Public Works Commission approves removal of dead eucalyptus at 1233 Owasso Avenue; replacement trees to be planted elsewhere

The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission on May 21 approved the removal of a large, dead eucalyptus tree in the public right-of-way at 1233 Owasso Avenue and accepted two replacement trees to be planted elsewhere in the city.

Assistant Engineer Carla Vargas presented the application and supporting arborist report, saying the tree measures roughly 32 feet tall with a 39-inch trunk diameter and that the arborist “confirms the tree is in a state of severe stress and is ultimately dead and recommends the tree to be removed at our earliest convenience.” Vargas told commissioners the parkway at the location is about 7 feet by 7 feet and contains a water meter that reduces space to plant a replacement on site.

The property owner’s nephew, Dennis Burke, asked the commission to waive the two-for-one replacement requirement because of financial hardship. “The cost to remove this large tree is gonna be over $2,000 for my aunt — at least $1,600 to remove the tree and grind out that stump, another $200 for the appraisal, another $200 for the application to remove the tree, another $200 or so for the right-of-way permit,” Burke said during public comment.

Public Works Director Joe San Clemente told the commission staff must follow the municipal code and that the code currently assigns removal and replacement costs to the adjacent property owner. “The code transfers all cost to the adjacent property owner for responsibility for removal and replacement. There's no provision in the code that allows us to waive fees,” San Clemente said. Commissioners and staff advised that a request to waive or reduce replacement requirements would be an appeal to city council.

Commission discussion addressed roots under the parkway, proximity to a water meter and sewer laterals, and sight‑line concerns for nearby driveways. Commissioners agreed onsite replacement was not feasible given the meter and underground utilities and supported the staff recommendation to accept two replacement trees to be planted elsewhere in the city.

The commission voted 3-0 to approve removal and accept two replacement trees. The vote was recorded as three yes votes by the commissioners present.

The property owner may proceed with removal in accordance with the city's municipal code and permitting requirements; staff will coordinate curb repairs and work with the owner on restoration of the parkway after stump removal. Commissioners and staff told the public commenter that any request for fee waiver or reduction in the two-for-one replacement requirement would need to go to the city council for consideration.