, pruning, etc.).
Fenced enclosures shall be erected around trees to be protected to achieve three primary goals:
•To keep the foliage crowns and branching structure of the trees to be preserved clear from contact
by equipment, materials, and activities. Dead, diseased, and dying material may be pruned at this
time.
•Preserve roots intact and maintain proper soil conditions in a non-compacted state and;
•To identify the tree protection zone (TPZ) in which no soil disturbance is permitted, and activities
are restricted.
Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)
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Page 7 of 12
Each tree to be preserved shall have a designated TPZ identifying the area sufficiently large enough to
protect the tree and roots from disturbance. The recommended TPZ area can be determined by the CRZ
formula of 10 X diameter at 4.5-feet above grade.
Because multiple trees have a shared canopy footprint, the TPZ can be joined together into one fenced
area.
The TPZ shall be shown on all site plans for the project. Improvements or activities such as paving, utility
and irrigation trenching and other ancillary activities shall occur outside the TPZ, unless authorized by the
Project Arborist. Unless otherwise specified, the protective fencing shall serve as the TPZ boundaries.
Activities prohibited within the TPZ include:
Storage or parking vehicles, building materials, refuse, excavated spoils or dumping of poisonous materials
on or around trees and roots. Poisonous materials include, but are not limited to, paint, petroleum
products, concrete or stucco mix, dirty water or any other material which may be deleterious to tree health.
The use of tree trunks as a winch support, anchorage, as a temporary power pole, signposts, or other similar
function.
Cutting of tree roots by utility trenching, foundation digging, placement of curbs and trenches and other
miscellaneous excavation without prior approval of the Project Arborist.
Activities required within the TPZ include:
Mulching: Any wood chips generated on-site from the proposed removals will need to remain on-site and
can be spread within the TPZ of trees to remain that are within the building envelope. The mulch shall be
spread within the TPZ to a maximum six (6) inch depth, while leaving the trunk clear of mulch. This mulch
will help inadvertent compaction and soil moisture loss from occurring.
Irrigation, aeration, fertilizing or other beneficial practices that have been specifically approved for use
within the TPZ.
Size and type of fence
A sturdy, temporary barrier should be placed around the tree dripline until construction activities are done.
This detail shall appear on grading, demolition, and improvement plans (Figs. 5 & 6).
The fence shall enclose as much of the area under the canopy dripline as possible, being set up under the
direction of the Project Arborist and to remain throughout the duration of the project, or until final
improvement work within the area is required, typically near the end of the project. If the fencing must be
located on the edge of paving or sidewalk that will not be demolished, the posts may be supported by an
appropriate grade level concrete base.
Tree Protection Fencing locations are shown in the above Site Plan section of this report. Exact dimensions
will need to be determined in the field during job set-up in coordination with the Project Arborist.
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Page 8 of 12
Figure 5: tree protection detail showing the modified Tree Protection Zone to accommodate the area required for the driveway.
Tree Protection Zone and driveway are to be installed prior to any construction activity to ensure their proper function of protecting
the protected oaks.
Duration of Tree Protection Fencing
Tree fencing shall be erected prior to demolition, grading or construction and remain in place until final
inspection.
“Warning” Signage
Warning signs a minimum of 8.5x11-inches shall be prominently displayed on each fence. The sign shall
clearly state:
Driveway
Yard
Yard
TPZ
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Page 9 of 12
WARNING - Tree Protection Zone - This fence shall not be removed and is subject to a penalty.
Tree protection fencing, if required to be moved, must be moved under the direction of the Project
Arborist. All tree protection zones need to be clear of debris and construction materials, and cleared of
weeds regardless of if fencing is present or not.
Figure 6: tree protection detail in plan-view.
Pruning, Surgery& Removal
Prior to construction, trees may require that branches be pruned clear from proposed/existing structures,
activities, building encroachment or may need to be strengthened by means of mechanical support
(cabling) or surgery. Such pruning, surgery or the removal of trees shall adhere to the following standards:
Pruning limitations:
Minimum Pruning: If the Project Arborist recommends that trees be pruned, and the type of pruning is left
unspecified, the standard pruning shall consist of ‘crown cleaning’ as defined by ISA Pruning Guidelines.
