Commission reviews nine tree-removal requests; most approved with replacement requirements

Sonoma City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission on Wednesday reviewed nine separate tree-removal permit applications and voted on each individually, approving most requests while requiring replacement trees and declining one commercial-parcel request.

The commission considered removals ranging from street trees to privately owned yard specimens. Staff and the city arborist presented individual reports for each property and recommended either denial or removal with specified replacement trees. Commissioners debated whether replacement ratios should follow past practice (1:1) or be adjusted and noted state requirements that any change to city policy on replacement ratios would need a formal process.

Staff recommended denial of the application for 811 West Napa Street after an arborist site visit found the conditions cited in the applicant’s report were not present. The commission voted to decline that permit (motion passed; tally recorded as passing with five in favor, one opposed and one abstention).

For privately owned residence requests, outcomes included:

- 1189 Fifth Street East: Two coast redwood trees near the house. Staff recommended approval with two 24-inch-box replacement trees; commissioners approved the removal while voting for a 1:1 replacement ratio instead of staff’s suggested two 24-inch boxes. The motion passed (vote…