HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1 - TRH 16-01 for 170 W. Norman AvenueTRH 16-01
June 28, 2016
Page 1 of 4
DATE: June 28, 2016
TO: Honorable Chairman and Modification Committee
FROM: Lisa Flores, Planning Services Manager
By: Nick Baldwin, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: HEALTHY SYCAMORE TREE PERMIT NO. TRH 16-01 WITH A
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA) TO LEGALIZE THE UNPERMITTED REMOVAL OF
AN 18-INCH SYCAMORE TREE THAT WAS LOCATED IN THE REAR
YARD AREA AT 170 W. NORMAN AVENUE.
Recommendation: Conditional Approval
BACKGROUND
The subject property is a 19,100 square foot interior lot, zoned R-0, with a developed
8,674 square foot, two-story residence built in 2015. At the time the residence was
constructed, there
were three Western
Sycamore trees situated
on the property and two
Coast Live Oaks trees
located within the City's
parkway that had
canopies that extended
over onto the subject
property. An aerial
photo of the subject
site and a photo of the
property are provided for
reference (Attachment Nos. 1 through 3).
On December 28, 2015, the City was informed that a healthy Sycamore tree was removed
without a permit at the subject property and a Notice of Violation issued by Code
Services. According to the property owner, Ms. Huang, the Sycamore tree was
Tree Removed
Existing Sycamores
TRH 16-01
June 28, 2016
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removed because several limbs had fallen after the home was constructed and she was
fearful that additional falling limbs could be of danger to someone on the property. Further,
she also stated she was unaware that the Sycamore was a protected tree. At the time the
home was constructed in March 2015, Sycamores were not on the "protected tree" list; it
was later added on April 2015.
ANALYSIS
The Applicant is requesting approval to legalize the
removal of the unpermitted 18-inch Western Sycamore
tree that was located in the rear yard, adjacent to the
detached garage and pool house (as shown in the
photo to the right). According to the Certified Arborist,
Mr. Crane, it is believed that when the subject site was
graded, the contractors likely over excavated, beyond
the footprint of the newly proposed structure, and
damaged the roots of the trees, thereby causing it to
be severely unstable (refer to Attachment No. 4).
According to the City's Protected Tree ordinance, if
a protected healthy tree is removed without permits, the
owner shall be provide one of the following or combination of thereof:
• Pay a fine;
• Replace the protected tree, which was removed; and/or
• Plant a new protected tree or other trees which may be more appropriate to the
site
The replacement tree shall be based on the value or the actual replacement cost,
whichever is higher, plus the cost of planting the replacement trees. The tree value shall
be provided based on the International Society of Arboriculture tree evaluation formula.
FINDINGS
The City’s Sycamore Tree Ordinance allows a healthy Sycamore tree to be removed under
the following conditions:
• The tree’s removal is necessary;
• The tree removal is more desirable than alternative project design; and
• Mitigation measures are provided
TRH 16-01
June 28, 2016
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Given the Sycamore tree was removed without the authorization of a permit, staff
recommends that a replacement tree of the same species and of equal or greater value be
planted on the subject property. Staff proposes that the new Sycamore tree be placed
within the front yard area since there appears to be ample space and it would help to
soften the large structure and further enhance the curb appeal.
The estimated value of the removed Sycamore tree is $6,100. The Certified Arborist is
recommending a 72-inch box Sycamore tree be planted, which is of comparable value to
the 18-inch Sycamore tree that was removed.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed project qualifies as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under
Section 15304 of the CEQA Guidelines for minor alterations to land.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public hearing notices were mailed on June 17, 2016, to the property owners within 100
feet of the subject site and staff did not receive any comments during the notification
period.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Modification Committee approve Healthy Sycamore Tree
Application No. TRH 16-01 subject to the following conditions:
1. Within 90 days of this approval, a 72-inch box Sycamore tree shall be planted in the
front yard at a location that is subject to the approval of the Planning Services
Manager or designee.
