HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4b. Tree Removal Application (TREE-0288-2025)
TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR THE REMOVAL OF 1 AFRICAN FERN PINE LOCATED AT
1421 BROAD ST (APPLICATION: TREE-0288-2025)
FROM: Walter Gault, Urban Forestry Program Coordinator / City Arborist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7578
Email: wgault@slocity.org
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.
1.0 APPLICATION DESCRIPTION
Bunyon Bros. Tree Service, the applicant,
has requested the removal of one (1)
Afrocarpus falcatus (African Fern Pine) at
1421 Broad Street located within the R-2
zone. The applicant has indicated in their
application that they are requesting the
tree removal due to insurance regulations
and requested review under “Tree Health
and Hazard Mitigation.” The applicant
proposes to replant one (1) 15-gallon
Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache) in
the same location.
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. The
proposed tree removal request does not provide sufficient evidence to meet the criteria
under a Health and Hazard application (12.24.090.E(1)) and therefore the request is
being reviewed under Section 12.24.090(E)(3) - tree removals related to property owner
convenience. 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)
Meeting Date: 6/30/2025
Item Number: 4b
Time Estimate: 20 minutes
Figure 1: Subject Property
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Item 4b
3.0 TREE REGULATIONS
The City’s Tree Ordinance (Municipal
Code Chapter 12.24) was adopted 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 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 tree proposed for removal is 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 in a private yard but also has a high visual impact
to the neighborhood.
(G)(3). Species of Tree. Native trees shall have a higher preservation priority than
non-native trees.
The tree proposed for removal is 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
Figure 2 – Tree requested for removal
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Item 4b
health or survival of remaining trees. Applications that increase biodiversity of
native trees and tree age distribution within a given area are preferred.
Not applicable.
(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 meet the minimum required replanting rate of 1:1.
(G)(7). Heritage Trees. Heritage trees have the highest preservation priority.
The tree is not a heritage tree.
4.0 ACTIONS
4.1 Recommend findings of consistency with the Tree Regulations. An action
recommending approval of the proposed tree removals 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 proposed tree removals 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 review of the proposed tree removals should include direction to
the applicant and staff on pertinent issues.
5.0 ATTACHMENTS
A - Tree Removal Application Form
B - Photos of Banded Tree
C - Site Replanting Plan
D - Bunyon Arborist Report
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