HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a. Tree Removal Application (TREE-0805-2024, 2475 Meadow Street)
TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT REQUEST FOR THE REMOVAL OF TWO (2) EUCALYPTUS NICOLII
(NICHOL’S WILLOW -LEAFED EUCALYPTUS) TREES LOCATED AT 2475 MEADOW
STREET (TREE-0805-2024)
FROM: Walter Gault, City Arborist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7578
Email: wgault@slocity.org
APPLICANT: Wesley Thompson
RECOMMENDATION
Review the proposed tree removal application for consistency with the Municipal Code
Section 12.24.090(E) and provide a recommendation to the Community Development
Director.
Meeting Date: 2/24/2025
Item Number: 4a
Time Estimate: 30 minutes
Figure 1: View of the Eucalyptus trees (on left) from Meadow St.
Page 9 of 35
Item 4a
TREE-0805-2024
Tree Committee Report – February 24, 2025
1.0 APPLICATION DESCRIPTION
Wesley Thompson, the applicant, has requested the removal of two (2) Eucalyptus nicolii
(Nichol’s Willow-leafed Eucalyptus) in the backyard at 2475 Meadow Street per Municipal
Code Section 12.24.090.E(3) related to property owner convenience. The applicant would
like to remove the trees and replace them with five (5) 15-gallon box trees onsite, including
Trumpet Trees, Ginkgo or other species to the satisfaction of the City Arborist.
2.0 COMMITTEE PURVIEW
The Tree Committee’s role is to review the removal request in accordance with the
process set forth in San Luis Obispo Municipal Code (SLOMC) Chapter 12.24, specifically
Section 12.24.090(E)(3). This code section utilizes the process set forth in subsection
F(2), the relevant additional application requirements in subsection (D)(2) and the criteria
set forth in subsection (G).
Figure 2: Site of the proposed tree removal
Page 10 of 35
Item 4a
TREE-0805-2024
Tree Committee Report – February 24, 2025
3.0 TREE REGULATIONS
Criteria for Convenience Tree Removal Applications.
SLOMC §12.24.090 subsection (E)(3) requires review by the Tree Committee using the
criteria set for in SLOMC §12.24.090(G). Applicable criteria are provided in italics below
and followed by a description of the proposed tree removals as it relates to that criterion.
(G)(1). Size of Tree. The scale of the tree shall be considered, as well as the size
of the tree’s canopy. Larger, more visually prominent trees may have a higher
preservation priority than smaller, less visually prominent trees.
The trees proposed for removal are large and visually prominent in the
neighborhood.
(G)(2). Location of Tree on Private Property. The location of the tree on private
property shall be considered. Trees located in a private rear yard, which are not
highly visible from the public right-of-way, may have a lower preservation priority
than trees with a high visual impact to the neighborhood.
The tree proposed for removal is located in the backyard, but it is also highly visible
from the public right of way.
(G)(3). Species of Tree. Native trees shall have a higher preservation priority than
non-native trees.
The trees proposed for removal are non-native.
(G)(4). Forestry Best Practice. The number of healthy trees that a given parcel of
land will support shall be considered, and whether removal would enhance the
health or survival of remaining trees. Applications that increase biodive rsity of
native trees and tree age distribution within a given area are preferred.
The removal and replanting plan would increase the biodiversity of the urban forest
and tree age distribution.
(G)(6). Compliance with Subsection J of This Section Regarding Compensatory
Plantings. The approving authority may consider an application proposal to provide
compensatory plantings in excess of required minimums in evaluating this
criterion.
The applicant is proposing to replant five (5) trees in place of two tree removals.
(G)(7). Heritage Trees. Heritage trees have the highest preservation priority.
Trees are not heritage trees.
Page 11 of 35
Item 4a
TREE-0805-2024
Tree Committee Report – February 24, 2025
4.0 ACTIONS
4.1 Recommend findings of consistency with the Tree Regulations. An action
recommending approval of the application based on consistency will be
forwarded to the Community Development Director for final action. This action
may include recommendations regarding the compensatory replanting plan
with size and species of tree.
4.2 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.
4.3 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.
