HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEPB Fact SheetHISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD
FACT SHEET
ADDRESS 2840 Shipping Avenue
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
Appeal of a decision of the Department of Pubic Works concerning th
denial of an application for a tree removal permit.
ANALYSIS The owner constructed a two story duplex on the site which required the
removal of several trees, and permits were obtained to do so.
RECOMMENDATION
The owner more recently applied for a tree removal permit for the oak
tree in the middle of the property. During the ten day posting, the permit
was appealed by the Tree Man Trust and the permit was denied by the
Department of Public Works. Public Works denied the application for
several reasons: because the tree removal permit itself was appealed,
the oak tree is not dead, and the tree remains in fair condition. The
owner wants to remove the tree to accommodate two straight driveways
leading directly into the garages and the installation of an electric fence.
The tree remains standing in the way of the proposed driveway and
would make the accessibility of a two lane driveway impossible. While
the tree is not in the best health, its condition is fair. On a street fined
with trees, the removal of a mature oak tree is not warranted to install a
double driveway. A circular driveway allowing access to both garages
and without the installation of an electric fence can be accommodated in
the existing space while still salvaging the tree. If the driveway were
constructed of brick pavers on sand the tree could receive water
regularly. Lastly, the tree requires greater protection from cars coming
and going. A metal picket fence approximately four feet high can be
installed around the tree to protect it from further vehicular and
construction damage. If the tree does not survive construction, the tree
mitigation chart must be followed but Staff recommends the installation of
a replacement tree matching the existing in terms of species, diameter,
canopy, and height in the existing location.
The Preservation Officer recommends that the appeal be denied, and
that the decision of the Department of Public Works is upheld because
the proposed tree removal does not comply with the criteria for tree
removal set forth in Article 8.1 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Item #7
November 6, 2007