The house/homeowner on the east side on Pacific Avenue was requesting to remove the for reason; “requesting removal of the tree is due to concerns around potential safety; property damage from falling branches or debris; and onerous maintenance.”
Despite the permit denial, the applicant proceeded with the removal. A stop work order was issued by the City to the applicant who was in the process of removing the tree.
The permit was denied, and the applicant is appealing the decision,
The silver maple tree (Acer saccharinum) measures 59.5 cm in diameter.
Text from the city background report.
The applicant submitted an application for a permit. They did not provide an assessment of the tree by an independent arborist as required for the permit application. The application was denied, and staff recommended pruning in accordance with good arboricultural practices to correct the growth of limbs that are leaning towards the house. Despite the permit denial, the applicant proceeded with the removal. A stop work order was issued by the City to the applicant who was in the process of removing the tree. At the time of the contravention, staff determined the tree to be healthy and maintainable. Following the issue of the stop work order, the applicant appealed the decision to deny the tree removal permit. City staff re-inspected the tree following the contravention and at the time of that inspection, determined that the tree remains healthy and maintainable. The tree splits into two main stems. One stem had two codominant leaders were removed resulting in the loss of 50 per cent of canopy, leaving the tree’s canopy unbalanced. The remaining trunk and branches appear healthy and structurally sound. All primary and secondary branches appear to be free of significant defects. All of the cuts appear to be into solid wood with no signs of internal decay present. Due to its large size, the tree is growing into an adjacent chain link fence. The remaining portions of the tree have a healthy and full canopy.
