HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5a. Tree Removal Application (TREE-0415-2025)
TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO REMOVE 1 VELVET ASH STREET TREE LOCATED AT
1524 BALBOA ST (APPLICATION: TREE-0415-2025)
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
Troy Schwoerer, the applicant, has requested the removal of one (1) Fraxinus velutina
(Velvet Ash) at 1524 Balboa Street located within the R-1 zone. The applicant has
indicated in their application that the tree poses a seasonal nuisance (insect infestati on
and honeydew droppings) and is problematic for the sidewalk, sewer lateral and their
landscaping plan.
Meeting Date: 8/25/2025
Item Number: 5a
Time Estimate: 30 minutes
Figure 1 – Site of proposed tree removal
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The applicant would like to remove the street tree and replace it with one (1)
compensatory Quercus tomentella (Island Oak) street tree onsite in the parkway at 1524
Balboa and one (1) Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. aspleniifolius (Catalina Ironwood)
in the front yard.
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) - 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).
Figure 2 – View of Ash tree from Balboa (7-14-25)
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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 located in parkway and is 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 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 and 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 exceed the minimum required replanting rate of 1:1
with a 2:1 replanting (1 tree offsite and 1 tree onsite).
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(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 removal(s) 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(s).
4.2 Recommend findings of inconsistency with the Tree Regulations. An action
recommending denial of the proposed tree removal(s) 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 removal(s) should include directions
to the applicant and staff on pertinent issues.
5.0 ATTACHMENTS
A - Tree Removal Application Form
B - Site and Replanting Plan
C - Photos
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DATE
6/29/2025
REV
REPLANTING Ellen & Troy Schwoerer
PROJECT ADDRESS:
1524 Balboa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
APN: 004-442-012
CUSTOMER CONTACT:
(805)538-9511
SCALE:1/16"=1'
B
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(1) New Island Oak
In R/W Planting Strip
(1) Catalina
Ironwood
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