HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-28-2025 TC Agenda Packet
Tree Committee
AGENDA
Monday, July 28, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
The Tree Committee holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be supported at this time.
Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of
complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details.
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 must 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 Ben Parker will call the Regular 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 - MAY 19, 2025 TREE COMMITTEE
MINUTES
5
Recommendation:
To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of May 19, 2025.
4.TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
4.a REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE ONE (1)
CHINESE PISTACHE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE OSOS ST
RAILROAD SAFETY INTERSECTION (APPLICATION: TREE-0432-
2025)
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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.
4.b REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE ONE (1)
AFRICAN FERN PINE LOCATED AT 1421 BROAD ST (APPLICATION:
TREE-0288-2025)
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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.
5.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a ARBORIST REPORT
Receive a brief update from Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City
Arborist Walter Gault.
6.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee meeting is scheduled for
August 25, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
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
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Tree Committee Minutes
May 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tree Committee
Members Present:
Member Charles Gerencser, Member Dan Shinn, Vice Chair
Emily Rosten, Chair Ben Parker
Tree Committee
Members Absent:
City Staff Present:
Member Henry Bonifas, Member Daniel Canella
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault,
Deputy City Clerk Kevin Christian
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tree Committee was called to order on
May 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Parker.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
3. PRESENTATION
During the April 28, 2025 Tree Committee meeting, Urban Forest Program
Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault provided a presentation on the Brown Act
and Robert's Rules of Order. The item was included again as a follow-up to allow
for additional committee discussion. Seeing none, it was noted that non-present
members could view the April 28th presentation if needed.
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4. CONSENT
4.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - APRIL 28, 2025 TREE COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Motion By Member Gerencser
Second By Member Shinn
Approve the Tree Committee Minutes of April 28, 2025.
Ayes (4): Member Gerencser, Vice Chair Rosten, Member Shinn, and
Chair Parker
Absent (2): Member Bonifas, and Member Canella
CARRIED (4 to 0)
5. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
5.a REQUEST FOR THE REMOVAL OF 5 PALM TREES LOCATED AT 2777
FLORA ST (APPLICATION NO. TREE-0179-2025)
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault presented
the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries.
Brooke Latzke-Davis, applicant representative, provided an overview of
the purpose for the tree removals, the replacement plan, and provided
clarification comments in response to Committee questions.
Motion By Member Shinn
Second By Member Gerencser
Recommend that the Community Development Director approve the
proposed removals and compensatory plantings because they are
consistent with requirements in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code
Chapter 12.24 (Tree Regulations) based on the following criteria:
G(3) Species: Trees are non-native
G(4) Forestry Best Practice: Canopy cover is currently high onsite.
Replanting plan increases tree age-distribution in area
G(7) Heritage Trees: Trees have not been designated as heritage.
Ayes (4): Member Gerencser, Vice Chair Rosten, Member Shinn, and
Chair Parker
Absent (2): Member Bonifas, and Member Canella
CARRIED (4 to 0)
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6. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a ARBORIST REPORT
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault provided an
update of upcoming projects and activities in the Tree Division.
- Santa Rosa Park is being considered as the tentative 2025 Arbor Day
location, and for "Keys for Trees" projects.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tree
Committee is scheduled for June 23, 2025 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/202X
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TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO REMOVE 1 CHINESE PISTACHE LOCATED ADJACENT TO
THE OSOS ST RAILROAD SAFETY INTERSECTION (APPLICATION: TREE-0432-
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
Clean Power Management, the applicant, has
requested the removal of one (1) Pistacia
chinensis (Chinese Pistache) at parcel 003-659-
010, adjacent to 1850 Osos Street near the
intersection of at Osos St and the Railroad Safety
Trail located within the C-S-H zone. The applicant
has indicated that it is not possible to preserve and
tree and install infrastructure to support an
approved installation of four (4) DC fast charging
electric vehicle chargers.
The applicant has requested to remove the tree
and replace it with two (2) compensatory trees
offsite at an adjacent parcel as shade trees for the
parking lot: either two (2) Acacia stenophylla
(Shoestring Acacia) or Quercus hypoleucoides
(Silverleaf Oak) subject to availability (see
Attachment C for the proposed replanting
locations).
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(F)(2) - tree removals related to ministerial development permits on
parcels other than R1 or R2. While the applicant had applied using a Major Development
application, staff review determined that the correct application was a minor ministerial
Meeting Date: 7/28/2025
Item Number: 4a
Time Estimate: 20 minutes
Figure 1: tree location
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Item 4a
development application. This code section utilizes the relevant additional app lication
requirements in subsection (D)(2) and the criteria set forth in subsection (G).
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 (F)(2)
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 moderate 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 is highly visible from the public right of way and provides a
moderate visual impact to the neighborhood.
(G)(3). Species of Tree. Native trees shall have a higher preservation priority than
non-native trees.
Figure 1 – View of tree
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Item 4a
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
health or survival of remaining trees. Applications that increase biodiversity of
native trees and tree age distribution within a given area are preferred.
The removal has little impact on remaining trees but replanting 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 meet the minimum required replanting rate of 2:1
offsite on an adjacent City parcel.
(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 - Replanting Location
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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 removal application.
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 removal1
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.
City of San Luis Obispo Clean Power Management
919 Palm St. 24941 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
San Luis Obispo 93401 Dana Point 92629
805-783-7869 951-445-0790
lpohlman@slocity.org acosio@valtaenergy.com
1011 Railroad Ave.
1
Chinese pistache
Installation of electric infrastructure to support installation of (4) DC fast charging electric
vehicle chargers
4
4
4 4
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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
6/3/2025
6/3/2025 6/3/2025
4
5/7/2025
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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: 7/28/2025
Item Number: 4b
Time Estimate: 20 minutes
Figure 1: Subject Property
Page 17 of 27
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
Page 18 of 27
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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