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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 12 09 Consent 305 Specimen Tree Removal Request 704 Barrington Circle COMMISSION AGENDA Informational Consent X ITEM 305 public Hearings g Regular December 09, 2013 KS RS Regular Meeting City Manager Department REQUEST: The Community Development Department, Arbor Division, asks that the City Commission consider the request of Janeen Passalacqua to remove one (1) specimen live oak tree from her property at 704 Barrington Circle due to proximity of the tree to the driveway and home. SYNOPSIS: Janeen Passalacqua is requesting to remove a 25" specimen live oak from her property at 704 Barrington Circle due to the fact that large tree roots have lifted sections of the driveway and walkway creating a safety concern for her and visiting guests. She is troubled that the tree will cause even more damage to the driveway, walkway and her home, if the tree is not removed. Additionally, Mrs. Passalacqua has stated that she has fallen on her walkway due to the uplifted, uneven surface caused by the large tree roots. CONSIDERATIONS: The specimen live oak measures 25" in diameter. The tree has lifted the walkway approximately 3" above grade. The driveway has been lifted 1.5" above grade near the street. The resident is concerned that the driveway will incur further damage and will then have to be replaced, thereby placing her under a financial hardship. . Staff Opinion: The tree appears healthy and vibrant. Root pruning could be an option to delay additional damage to the driveway, walkway and home. However, pruning of the large roots, even by a trained arborist, will likely weaken the tree, cause long term decline, and create greater exposure for the tree to come down in a high wind event. Consent 305 PAGE 1 OF 2- December 09,2013 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. Based on a tree assessment performed by City Arborist, Stephanie Wolfe, on November 20th, 2013 and review of other pertinent information, approval of the request to remove this tree is recommended by City Staff. FISCAL IMPACT: If the request is approved, the applicant will pay a $25 arbor permit fee to the Arbor Fund and be required to install four(4)tree replacement credits or pay $1,000 into the tree bank in lieu of installing tree replacements. 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 Mrs. Passalacqua to remove one (1) specimen live oak from 704 Barrington Circle. The tree has caused damage to the driveway, walkway, and has become a safety concern for the property owner. 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: A)Photos of 704 Barrington Circle - Tree Damages Consent 305 PAGE 2 OF 2- December 09,2013 ATTACHMENT 'A' n. Photograph 1: View of tree in relation to the house. l,. A�asa- Photograph 2: View of the driveway facing toward the house from the road. Lifted at curb. t r a n t.: w 5� Photograph 3: View of driveway from house facing the road. � ' 1 V y Photograph 4: View of walkway lifted above grade.