Trees shall be pruned to reduce hazards and develop a strong, safe framework.
Maximum Pruning: Maximum pruning should only occur in the rarest situation approved by the Project
Arborist. No more than one-fourth (1/4) of the functioning leaf and stem area may be removed within one
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Page 10 of 12
(1) calendar year of any tree, or removal of foliage to cause the unbalancing of the tree. It must be
recognized that trees are individual in form and structure, and that pruning needs may not always fit strict
rules. The Project Arborist shall assume all responsibility for special pruning practices that vary from the
standards outlined in this TPP.
Tree Workers: Pruning shall not be attempted by construction or contractor personnel.
Activities During Construction & Demolition Near Trees
Soil disturbance or other injurious and detrimental activity within the TPZ is prohibited unless approved by
the Project Arborist. If an injurious event inadvertently occurs, or soil disturbance has been specifically
conditioned for project approval, then the following mitigation is required:
Soil Compaction: If compaction of the soil occurs, it shall be mitigated as outlined in Soil Compaction
Damage, and/or Soil Improvement.
Grading Limitations within the Tree Protection Zone:
Grade changes outside of the TPZ shall not significantly alter drainage to the tree.
Grade changes within the TPZ are not permitted.
Trenching, Excavation & Equipment Use
Excavation or boring activity within 5-feet of the TPZ is restricted to the following activities, conditions and
requirements if approved by the Project Arborist:
Notification. Contractor shall notify the Project Arborist a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours in advance
of the activity in the TPZ.
Root Severance. Roots that are encountered shall be cut to sound wood and repaired. Roots two (2) inches
and greater must remain injury free. See the section below.
Excavation. Any approved excavation, demolition or extraction of material shall be performed with
equipment sitting outside the TPZ. Methods permitted within 5-feet of the TPZ are by hand digging,
hydraulic or pneumatic air excavation technology only. Avoid excavation within the TPZ during hot, dry
weather.
If excavation or trenching within 5-feet of the TPZ for drainage, utilities, irrigation lines, etc., it is the duty
of the contractor to tunnel under any roots two (2) inches in diameter and greater.
Heavy Equipment. Use of backhoes, steel tread tractors or any heavy vehicles within the TPZ is prohibited.
Root Severance
Cutting and removal of roots within 5-feet of the TPZ that are smaller than two (2) inches in diameter shall
be done by chain saw or hand saw to provide a flat and smooth cut and cause the least damage possible to
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the root and tree's health. Cutting roots by means of tractor-type equipment or other than chain saws and
hand saws is prohibited.
Proper pruning technique shall encourage callusing of the roots. Root cutting and removal shall not exceed
thirty-five (35) percent of total root surface of the tree.
The Contractor shall remove any wood chips or debris that may be left over from root removal.
If any roots over two (2) inches in diameter are severed during any excavation, the following procedure
shall be followed:
The roots shall be shaded by immediately covering the entire trench with plywood, or by covering the sides
of the trench with burlap sheeting that is kept moist by watering twice per day.
When ready to backfill, each root shall be severed cleanly with a handsaw. Where practical, they should be
cut back to a side root. Immediately, a plastic bag shall be placed over the fresh cut and secured with a
rubber band or electrical tape. Shading should immediately be placed until backfilling occurs.
Plastic bags shall be removed prior to backfilling.
Backfill shall be clean, native material free of debris, gravel, or wood chips.
If roots three (3) inches in diameter, or larger, are encountered during excavation, Contractor shall contact
the Project Arborist and request a field inspection, or their designated representatives, and obtain
instruction as to how the roots should be treated. No roots three (3) inches in diameter, or larger, shall be
cut and removed without prior approval from the Project Arborist, or their designated representatives.
Damage to Trees - Reporting
Any damage or injury to trees shall be reported immediately to the Project Arborist and job superintendent
so that mitigation can take place. All mechanical or chemical injury to branches, trunk or to roots over two
(2) inches in diameter shall be reported to the Project Arborist. In the event of injury, the following
mitigation and damage control measures shall apply:
Root injury: If trenches are cut and tree roots two (2) inches or larger are encountered they must be cleanly
cut back to a sound wood lateral root. The end of the root shall be covered with either a plastic bag and
secured with tape or rubber band or be coated with latex paint. All exposed root areas within the TPZ shall
be backfilled or covered within one (1) hour. Exposed roots may be kept from drying out by temporarily
covering the roots and draping layered burlap or carpeting over the upper three (3) feet of trench walls.
