PC 06/08/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

~ residential areas and recommends that all four trees be removed. Staff concurs with the arborist's recommendation. Although staff feels the visual appearance of the natural grove will be impacted slightly, numerous native trees have been planted and are maturing, and staff feels these trees will mitigate the visual impact caused by the removal of the four eucalyptus trees. Staff also requires the eucalyptus trees be replaced with 36" box native trees, perhaps oak trees. Commissioner Wright inquired if the pruning specified in Option 1 meant topping the trees at the level of the house. Mr. Iserson stated Option I spoke to selective limb pruning, not topping the trees. Commissioner Wright questioned if the conditions of pruning would attach to the property and future property owners. Mr. Iserson agreed, stating they could be recorded in the deed; however, that would not prevent other property owners from asking to have the trees removed. Commissioner Wright further inquired of staff if the Planning Commission's decision supersedes the permission granted by the Homeowners Association to remove three of the four trees. Mr. Iserson stated that the City's actions take precedence over the Homeowner Association's actions. He also advised to remove Condition 2. Commissioner Barker suggested that Condition 2 be revised to require the applicant give an explanation of the City's actions to the Homeowners Association. Commissioner Dove suggested that in the future, a standard should be enacted so that houses are not built within a certain distance to trees. Staff concurred and are looking at guidelines. Commissioner Lutz inquired to the procedure a homeowner must follow to get permission to prune a heritage tree. Mr. Iserson stated approval by the Public Works Director is required. In response to Chairman McGuirk, Mr. Iserson advised that this modification applies to the four identified trees at 1 Deer Oaks Drive, not the entire subdivision. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Tony Chan, I Deer Oaks Drive, represented his application for permission to remove the four heritage eucalyptus trees. Mr. Chan brought in a tree branch he found in his driveway that day. He stated that limbs fall once every few weeks, and the limbs can be as large as several inches in diameter and several feet long. Mr. Chan stated this has become very emotional for he and his family and believes it has become a personal safety issue as well. Mr. Chan stated he has tried to be very cooperative with the City and his neighbors, and he has tried several options before seeking the removal of these trees. Pruning attempts have not proved successful in mitigating the problem, and he believes he has done everything possible in order to keep the trees as well as protecting his family. Mr. Chan further advised that wind is not a factor to cause the limbs to fall. Mr. Chan urged support for the removal of the four trees for human safety. Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 June 8, 1994