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.