The materials must be kept wet until backfilled to reduce evaporation from the trench walls.
Bark or trunk wounding: Current bark tracing and treatment methods shall be performed by a qualified
tree care specialist within two (2) days.
Scaffold branch or leaf canopy injury: Remove broken or torn branches back to an appropriate branch
capable of resuming terminal growth within five (5) days. If leaves are heat scorched from equipment
exhaust pipes, consult the Project Arborist within six (6) hours.
Page 43 of 46
Page 12 of 12
Any damage to any tree’s canopy will need to be restoratively pruned effective immediately after the
damage occurs and no later than 48 hours after the damage occurs.
Inspection Schedule
The Project Arborist retained by the applicant shall conduct the following required inspections of the
construction site:
Inspections shall verify that the type of tree protection and/or plantings are consistent with the standards
outlined within this report. For each required inspection or meeting, a written summary of the changing
tree related conditions, actions taken, and condition of trees shall be provided to the contactor.
Inspection of Protective Tree Fencing & Pre-Construction Meeting: Prior to commencement of
construction, the contractor shall conduct a pre-construction meeting to discuss tree protection with the
job site superintendent, grading equipment operators, and the Project Arborist.
Inspection of Rough Grading: The Project Arborist shall perform an inspection during rough grading
adjacent to the TPZ to ensure trees will not be injured by compaction, cut or fill, drainage, and trenching,
and if required, inspect aeration systems, tree wells, drains and special paving. The contractor shall provide
the Project Arborist at least forty-eight (48) hours advance notice of such activity.
Any special activity within the Tree Protection Zone: Work in this area (TPZ) requires the direct on-site
supervision of the Project Arborist.
Conclusion
It is the nature of trees exposed to construction that some do not survive, and mortality cannot be
predicted. If due care is exercised, all the trees on the project are expected to remain healthy and alive.
Certification
I, Sam Oakley, CERTIFY to the best of my knowledge and belief:
1. That the statements of fact contained in this plant appraisal are true and correct.
2. That the analysis, opinions, and conclusions are limited only by the reported assumptions and
limiting conditions, and that they are my personal, unbiased professional analysis, opinions, and
conclusions.
3. That I have no present or prospective interest in the plants that are the subject of this analysis and
that I have no personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved.
4. That my compensation is not contingent upon a predetermined value or direction in value that
favors the cause of the client, the amount of the value estimate, the attainment of a stipulated
result, or the occurrence of a subsequent event.
5. That my appraisal is based on the information known to me at this time. If more information is
disclosed, I may have further opinions.
Page 44 of 46
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
For Office Use Only:
Date Entered: ___/____/____
Letter sent: ___/____/____
SR #____________________
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).
ALL ITEMS BELOW MUST BE INCLUDED TO PROCESS TREE REMOVAL APPLICAITON:
□ Tree(s) must be banded with ribbon or duct tape
□ Site Plan Drawing or Photo of Tree site with Tree ID (Tree #1, Tree #2, etc.)
□ Supporting documentation, (repair receipts, etc.)
□ Photo Log showing damage or conditions for removal 1
□ Replanting Plan (Consistent with 12.24.090.J) 2
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
FAILURE TO KEEP TREES BANDED MAY RESULT IN A RETURNED APPLICATION.
Public Works Urban Forest Services
25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
805.781.7220
Trees@slocity.org
KEITH SWEENEY
225 EL RANCHITO LANE
SAN LUIS OBISPO 93401
415.740.4984
KEITH@SWEENEYPLUMBING.COM
KEITH SWEENEY
225 EL RANCHITO LANE
SAN LUIS OBISPO 93401
415.740.4984
KEITH@SWEENEYPLUMBING.COM
10 HIGUERA
X X
X
2
PERUVIAN PEPPER TREE
X
DO NOT WORK WITH THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT,PLEASE REFER TO ARBORIST REPORT
Page 45 of 46
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
Minor Ministerial Development Permit (removal for
residential or accessory construction on an R-1 or
R-2 lot) Section 12.24.090(F)(1)
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 $157.17 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.
