HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-11558 authorizing the removal of an Afrocarpus tree (Tree #01) and authorizing the City Arborist tR 11558
RESOLUTION NO. 11558 (2025 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE REMOVAL OF AN
AFROCARPUS TREE (TREE #01) AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
ARBORIST TO DEVELOP A TREE REPLANTING PLAN THAT OFFSETS
THE IMPACTS TO THE CITY’S URBAN FOREST
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2019, the Cultural Arts District Parking Structure
and SLO Repertory Theater were jointly conditioned to provide a tree preservation plan
as part of the project plans; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved final plans for Phase 2 of the Cultural Arts
District Parking Structure on August 10, 2023, which included a tree preservation plan
specifying an Afrocarpus tree, noted as tree #01, was to remain; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to San Luis Obispo Municipal Code §12.24.090(F)(5), the
City Council is the appropriate approval authority for removal of this tree; and
WHEREAS, the Cultural Arts District Parking Structure has been in construction
for nearly two years now, and careful tree protection measures have been taken
throughout the project such as hand digging and careful monitoring while working within
the critical drip zone; and
WHEREAS, during demolition of the sidewalk and wall on the corner of Nipomo
and Monterey Streets, extensive root systems were discovered to be much shallower and
more widespread than could have reasonably been known at the time of project plan
approval; and
WHEREAS, approximately 40 linear feet of roots, including structural roots as
large as 11 inches in diameter, were uncovered along Nipomo Street, which play a critical
role in supporting the tree structurally and maintaining the health of its canopy ; and
WHEREAS, the City Arborist evaluated the tree following demolition activities and
determined that it is unlikely to survive due to the extent of root exposure, which will lead
to chronic water stress; and
WHEREAS, redesign, reroute, removal, and reinstallation of all utilities within the
project would be impractical and cost-prohibitive and cause significant project delays, and
doing so still may not adequately protect the root system of the Afrocarpus tree .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
Docusign Envelope ID: 854CECFE-753D-4FC9-B8AE-7C86C38C7536
Resolution No. 11558 (2025 Series) Page 2
R 11558
SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby adopted as the
findings of the City Council in authorizing the action herein.
SECTION 2: Authorization. Afrocarpus Tree (Tree #01), as identified by the
Cultural Arts District Parking Structure Phase 2 Tree Protection Plan, may be removed
in order to facilitate completion of construction of the Cultural Arts District Parking
Structure. The City Arborist shall develop a Tree Replanting Plan that offsets the impacts
to the City’s Urban Forest and is approved by the Public Works Director.
Upon motion of Vice Mayor Shoresman, seconded by Council Member Boswell,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Boswell, Francis, Marx, Vice Mayor Shoresman,
and Mayor Stewart
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 15th day of April 2025.
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 854CECFE-753D-4FC9-B8AE-7C86C38C7536
4/17/2025 | 3:23 PM PDT