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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 05 11 Consent 302 Specimen Tree Removal 1438 Northern WayCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 302 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 Kelly McDaniel of 1438 Northern Way to remove a specimen live oak from the east side of the house due to the damage the tree has caused to the home. SYNOPSIS: Kelly McDaniel is requesting a permit to remove a specimen live oak from 1438 Northern Way due to the damage the tree has caused to the home. 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 is within 2' of the house. The home was inspected by Home Pride Inspection Services on April 1st, 2015. The home inspector discovered cracks in the side of the house next to the tree and determined that these cracks were likely caused by the tree roots. 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, City Manager, City Attorney /Staff, and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and Consent 302 PAGE 1 OF 2 - May 11, 2015 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 the Kelly McDaniel to remove one specimen live oak from 1438 Northern Way based on the report provided by Home Pride Inspection Services stating that cracks on the east side of the house are due to the tree roots. 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 and pertinent sections of the Home Pride inspection report. (5 pages) Consent 302 PAGE 2 OF 2 - May 11, 2015 Photograph 1: Note proximity of specimen live oak to house. Photograph 2: Overall view of tree location in relation to the house. Home Pride Inspection Services, Inc. HomePrlde Inspection Services, Inc. Inspection Report Kelley McDaniel Property Address: 1438 Northern Way Winter Springs FL 32708 McDaniel ■ CM1 Certified Master INSPUTO Home Pride Inspection Services, Inc. Dominic D'Agostino 407 - 260 -1533 Florida Licensed Home Inspector H13957 1438 Northern Way Page 2 of 58 Home Pride Inspection Services, Inc. McDaniel 1.3 A few exposed nail heads are visible on the roof. These roofing nails should be removed and sealed to prevent water leaks into the structure. 1.6 Some flashings are not visible. 1.9 Large oak tree is very close to the roof line. 1438 Northern Way Page 7 of 58 Home Pride Inspection Services, Inc. Comments: McDaniel 2.0 Wall cracks noted on the East side, adjacent to the large oak tree. Previous repairs are visible, indicating the cracks have been present for an unknown amount of time. One of these cracks is a horizontal crack spanning the exterior wall above the windows. These cracks indicate movement in the wall or foundation, most likely caused by the tree roots growing too close to the house and too close to the foundation. 1438 Northern Way Page 11 of 58 Home Pride Inspection Services, Inc. 3. WINDOWS AND DOORS McDaniel The master bathroom window has loose sealant around the frame. All gaps and voids need to be sealed to prevent water intrusion into the house. I detected moisture in the drywall on the opposite side of the window, due to water leaks. [. GARAGE /CARPORT 4.2 GARAGE OPENER REMOTE CONTROLS REPAIRS RECOMMENDED, NOT PRESENT No remote controls were available for testing today. 4.3 CONDITION OF GARAGE DOOR INSPECTED, REPAIRS RECOMMENDED The garage door support bracket (right side) is improperly installed. The lag screws and steel L- bracket are pulling away from the ceiling. The 2x4 cleat in the attic above this L- bracket is completely split in half from the lag screws being driven without pre - drilling. Have the bracket re- installed into a new piece of structure, using proper workmanship to avoid splitting the wood. [5. DRIVEWAY /LANDSCAPING 5.2 ANY LANDSCAPING AFFECTING THE PROPERTY Yes, REPAIRS RECOMMENDED The tree in the East corner of the side yard is very close to the structure. Tree roots are likely growing below the foundation, which can damage the house, the foundation, or connected components such as plumbing /drain pipes. I recommend an arborist review the tree's location for removal, as the proximity of the tree indicates a strong potential for significant structural damage to the house if left unchecked. 18. ATTIC AND ROOF STRUCTURE 18.6 ATTIC STAIRS /ACCESS HATCH INSPECTED, REPAIRS RECOMMENDED The pull -down attic stair is loose and unsafe, replace this item. [0. ELECTRICAL 20.2 CONDITION OF WIRING, CIRCUITS, OR FUSES INSIDE MAIN PANEL (Branch circuit conductors, Over - current devices, and compatibility of their amperage and voltage) INSPECTED, REPAIRS RECOMMENDED View of wiring inside panel. There are cables entering the panel without cable clamps or bushings. Have the wiring repaired by an electrician. 20.7 ARE SMOKE DETECTORS PRESENT IN HOME Yes, REPAIRS RECOMMENDED Smoke detectors are not tested, and it is recommended that new units be installed for your safety as the units are 10 years old or older, and these devices have a 10 year life span. 20.10 OPERATION OF GFCI (GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS) INSPECTED, REPAIRS RECOMMENDED The circuit panel GFCI breaker does not properly disconnect the electrical power when the test button is pressed, replace this breaker. 20.12 ARE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS PRESENT? 1438 Northern Way Page 55 of 58