HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 04 14 Regular 600 Specimen Tree Removal, 1177 Baltic LaneCOMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 600
REQUEST:
Informational
Consent
Public Hearings
Regular
X
April 14, 2014 KS RS
Regular Meeting City Manager Department
The Community Development Department, Arbor Division, asks that the City
Commission consider the request of Donna Ownby to remove one (1) specimen live oak
from her property at 1177 Baltic Lane in Oak Forest. The resident is concerned with the
proximity of the tree to her home and damage to the driveway.
SYNOPSIS:
Donna Ebanks of 1177 Baltic Lane has requested a permit to remove (1) specimen live oak.
The tree has lifted one section of the driveway slab by approximately V. No damage to
surrounding structures was apparent during two (2) separate visual inspections by staff.
Section 5 -8(b) of the Arbor Ordinance provides that a specimen tree shall not be removed
except under 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 Urban Beautification
Manager of March 14th, 2014, and review of pictures and other pertinent information by
Staff, approval of the request to remove the tree is not recommended. The tree has lifted
one section of the driveway by approximately V. Aside from this, there were no apparent
visible damages to the walkway leading to the home or to the home itself.
Section 5 -4 (c)(2) states that "when making a determination on whether a tree meets one of
the conditions set forth in Section 5 -4(b) and therefore, whether to approve or deny an
application under this chapter, the city shall apply one (1) or more of the following
standards of review deemed relevant:
Regular 600 PAGE 1 OF 2 - April 14, 2014
(2) necessity to remove trees that pose a clear and obvious safety hazard to buildings and
other improvements on a lot or parcel of land. Ordinary small cracks or uplifts in
pavement, sidewalks, and non - occupied structures that are typically caused by settling
and small roots shall not be considered a safety hazard."
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff is recommending denial of this request; however, if approved, the applicant will pay a
$25 permit fee and will be required to install four (4) replacement tree credits or pay $1,000
into the Arbor Fund. Tree credits can be replaced onto the owner's property or installed on
an approved donor site located within the city limits.
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 deny the request of Donna Ebanks to remove
one (1) specimen live oak from her property at 1177 Baltic Lane in Oak Forest, as it does
not meet the requirements of Chapter 5, Section 5 -8(b) for removal.
ATTACHMENTS:
A) Photos
Regular 600 PAGE 2 OF 2 - April 14, 2014
ATTACHMENT `A'
Photo 1: View of tree from Baltic Lane
Photo 2: The driveway is lifted in a uniform manner with no observable cracks.
Photo 3: Note proximity to walkway and house. No observable cracking of walkway.