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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 05 12 Consent 306 Tree Removal Request 1688 Eagle Nest Circle COMMISSION AGENDA Informational Consent X ITEM 306 public Hearings g Regular May 12, 2014 KS RS Regular Meeting City Manager Department REQUEST: The Community Development Department, Arbor Division, asks that the City Commission approve the request of John Dodds to remove (1) specimen live oak from his property at 1688 Eagle Nest Circle in the Glen Eagle subdivision. The resident is concerned with the proximity of the tree to the home, air conditioner, and pool plumbing. SYNOPSIS: Property owner John Dodds of 1688 Eagle Nest Circle has requested approval to remove (1) 27" diameter live oak. Mr. Dodds obtained written opinions from a licensed structural engineer and licensed arborist (attached) stating that existing structural damage to the home and pool patio could be attributed to the specimen tree. Section 5-8 (b) of the arbor ordinance states that a specimen tree shall not be removed except for extraordinary circumstances, hardships, and only by approval of the City Commission. CONSIDERATIONS: Based on an assessment of the tree made by the City Arborist and the Urban Beautification Manager in 2014 and review of pertinent information including a report by Dale L. Hunter, P.E. (Lic. 17778), on March 24, 2014, staff is recommending approval to remove this tree as requested by the resident. According to the structural engineer's report, existing structural damage could be attributed to the tree and further damage will likely occur. While the engineer's report references three (3)trees, this request and recommendation is only for the 27" live oak shown in the attached pictures and referenced in the arborist's letter. Consent 306 PAGE 1 OF 2- May 12,2014 FISCAL IMPACT: If this request is approved, the applicant will pay a $25 arbor permit fee to the arbor fund and be required to install (4) replacement credits worth of trees or pay a total of$1,000 into the tree bank. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney/Staff, and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals noted above, and which is also available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, Media/Press Representatives who have requested Agendas/Agenda Item information, Homeowner's Associations/Representatives on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested individuals. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the request of John Dodds to remove (1) specimen live oak (specifically, the 27" live oak shown in the attached pictures and referenced in the arborist's letter) from his property at 1688 Eagle Nest Circle. Staff finds that it qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance or hardship as referenced in Section 5-8(b) of the arbor ordinance. ATTACHMENTS: Photographs and Professional Letters Consent 306 PAGE 2 OF 2- May 12,2014 x fw=• h*. r ^ii a Y r ro f— , Concept Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 955/Tavares, Florida 32778 Phone 352.669.3361 / home Zicsiweb.biz Date: 03/24/2014 Address: 1688 Eagle Nest Circle, Winter Springs, FL Year Built: 1989 Construction Type: Wood walls w/Cementitious finish An inspection of this residence revealed that several mature oak trees in close proximity to the structure pose a serious structural threat and should be mitigated. The first tree is 83"in circumference at the base, and stands just 5'-0" from the exterior side wall and only 8" from the edge of the pool's mechanical equipment.A second one close by is 76" in circumference and 6-7" from the wall. The third is 80" in circumference and T-8" from the rear wall. Just below the ground surface, there is a dense growth of roots. The grounds, pool equipment, and sidewalk beyond the perimeter fence all show signs of heaving due to larger root growth. The house walls at the tree locations show a continuous horizontal crack in the cementitious finish. Client reports several doors within the residence tend to stick. The bathroom near the trees on the side was remodeled by the previous owner and the house was re-plumbed due to damage. Some of the floor tiles of the remodeled bath have since 'popped'. All of these conditions could indicate that the tree roots are putting pressure and causing movement within the foundation of the home. Typically, tree roots extend in a size and pattern similar to the branches above, and all three of the mentioned trees have major branches extending well over the roof. The danger to the residence during powerful winds is severe. The leaves and debris falling from the branches fill the valleys of the roof and cover the surface shingles, hindering the roofs ability to form a proper barrier against moisture. Client reports an ongoing battle with roof leaks.Additional water damage is visible at the house trim and eaves. It is therefore recommended that the trees be removed, as the damage to the structure will only increase with time, as will the life safety hazard. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Ann Kinsey at (352)669-3361 or annkn,csiweb.biz. Thank you for your assistance and have a great day. Dale L. Hunter, P.l Lic. No. 17778 KEVIN'S TREE SERVICE,INC. 3020 Kananwood Ct. Suite 1024 Oviedo FL 32765 DATE: March 12,2014 RE: 1688 Eagle Nest Circle, Winter Springs FI 32708 To Whom it May Concern, On March 11,2014 1 met with Mr. John Dodds at his home, 1688 Eagle Nest Circle, Winter Springs. I inspected a Live Oak located on the east side of his home and found that this Live Oak (27" DBH) is slightly less than 12" away from pool pump plumbing and slightly less than 5' away from his home and pool deck. This species has a potential to grow to 5-6' in diameter 60"-72" DBH and will become a very expensive project for removal , pool repair and structural repair to house. Without a doubt, I strongly recommend removing the tree and grinding the stump Thank you, Kevin Wilkey Certified Arborist FL-5421A Cell# 407-832-1030