Approve or deny the removal of one significant Santa Lucia fir tree at Casanova Street, 2 Southeast of Palou Avenue (Tree Permit Application 23-148)

Approve the removal of one Santa Lucia fir tree at the Applicant’s expense. Should the removal be approved, require the replanting of 1 upper canopy tree at the Applicant’s expense.

Liyoong Lim submitted Tree Permit Application 23-148 (see Attachment 1) for the removal of one double-stemmed Santa Lucia fir tree on private property, to accommodate new construction. See Attachment 2 for the current and proposed Site Maps. In March of 2022, the tree (#14) was evaluated and deemed significant by the former City Forester (see Attachment 3) as part of a preliminary site assessment. The assessment noted evidence of pests or disease on the tree that could impair its condition.

Justin Ono, an ISA-certified Master Arborist, recently conducted a visual assessment of the Santa Lucia fir tree on behalf of the City (see Attachment 4 for assessment and photos). Mr. Ono found the fir tree to be in very poor condition, with less than 10% remaining of the living crown. He noted that the tree is not a long-term asset to Carmel’s urban forest due to its condition.

Per Carmel Municipal Code Section 17.48.080:

There is adequate space to replant 1 upper canopy tree.

The Applicant was notified of their opportunity to speak at the Public Hearing.

The Applicant has paid the $340 fee for a Tree Removal Permit application.

Should the trees be approved for removal, all costs will be at the Applicant’s expense. Should the Applicant be required to plant an additional upper canopy tree on the private property, the Applicant will pay the cost of the replacement tree.