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Home My WebLink About07-27-2026 TC Agenda Tree Committee AGENDA Monday, July 27, 2026, 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 may 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.OATH OF OFFICE Deputy City Clerk Sara Armas will administer the Oath of Office to newly appointed Tree Committee Member Gage Willey. 3.ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR As required by the Tree Committee Bylaws, hold the annual election of Chair and Vice Chair to a one-year term. 4.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. 5.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. 5.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - MARCH 23, 2026 TREE COMMITTEE MINUTES 5 Recommendation: To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of March 23, 2026. 6.PRESENTATIONS 6.a PUBLIC WORKS URBAN FORESTRY UPDATE Receive a brief update from Public Works Urban Forester Ty Evans. 7.TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION 7.a REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE ONE (1) MONTEREY PINE LOCATED AT 2333 MEADOW ST (TREE-0408- 2026) 11 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. 8.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 8.a ARBORIST REPORT Receive a brief update from Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault. 9.ADJOURNMENT The next Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee meeting is scheduled for August 24, 2026 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 1 Tree Committee Minutes March 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Tree Committee Members Present: Member Henry Bonifas, Member Daniel Canella, Member Dan Shinn, Chair Ben Parker Tree Committee Members Absent: Member Charles Gerencser, Member Kari Gephart, Vice Chair Emily Rosten City Staff Present: Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault, Deputy City Clerk Andrea Colunga-Lopez _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tree Committee was called to order on March 23, 2026 at 5:32 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. CONSENT 3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2026 TREE COMMITTEE MINUTES To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of February 23, 2026. Ayes (4): Member Bonifas, Member Canella, Member Shinn, and Chair Parker Absent (3): Member Gephart, Member Gerencser, and Vice Chair Rosten CARRIED (4 to 0) Page 5 of 33 2 4. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION 4.a REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE FIVE (5) MAGNOLIAS AND ONE (1) BRISBANE BOX IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE INSTALLATION OF A SOLAR ARRAY AT SINSHEIMER POOL PARKING LOT (APPLICATION NO. TREE-0130-2026) Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault presented the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries. Applicant representative, Noah Maidrand, City Engineer, provided an overview of the Tree Removal at the Sinsheimer Pool parking lot and responded to questions raised. Chair Parker opened Public Comment Public Comment: Fitzgerald Kelly --End of Public Comment-- Chair Parker closed Public Comment Recommend that the Community Development Director approve the request to remove five (5) Magnolias and one (1) Brisbane box as they are consistent with requirements in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 12.24.090(G) based on the following criteria:  G(1) Size of Trees: All trees are small and not visually prominent  G(3) Species: All trees are non-native  G(4) Forestry Best Practice: Removal has little impact on remaining trees, but a replanting plan of compensatory trees would increase the biodiversity of the urban forest and tree-age distribution.  G(6) Compensatory Plantings: Increase compensatory trees to 9: 3 Englemann oak on South-West side, 3 on Englemann oak North- East side and last 3 African Fern Pine by the baseball stadium. Trees are to be installed with gator bags to increase their chance of success.  G(7) Heritage Status: No heritage trees. Additionally, the Committee recommended that any grading that is necessary or recommended by City Arborist or City Engineers be incorporated to improve the chances of survival. Page 6 of 33 3 Motion By Member Canella Second By Member Shinn Ayes (4): Member Bonifas, Member Canella, Member Shinn, and Chair Parker Absent (3): Member Gephart, Member Gerencser, and Vice Chair Rosten CARRIED (4 to 0) 4.b REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE ONE (1) 27- INCH DBH SILVER DOLLAR EUCALYPTUS AT 607 HIGH ST (APPLICATION NO. TREE-0019-2026) Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault presented the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries. No applicant presentation was provided. Chair Parker opened Public Comment Public Comment: Mr. & Mrs. Bohn Fitzgerald Kelly --End of Public Comment-- Chair Parker closed Public Comment Recommend continuance to a date certain at the next regular meeting with a request to the applicant to provide:  A professional landscaping plan with the following: o Detailed schematics showing what vegetation will be removed o Locations where the 4 or 5 compensatory trees will be planted on the property  A detailed arborist report regarding the current condition and structure of the Eucalyptus tree.  The applicant is encouraged to consult with City Arborist or select a tree species from Engineering Standard 8010. Page 7 of 33 4 Motion by: Member Canella Second by: Member Shinn No vote taken Revised recommendation for the Community Development Director to approve the request to remove one (1) 27-inch DBH Silver Dollar Eucalyptus based on the following findings: G(3) Species: Tree is non-native G(4) Forestry Best Practice: Removal has little impact on remaining trees, but a replanting plan of compensatory trees increases tree-age distribution G(6) Compensatory Plantings: Replanting plan exceeds minimum requirements G(7) Heritage Status: Not a Heritage Tree And with the following conditions:  Provide a more in-depth arborist assessment  A landscaping plan showing the removal of the ivy and vegetation  Compensatory planting plan, in consult with the City Arborist of 4 to 5 trees  Provide information regarding damage to hardscape, foundation or other property, that may have occurred, for their review. Motion By Member Canella Second By Member Shinn Ayes (3): Member Canella, Member Shinn, and Chair Parker Noes (1): Member Bonifas Absent (3): Member Gephart, Member Gerencser, and Vice Chair Rosten CARRIED (3 to 1) Page 8 of 33 5 4.c REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE ONE (1) RED FLOWERING GUM AT 1057 BUCHON ST. (APPLICATION NO. TREE- 0690-2025) Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault