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Parks commission approves removal of coast live oak near 767–773 Palermo Drive
Summary
The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission voted to overturn the Street Tree Advisory Committee and approve removal of a coast live oak growing on the property line between 767 and 773 Palermo Drive, citing forest-management and safety concerns after testimony from property owners.
The Santa Barbara City Parks and Recreation Commission voted July 23 to approve removal of a coast live oak that straddles the property line near 767 and 773 Palermo Drive.
Commissioners acted after a staff presentation and public comment from property owners. The Street Tree Advisory Committee had inspected the tree and recommended denying removal, finding the tree healthy and stable. City Arborist (Mr.) Slack told the commission the committee ‘‘concluded that the tree’s stable and has shown . . . phototrophic response . . . which indicates that the root system’s pretty stable,’’ and that committee members did not raise immediate safety concerns.
But property owners and commissioners said canopy proximity to structures, recurring leaf litter and long-term insurance and maintenance pressures supported removal. Lori Rafferty, who identified herself as owner of 767 Palermo and representative of the adjacent owner, told the commission two property owners were ‘‘working together to solve a problem with defensible space’’ and described repeated clogging of gutters and a ‘‘liability for two property owners.’’
Commissioner Sebastian Aldana moved to disagree with the Street Tree Advisory Committee and approve removal on grounds of forest-management and health-and-safety findings; Commissioner Ramsey seconded. After discussion about pruning options and the tree’s effect on a neighboring street tree, the motion passed.
The commission’s action directs staff to permit the removal under the finding cited by commissioners; the record shows the Street Tree Advisory Committee’s recommendation and the owners’ written materials were considered prior to the vote. The commission did not state a replacement requirement for this specific removal in the public discussion.
The tree removal will proceed under the city’s street-tree review process; staff said any necessary permits and conditions will be recorded and enforced.
The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
Ending: The commission’s decision formalizes the owner request for removal despite the advisory committee’s contrary recommendation; any replacement planting, permit conditions or appeal rights will be managed through regular Parks Department procedures and are not detailed in the meeting record.
