HomeMy WebLinkAbout880 Buchon Imminent Hazard Approval 6-4-24City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3218, 805.781.7170, slocity.org
June 4, 2024
Tom Franciskovich
880 Buchon Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Subject: Tree Removal Authorization due to Imminent Hazard at 880 Buchon Street
On June 4th, 2024, I determined that the Corymbia ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum) in the front yard
of the residence at 880 Buchon Street was an imminent hazard to life or property, and consistent with
Municipal Code Section 12.24.090(E)(1)(a), removing it is the only feasible way to eliminate the
hazard.
Findings:
1. The proposed tree removal request is consistent with Municipal Code Section
12.24.090(E)(1)(a) because the tree is an imminent hazard and the only feasible way to
eliminate the hazard is to remove the tree. The tree had lost root stability in root zone against
the front of the house. There was visible soil cracking and entire soil separation from the
foundation of the house. Following a rainy winter and no remodeling construction since that
point, it was evidence that the tree had shifted and was unstable. I considered significant end
weight reduction of the canopy over the sidewalk to combat the lean and the reduce
likelihood of tree failure. However, due to the degree of soil cracking and the declining
health of the tree, I did not see that as an appropriate course of mitigative action.
Conditions:
1. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City and/or its agents, officers,
and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City and/or its agents,
officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul the approval by the City of this
project, and all actions relating thereto, including, but not limited to, environmental review
(“Indemnified Claims”). The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any Indemnified
Claim upon being presented with the Indemnified Claim and the City shall fully cooperate in
the defense against an Indemnified Claim.
2. The tree removal(s) are approved with a required compensatory replanting of two-three (2-3)
15-galllon or 24 inch box trees onsite from the City’s Master Tree List, to the satisfaction of
the City Arborist by December 31, 2024. The number of trees to be replanted depends on
size of species selected.
3. The new compensatory trees shall be planted per the City’s Engineering Standards of Tree
Planting. All trees planted as part of a compensatory plan shall survive and any trees that do
not survive shall be replanted.
4. The applicant should consider opening up the parkway in front of 880 Buchon Street by
removing concrete panels to create two new tree wells due to the favorable site conditions
and integrate them into their landscaping plans. Call (805) 781-7015 for additional
information.
My action is final. If you have any questions, or if you need additional information, contact Walter
Gault, City Arborist, by phone at (805) 781-7578 or by email at wgault@slocity.org.
Sincerely,
Walter Gault
City Arborist
Community Development