HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4c. REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE ONE (1) RED FLOWERING GUM AT 1057 BUCHON ST. (APPLICATION NO. TREE-0690-2025)
TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO REMOVE ONE (1) RED FLOWERING GUM LOCATED AT
1057 BUCHON STREET
FROM: Walter Gault, Urban Forestry Program Coordinator / City Arborist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7578
Email: wgault@slocity.org
APPLICATION NUMBER: TREE-0690-2025
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
Craig and Trudy Lindaman, the
applicants, have requested the removal
of one (1) Eucalyptus ficifolia (Red-
Flowering Gum) at 1057 Buchon St
located within the R-2 zone. The
applicant has indicated in their
application that the tree is planted too
close to the house and it obstructs the
view of the historic home’s architecture.
The presence of overhead high voltage
wires has forced the tree to be
maintained at a height where the
majority of the canopy obstructs the
view of the home.
The applicant would like to remove the tree and replace it with one (1) 24-inch box Cassia
leptophylla (Gold Medallion) onsite 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).
Meeting Date: 3/23/2026
Item Number: 4c
Time Estimate: 30 minutes
Figure 1 – Site of proposed tree removal
Page 39 of 49
Item 4c
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 Section 12.24.090 subsection
(E)(3) requires review by the Tree
Committee using the criteria set for in
SLOMC Section 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 the front yard 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.
Eucalyptus ficifolia is a non-native and has a low preservation priority.
Figure 2 – Street view from Buchon St.
Page 40 of 49
Item 4c
(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 request to remove and replant one (1) tree neither meaningfully increases or
decreases the biodiversity or tree-age distribution in the urban forest.
(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 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 - Site and Documentation
C - Replanting Plan
Page 41 of 49
Page 42 of 49
Page 43 of 49
Page 44 of 49
1057 Buchon Street - Red Gum Eucalyptus
Page 45 of 49
!f Tree(s) banded with ribbon or duct tape for identification
!f Site plan drawing or photo of tree site with Tree lD fl'ree#1 , Tree #2, etc.) See attached
photos.
!f Supporting documentation (repair, receipts, etc.)
This is the drain line cleaner that we purchased to clear the line as the tree roots
frequently block the sewer line. We have aged-out of the ability to operate it ourselves.
!f efroto log showing damage or reasons for removall
See following pages.
!f neplanting plan2
We will plant 1 appropriate tree (36" box) near the sidewalk. lf landscape plans show a
place for another tree, we will plant 2 trees.
[fArborist Report3
The tree is a hazard and its removal is not discretionary.
Page 46 of 49
Base of the tree to house: 61/zteet
Walkway was level when installed about 12 years
Base of the tree to where root emerges from far side of driveway: 18 t/z feet
Page 47 of 49
:.
Tree root emerging from under
driveway pavers.
Displacement of pavers on driveway
Page 48 of 49
Page 49 of 49