2. A Certified Arborist shall supervise the planting of the 72-inch box Sycamore tree on
the property and shall submit a follow-up report to Planning Services to verify the
fulfillment of this condition. This report shall also be submitted within 90 days of this
approval.
3. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Arcadia and its
officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim, action, or
proceeding against the City of Arcadia, its officials, officers, employees or agents to
attack, set aside, void, or annul any approval or conditional approval of the City of
Arcadia concerning this project and/or land use decision, including but not limited to
any approval or conditional approval of the City Council, Planning Commission,
Modification Committee, or City Staff, which action is brought within the time period
provided for in Government Code Section 66499.37 or other provision of law
applicable to this project or decision. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of
any claim, action, or proceeding concerning the project and/or land use decision
TRH 16-01
June 28, 2016
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and the City shall cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The City reserves
the right, at its own option, to choose its own attorney to represent the City, its
officials, officers, employees, and agents in the defense of the matter.
4. Approval of TRH 16-01 shall not be of effect unless on or before 30 calendar days
after approval of this project, the property owner/applicant has executed and filed
with the Community Development Administrator or designee an Acceptance Form
available from the Development Services Department to indicate awareness and
acceptance of these conditions of approval.
Attachment No. 1: Aerial Photo with Zoning Information
Attachment No. 2: Photo of Property
Attachment No. 3: Photo of the Tree Location, Taken at the Time of Notice of Violation
Attachment No. 4: Arborist Report, dated March 15, 2016
Attachment No. 5: Preliminary Exemption Assessment
Attachment No. 1
Attachment No. 1
Aerial Photo with Zoning Information
Overlays
Selected parcel highlighted
Parcel location within City of Arcadian/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Property Owner(s):
Architectural Design Overlay:
Downtown Overlay:
Special Height Overlay:
Parking Overlay:
Lot Area (sq ft):
Year Built:
Main Structure / Unit (sq. ft.):
General Plan:
R-O (15,000)
Number of Units:
VLDR
Zoning:
Property Characteristics
2015
8,674
1
Grace Huang
Site Address:
170 W NORMAN AVE
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for
reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current,
or otherwise reliable.
Report generated22-Jun-2016
Page 1 of 1
19,100
Attachment No. 2
Attachment No. 2
Photo of the Property
Attachment No. 3
Attachment No. 3
Photo of the Tree Location, Taken at the
Time of Notice of Violation
Attachment No. 4
Attachment No. 4
Arborist Report, dated March 15, 2016
Attachment No. 5
Attachment No. 5
Preliminary Exemption Assessment
CITY OF ARCADIA
240 W. HUNTINGTON DRIVE
ARCADIA, CA 91007
PRELIMINARY EXEMPTION ASSESSMENT
(Certificate of Determination
When Attached to Notice of Exemption)
1. Name or description of project: Oak Tree Removal Application No. TRH 16-01
2. Project Location – Identify street
address and cross streets or attach
a map showing project site
(preferably a USGS 15’ or 7 1/2’
topographical map identified by
quadrangle name):
170 W. Norman Avenue between El Monte Avenue and Andrews
Road
3. Entity or person undertaking
project:
A.
B. Other (Private)
(1) Name Ms. Grace Huang
(2) Address 170 W. Norman Ave.
4. Staff Determination:
The Lead Agency’s Staff, having undertaken and completed a preliminary review of this project in
accordance with the Lead Agency's "Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA)" has concluded that this project does not require further environmental assessment
because:
a. The proposed action does not constitute a project under CEQA.
b. The project is a Ministerial Project.
c. The project is an Emergency Project.
d. The project constitutes a feasibility or planning study.
e. The project is categorically exempt.
Applicable Exemption Class: Class 3 – Section 15303
f. The project is statutorily exempt.
Applicable Exemption:
g. The project is otherwise exempt
on the following basis:
h. The project involves another public agency which constitutes the Lead Agency.
Name of Lead Agency:
Date: June 16, 2016 Staff:Nick Baldwin, Associate Planner