presented the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries. Applicant representatives, Trudy Lindaman and Jeremy Lindaman, provided an overview of the Tree Removal and responded to questions raised. Chair Parker opened Public Comment Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Chair Parker closed Public Comment Recommend that the Community Development Director deny the request to remove one (1) Red Flowering Gum based on the following findings :  G(1) Size of Trees: Tree is large and visually prominent  G(2) Location: Tree is highly visible from the Right-of-Way and has a high visual impact on the neighborhood  G(5) Right-of-Way Impact: Tree is not impacting the Public Right- of-Way Motion by: Member Bonifas Second by: Chair Parker No vote taken. Revised Recommendation that the item continue to a date certain at the next regular meeting with a request that the applicant provide:  A report on the integrity of the foundation, specifying any damage that may or may not have occurred  A revised 2:1 compensatory replanting plan Page 9 of 33 6 Motion By Member Canella Second By Member Shinn Ayes (4): Member Bonifas, Member Canella, Member Shinn, and Chair Parker Absent (3): Member Gephart, Member Gerencser, and Vice Chair Rosten CARRIED (4 to 0) 5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 5.a ARBORIST REPORT Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault provided the following updates:  The next Regular Tree Committee meeting on April 27, 2026 will be canceled due to conflict with staff availability.  The next Regular Tree Committee meeting will be on May 18, 2026. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee is scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. The Regular Meeting on April 27, 2026 will be cancelled. _________________________ APPROVED BY TREE COMMITTEE: XX/XX/202X Page 10 of 33 TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR THE REMOVAL OF ONE (1) MONTEREY PINE AT 2333 MEADOW ST (MEADOW PARK) APPLICATION NO.: TREE-0408-2026 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 The City of San Luis Obispo, the property owner and applicant, has requested the removal of one (1) 26-inch Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) Pinus radiata (Monterey pine) located within Meadow Park adjacent to the parking lot at 2333 Meadow St reet. (Attachment A, Tree Removal Application Form). The City is proposing to replace a curb ramp which requires the removal and replacement of an existing concrete retaining wall (Attachment Meeting Date: 7/27/2026 Item Number: 7a Time Estimate: 30 Figure 1: Location of tree removal request. Page 11 of 33 Item 7a B, Site and Improvement Plan). This work will extend, at a minimum, 1.5 feet beyond the final improvements of the retaining wall and within the critical root zone of the tree requested for removal. The applicant has provided a tree protection plan for all trees impacted by the project proposal (Attachment C, Tree Protection Plan) and has proposed replacing it with two (2) compensatory trees (Attachment D, Replanting Plan). Figure 2: View of tree from Meadow St. (September 2025). The ramp and retaining wall to be improved are on the right side (outlined by the dashed lines). Impacts will extend a minimum of 1.5 feet into the turf. Page 12 of 33 Item 7a 1.1 City Arborist Analysis The assessment of the tree in the Tree Protection Plan (Attachment B) states that the tree could likely be retained and protected during the project. However, the report also noted that the tree is in decline and that there are symptoms of Fusarium circinatum (pine pitch canker), a disease commonly associated with Dendroctonus valens (red turpentine beetle). While no beetle activity was observed on the tree , other nearby P. radiata have advanced D. valens infestations and are either dying or dead. The proposed infrastructure improvements are expected to impact the prominent surface ro ots located along/near the concrete retaining wall and could have significant negative impacts on the tree due to its maturity, condition, and species (Attachment E, Tree Impact Exhibit). Taken all together, staff recommended that the tree be requested for removal. 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 R-1 or R-2. This code section utilizes the relevant additional application 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, a nd 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 Construction Related Tree Removal Applications. SLOMC §12.24.090 subsection (F)(3) requires review by the Tree Committee using the criteria set forth in SLOMC §12.24.090(G). Applicable criteria are provided in italics belo w 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 high er 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 highly visible from the public right-of-way and does have a high visual impact on the neighborhood. Page 13 of 33 Item 7a  (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 has little to no impact on remaining trees, but the replanting plan would increase the tree-age diversity in the neighborhood.  (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 onsite with two (2) compensatory trees.  (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 (2333 Meadow St.) B - Site and Improvement Plan (2333 Meadow St.) C - Tree Protection Plan (2333 Meadow St.) D - Replanting Plan (2333 Meadow St.) E - Tree Impact Exhibit (2333 Meadow St.) Page 14 of 33 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 removalapplication. 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 removal 1 Replanting plan2 Arborist Report3 INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. FAILURE TO KEEP TREES BANDED MAY RESULT IN A REJECTED APPLICATION. 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. 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. 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 Alejandra Celio 990 Palm Street 919 Palm St San Luis Obispo 93401 San Luis Obispo 93401 805-781-7100 805-783-7865 acelio@slocity.org 2251 Meadow St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1 Monterey Pine The tree is declining in health and is exhibiting symptoms of pine pitch canker. The City is proposing to replace a curb ramp which requires setback of an existing concrete retaining wall. With prominent surface roots near the project site, any disturbance of its roots will have significant negative impacts due to its condition. Page 15 of 33 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 6/29/26 6/29/26 Page 16 of 33 Page 17 of 33 Page 18 of 33 Page 19 of 33 Page 20 of 33 Page 21 of 33 Page 22 of 33 Page 23 of 33 Page 24 of 33 Page 25 of 33 Page 26 of 33 Page 27 of 33 Page 28 of 33 Page 29 of 33 Page 30 of 33 Page 31 of 33 Page 32 of 33 Page 33 of 33