South Pasadena commission approves removal of two trees at 1459 Indiana Avenue after arborist review

The Natural Resources and Environmental Commission approved a permit to remove two trees at 1459 Indiana Avenue after staff and the city arborist recommended removal based on lean and poor soil conditions that may cause uprooting.

Staff said the application listed a 19-inch eucalyptus (classified as a significant tree under municipal thresholds) and a 9-inch cedar (not significant under the 12-inch threshold). The city arborist inspected the site in late January and concluded the trees posed a risk because of slope, poor soil and burrowing rodents undermining root stability; staff cited Municipal Code 34.11(a)(1) as the authority allowing removal when a tree poses a reasonable risk to persons or property.

The staff report also noted a prior, separate unpermitted removal in February 2022: two trees were removed after the current owners purchased the property. Staff said one of those earlier trees was about 20 to 24 inches and that the owners paid the $125 inspection fee and a $322 tree removal permit fee at that time (total $447). Because the prior removal was categorized as an unintentional violation, staff said the replacement requirement doubled to six 24-inch box trees; a deposit for one replacement tree was recorded in February, but staff reported the prior requirement had not been fulfilled and said they would consult the city attorney about any statutory limits on re-opening that case.

Neighbors and public commenters strongly objected to additional removals. Angelo Gladding said he was "unable to understand how that tree was removed, and only a $400 $450 fine and still no replacements," and asked why a replacement plan had not been required earlier. A neighbor identified as Deborah told the commission she had lived near the property for 25 years and called the trees "perfectly healthy," urging denial of the permit.

The property owners told the commission they bought the home in October 2021 and described a steep sandy slope, ground-squirrel undermining, and storm and fire-related concerns. The owners said they had planted some ground cover and attempted to stabilize the slope but planned a contractor-led slope-stabilization project and intended to plant replacement trees at appropriate locations. One applicant said they "were unaware of those strict requirements" in city code when the earlier removals occurred and described confusion in communications with former city staff.

Commission discussion examined the arborist findings and the previous unintentional violation. Commissioners asked about replacement timing and enforcement: staff said replacement trees required by permit must be planted within the next planting cycle and staff may revisit properties to confirm tree survival; municipal code allows staff to check replacement survival within two years.

A motion to approve the removal of two trees at 1459 Indiana Avenue passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting yes. Staff confirmed the replacement requirement attached to this permit is two replacement trees for the current application, and the outstanding prior replacement obligation (six trees) remains an unresolved matter referenced in the objection letter and subject to possible legal limitations on further action by the city.

Action summary: permit approved; property owners must meet replacement requirements specified by municipal code and staff; staff will consult the city attorney about the prior unfulfilled replacement obligation.