5.0 ATTACHMENTS
A - 2475 Meadow Tree Removal Application
Page 12 of 35
City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3218, 805.781.7170, slocity.org
TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
For all Non-Construction and Construction related tree removals
Owner Name:Applicant Name:
Address:Address:
City:Zip:City:Zip:
Phone:Phone:
Email:Email:
Address of Tree(s):
Number of trees applying to remove:
Tree Species:
Reason for Removal:
Is this removal a City Tree?YES NO DON’T KNOW Dog in yard? YES NO
Is this associated with a Building Permit or Development Plan? _____ YES _____ NO
If YES, please provide appropriate reference numbers:
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 removalapplication.
ALL ITEMS BELOW MUST BE INCLUDED TO PROCESS TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS
Tree(s) banded with ribbon or duct tape for identification
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 reasons for removal
1
Replanting plan2
Arborist Report3
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
FAILURE TO KEEP TREES BANDED MAY RESULT IN A REJECTED APPLICATION.
1. 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. Include a replanting plan in accordance with Section 12.24.090(J)of the City’s Municipal
Code. A minimum 1:1 replanting rate is required for plantings onsite, and a minimum 2:1
replanting rate is required for plantings offsite or within the public right-of-way.
3. An application for tree removal on a site where a discretionary or ministerial development
permit is requested shall include an arborist report and a site plan that includes accurate drip
line delineation and cross sections of construction work impacting both trees proposed for
removal and trees planned to remain.
Susan Lubin-Brownlie Wesley Thompson
22484 Ferdinand Drive 2475 Meadow Street
Salinas 93908 San Luis Obispos 93401
(831) 320-3001 (805) 550-4143
slubin484@aol.com wesleythomp@gmail.com
2475 Meadow Street
2
Eucalyptas
Trees are very large and are located between 2 residences on a slope in the rear yard. There
is the potential for limbs or entire tree to fall and damage property or residents. The space is no longer
adequate for the size of trees and the maintenance burden is substantial. Trees pose a significant
inconvenience to applicant and neighbor. Leaf oil does not allow for any other vegetation growth.
Page 13 of 35
Tree Removal Decisions as outlined in Section 12.24.090 of the City’s Municipal Code
SELECT TYPE OF TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION BEING SUBMITTED DECISION MAKER
Imminent Hazard to Life or Property
SLOMC 12.24.090(E)(1)(a)City Arborist
Tree Health and Hazard Mitigation
SLOMC 12.24.090(E)City Arborist
Convenience Removal
SLOMC 12.24.090(E)(3)
Tree Committee makes recommendation to Community Development Director
Community
Development Director
Minor Ministerial Development Permit
SLOMC 12.24.090(F)(1)
Removal for residential or accessory construction on an R-1 or R-2 lot
City Arborist
Discretionary Permits Construction Tree Removal
SLOMC 12.24.090(F)(3)
Community
Development Director
Major Development / Tentative Tract Map/ Conditional Use Permit
SLOMC 12.24.090(F)(4)Planning Commission
Submittal Instructions
Submit Tree Removal applications to the City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development Department at
the following address: 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to trees@slocity.org.
Payment of the “Tree Removal Permit” fee shall be submitted along with this application. Refer to the City’s
current Comprehensive Fee Schedule for the current fee.
Property Owner Authorization:
By signing this application, I certify that I have reviewed
this completed application and the attached material
and consent to its filing. I agree to allow the Community
Development Department to duplicate and distribute
submitted materials to interested persons as it
determines is necessary for the processing of the
application.
Signed Date
Applicant/ Representative Certification:
By signing this application, I certify that the information
provided is accurate. I understand the City might not
approve what I’m applying for or might set conditions of
approval. I agree to allow the Community Development
Department to duplicate and distribute submitted
materials to interested persons as it determines is
necessary for processing of the application.
Signed Date
Permission to Access Property:
This section is to be completed by the property owner
and/or occupant who controls access to the property. To
adequately evaluate the submitted proposal,
Community Development Department Staff,
Commissioners and City Council Members will have to
gain access to the exterior of the real property in order
to adequately review and report on the proposed
request. Your signature below certifies that you agree to
give the City permission to access the project site from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, as part of the
normal review of this application.
Signed Date
Indemnification Agreement:
The Owner/Applicant shall defend, indemnify and hold
harmless the City or its agents or officers and
employees from any claim, action or proceeding against
the City or its agents, officers or employees, to attack,
set aside, void, or annul, in whole or in part, the City’s
approval of this project. In the event that the City fails to
promptly notify the Owner / Applicant of any such claim,
action or proceeding, or that the City fails to cooperate
fully in the defense of said claim, this condition shall
thereafter be of no further force or effect.
