HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-2019 Item 11, CooperRECEIVED
JAN 2 S 2019
From: Allan Cooper <
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2019 12:56 PM
To: Advisory Bodies
Subject: Tree Committee - Proposed Tree Removal @ 148 Broad Street
Dear Tree Committee -
Based on a letter sent to you by Mr. Richard Schmidt, it is my understanding that the applicant for a tree
removal at 148 Broad St. could, based on his previous actions, remove the mature, healthy Coast redwood
without regard to the decision you might be making tonight. According to Ordinance No. 1544, you should
inform the applicant what the possible consequences could be for illegally removing this tree. Under 12.24.170
Enforcement this ordinance states the following:
"Any person deemed responsible for damaging a tree or removing a tree without a permit as described in this
chapter shall be liable for civil penalties to the city.
(1) The civil penalties shall be the value of the tree times two, plus all staff costs related to the illegal tree
removal or tree damage. The city arborist will compute the value of the tree using methods established by the
International Society of Arboriculture.
(2) The property owner shall also be held responsible for damaging or removing a tree on the owner's property
without a permit as described in this chapter and be liable for additional civil penalties to the city as described
above 12.24.170A(1)."
According to Walter Levison Consulting Arborist the value of this Coast redwood could be in the vicinity of
$30,000 (see htti2s://www.los-atosca.govlDocumentCenter/View/2011 021Arborist-Report ). That would mean
that the applicant could be fined in excess of $60,000. Perhaps the applicant, based on this information, might
reconsider damaging or removing this tree without a permit. Thank you!