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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 05 11 Consent 303 Specimen Tree Removal 103 Goshawk TerraceCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 303 REQUEST: Informational Consent X Public Hearings Regular May 11, 2015 KS KL Regular Meeting City Manager Department The Public Works Department, Arbor Division, asks that the City Commission consider the request of Cara Thomas at 103 Goshawk Terrace to remove one 24" specimen live oak tree due to the damage the tree has caused to the driveway. SYNOPSIS: Cara Thomas is requesting a permit to remove a 24" specimen live oak from 103 Goshawk Terrace due to the damage the tree has caused to the driveway. Section 5- 8( b) of Chapter 5, Tree Protection and Preservation, provides that specimen trees shall not be removed except for extraordinary circumstances or hardships, and only by approval of the City Commission. CONSIDERATIONS: Based on an assessment of the tree made by City Arborist, Stephanie Monica, approval of the request to remove this tree is recommended. The live oak measures 24" in diameter and is within 5' of the driveway. The tree has lifted the driveway approximately 2 inches at the curb and in the center and the driveway is cracked in multiple locations. As the tree continues to grow it will cause further damage to the driveway. FISCAL IMPACT: If the request is approved, the applicant will pay a $25 arbor permit fee to the Arbor Fund. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission, Consent 303 PAGE 1 OF 2 - May 11, 2015 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 Cara Thomas to remove one specimen live oak from 103 Goshawk Terrace. The tree has already caused significant damage to the driveway and will cause further damage as it continues to grow. Due the proximity of the tree to the driveway and taking into account the fact that the tree has the potential to grow much larger, root pruning is not a reasonable solution in this instance. Staff finds that this qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance or hardship as referenced in Section 5- 8( b) of Chapter 5, Tree Protection and Preservation. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Photographs (2 pages) Consent 303 PAGE 2 OF 2 - May 11, 2015 Photograph 1: Center of driveway lifted approximately 2 inches and cracked throughout. Photograph 2: Cracks in driveway leading toward garage. Photograph 3: Large surface roots leading toward driveway. Photograph 4: 24" specimen tree near driveway.