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Coos Bay Tree Board approves multiple tree‑removal requests, conditions after‑the‑fact permit
Summary
The Tree Board approved five removal requests — including one after‑the‑fact removal conditioned on a right‑of‑way permit and replanting to stabilize a slope — and agreed to notify affected parties by letter.
The Coos Bay Tree Board approved five tree‑removal requests at its meeting, including one after‑the‑fact removal that staff said must be followed by a right‑of‑way use application and replanting to stabilize a hillside.
Staff told the board it had investigated an after‑the‑fact removal at Tax Lot 5500 in North Empire and found approximately 10–15 trees and other vegetation removed from the public right of way and adjacent private property. Staff recommended approval of the after‑the‑fact application with the condition that the property owner file a right‑of‑way use permit and replant the disturbed area with native vegetation to stabilize the slope; the board approved that recommendation.
On separate agenda items the board approved: removal of two trees adjacent to 1330 Newmark Avenue (a cedar and a spruce) at the property owner’s expense; removal of multiple previously topped trees at 1476 Redwood Avenue at the owner’s expense; removal of a large Douglas fir at 2045 Timberline Drive at the owner’s expense; and removal of a leaning Douglas fir adjacent to 2050 Thompson Road. In each case staff recommended removal based on safety concerns, tree condition, or damage to private property and the board approved the requests.
Staff said code enforcement and the city right‑of‑way permitting process provide recourse if applicants do not follow the required steps after approval. Board members discussed replanting and asked that disturbed areas be replanted with native vegetation where the city has jurisdiction.
Votes at a glance
- Tax Lot 5500, North Empire (after‑the‑fact removal): Approved. Condition: applicant must submit a right‑of‑way use permit and replant disturbed right‑of‑way area with native vegetation to stabilize the hillside. Staff reported approximately 10–15 trees removed; adjacent private‑property removals are a civil matter between property owners.
- 1330 Newmark Avenue: Approved. Removal of a cedar (leaning toward fence) and a spruce (roots lifting facility asphalt); approved at property manager’s expense. Staff noted limbing is allowed, but staff and several board members agreed the spruce’s root damage justified removal.
- 1476 Redwood Avenue: Approved. Property owner (Ryan Barber) requested removal of multiple previously topped trees; board approved removal at the owner’s expense. Some trees may lie on the property line; the owner said maps were ambiguous.
- 2045 Timberline Drive: Approved. Owner requested removal of a large Douglas fir adjacent to the property; board approved at owner’s expense after discussion of tree health and neighborhood context.
- 2050 Thompson Road: Approved. Removal of a leaning Douglas fir adjacent to the residence; staff clarified the exhibit had the wrong tree marked and identified the correct tree in the photos; board approved removal at the owner’s expense.
Staff said the city will send written notification to the parties involved and reminded applicants that approved removals that affect the right of way must be followed by permit applications and, where required, replanting plans.