Signed Date
12/8/2024 Wesley Thompson Digitally signed by Wesley
Thompson
Date: 2024.12.08 16:04:50 -08'00'12/8/2024
Wesley Thompson Digitally signed by Wesley
Thompson
Date: 2024.12.08 16:20:30 -08'00'
12/8/2024 Wesley Thompson Digitally signed by Wesley
Thompson
Date: 2024.12.08 16:23:45 -08'00'12/8/2024
Page 14 of 35
Subject: 2475 Meadow Street Tree Removal Application Attachment
Introduction:
This tree removal application is being submitted to the City of San Luis Obispo to request a permit
to remove 2 large non-native Eucalyptus trees in the rear yard of residence 2475 Meadow Street
in San Luis Obispo. It is the owners, applicants’, and adjacent neighbors’ opinion that these trees
are too large and burdensome for the current setting of being in a smaller sized rear yard within
proximity to two residential houses (Primary resident address 2475 and the adjacent neighbor’s
residence is 2493 Meadow St).
Background:
The property was purchased by the current owner in January 2016 and the current tenants have
been living there since. Both trees were existing at the time of purchase and have continued to
grow over the past 8 years. Pruning maintenance has been performed on both trees as well as
installing a cable anchor to support a large section of Tree ID #2’s upper canopy. Even with this
effort, limbs have fallen on the rear yard annually and the potential for large limbs to fall persists.
The trees are located on a 2:1 sloped area of the yard that increases the potential that if these
trees were to fall, they would land over the top of the 2475 residential structure. In addition, the
trees both litter leaves and seeds year around that collect on the resident’s roof and yard space.
To manage the litter from the trees the owners employ a landscape contractor to perform
routine maintenance on the property twice a month. The oil from the leaves does not allow
other landscaping to survive. The tenants also regularly remove leaf piles from the roof and
rain gutters to prevent risk of property damage that would occur otherwise. Factoring
regular clean up, pruning, and anchoring of these trees the cost has been upward of $10,000 in
total over the past 8 years. The property contains 2 other large sycamore trees in the front yard
that also pose maintenance challenges however the owners support keeping and caring for these
trees. Lastly, the adjacent neighbors (2445 Meadow St and 497 Woodbridge St) rear yards have 5
redwood trees that are large and growing. This information is intended to convey that there is
substantial other large trees in close proximity to the 2 requested to be reomved.
Conclusion:
The owner and tenants would request the city grant a tree removal permit due to the
justification provided in this letter and application. The size and scale of these trees is a risk to
both dwellings if/when limbs and/or the entire trees were to fall. The owner and applicant
have made significant efforts to manage and maintain the trees over the past 8 years.
However, the burden and cost of managing these trees has become overwhelming and no
longer feels sustainable. We look forward to working together to come to a resolution. Please
reach out if there are any questions related to processing this application and request.
Thanks, Wesley Thompson
(805) 550-4143
Page 15 of 35
Tree ID #1 – Eucalyptus in rear yard with approx. 6.5’ circumference and 2' diameter trunk at 4.5’ height from ground.
Page 16 of 35
Tree ID #2 – Eucalyptus in rear yard with approx. 9.5' circumference and 3’ diameter trunk at 4.5’ height from ground.
Page 17 of 35
Side view of trees on 2:1 slope. Note proximity to fence and adjacent residential houses.
Page 18 of 35
Front view of trees on 2:1 slope. Note proximity to fence and adjacent residential houses. Tee ID #1 on left is
leaning in the direction of white house structure.
Page 19 of 35
Second front view of trees. Note height of trees with numerous branches extending over residential houses.
Page 20 of 35
Tree ID#3 - Oak species directly in path of walkway. This tree has a 2’ circumference and 7” diameter trunk at 4.5’
above ground. This does not require a permit per municipal code section 12.24.090 ( C ). It is included for full
transparency.
Page 21 of 35
Existing tall Sycamore trees on property to be preserved.
Page 22 of 35
Existing Redwood / Evergreen trees in adjacent neighbors’ rear yards in close proximity.
Page 23 of 35
MEADOW STREET
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Existing Trees
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Replacement Tree Location Options
Tree Type preferences
00. Fruit Tree
12.Western Redbud
21. Maidenhair Tree
23. Golden Trumpet Tree
24. Pink Trumpet Tree
TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT EXHIBIT
2475 MEADOW ST, SAN LUIS OBISPO CA 93401 Page 24 of 35