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’s Signature: _______________________________ Date: _____________
Applicant’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________
Please make check payable to the City of San Luis Obispo $157.17 Check #________
For Office Use Only
Date Posted: Date Removal Authorized:
Trees Approved for Removal:
Compensatory Replant Plan:
Trees for Tree Committee Review:
3.19.24
3.19.24
X
Page 46 of 46
1
Request to remove two tree and replant twenty-five trees as part of a new mixed-use
project that contains approximately 23,164 square feet of commercial space,a one-
bedroom residential unit and associated site improvements
Applicant: Keith Sweeny
Representative: Neil Miller, TenOver Studios
ARCH-0358-2023 (10 Higuera Street) New Mixed-Use
Project
May 20, 2024
2
Tree Committee Focus of Review
Review the project regarding consistency with the policies and standards set forth
in the Tree Regulations (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 12.24).
Provide recommendations to the Planning Commission.
3
Project Location
Location: 10 Higuera Street
General Plan Land Use
Designation: General Retail and
Services & Manufacturing
Zoning Designation: Service
Commercial zone with a special
consideration overlay (C-S-S) &
Tourist Commercial zone with a
mixed-use overlay (C-T-MU)
4
Project Description
The proposed project includes:
A new mixed-use building with
23,164 square feet of
commercial space and a one-
bedroom residential unit,
Associated site improvements,
A sign program, and
A request to remove two trees.
5
Proposed Tree Removals
Tree 1
Tree 2
6
Criteria for Construction Related Tree Removals
•SLOMC §12.24.090 requires that the Tree Committee:
•Review tree removal requests related to discretionary permit applications for
Major Development Review; and
•Provide a recommendation based on the criteria set forth in the code.
7
Tree Size
•The applicant is requesting to remove two trees.
•Tree 1 is a Schinus mole (Peruvian pepper) that is in good health,
structure, and form and is 48-inches in diameter at standard height
(4.5-feet above natural grade).
•Tree 2 is also a Schinus mole (Peruvian pepper) and is in good health
but fare structure and poor form. The issues with Tree 2’s form and
structure are due to pruning for overhead utilities that has created an
off -balanced tree. It is 36-inches in diameter at standard height.
8
Location of Tree on Private Property
•The two trees are located interior to the almost 3-acre project site.
•Tree 1 is located over 400 feet from the public right of way behind an
existing structure. It can be seen from the public right of way but is not
of high visual impact to the neighborhood.
•Tree 2 is located behind a structure located at 6 Higuera Street and not
easily visible from the public right of way.
9
Species of Tree
•The two trees are located interior to the almost 3-acre project site.
•Trees 1 and 2 are both non-native trees.
•The Peruvian pepper tree is mildly invasive and can be problematic
near washes, creeks, and waterways. The project site is bordered by
the San Luis Obispo Creek to the west and Exposition Creek to the
south.
10
Compensatory Planting
•The applicant is proposing to replant 25 trees on the site.
•Project Landscape Plans show the location and species of the new
trees and include:
•6 - 15-gallon Aesculus californica (California Buckey),
•11 - 24-inch box Arbutus (Marina Strawberry Tree), and
•3 - 24-inch Quercus rubra (Red Oak).
11
Project Landscape and Site Plan
12
Tree Committee Actions
Recommend findings of consistency with the Tree Regulations. An
action recommending approval of the application based on consistency
with the Tree Regulations (SLOMC Section 12.24) will be forwarded to the
Planning Commission for final action. This action may include
recommendations for conditions to address consistency with the Tree
Regulations.
Continue the project to a hearing date certain, or uncertain. An action
continuing the application should include direction to the applicant and staff
on pertinent issues.
Recommend findings of inconsistency with the Tree Regulations. An
action recommending denial of the application should include findings that
cite the basis for denial and should reference inconsistency with the
General Plan, Tree Regulations, or other policy documents.
12