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Commission approves removal of parkway pine at 2122 Monterey Blvd., owner to plant two replacements
Summary
The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission approved removing a pine tree in the public right-of-way in front of 2122 Monterey Boulevard to allow a residential redevelopment to remove nonconforming encroachments. The owner will plant two on‑site replacement trees (2:1 ratio) from the approved parkway list.
The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission voted to approve removal of a pine tree in the parkway in front of 2122 Monterey Boulevard and accepted the applicant’s proposal to replace it with two trees from the city’s approved parkway list.
The action came after staff explained the tree—measuring more than 12 inches in diameter—sits in a parkway area that must be cleared to allow the property owner’s redevelopment to remove nonconforming encroachments (retaining walls and a staircase) required under Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Section 12-16-130. Staff said the existing sidewalk width is about 5.5 feet, the parkway is about 12.5 feet, and the tree sits roughly 8–10 feet behind the sidewalk and about 5 feet above sidewalk elevation, which would make preserving the tree while removing the encroachments “extremely difficult, if not impossible.”
Public Works staff told the commission staff had mailed notices in roughly a 350-foot radius and posted a notice on the tree itself. The staff presentation said the applicant proposes to plant two Karo trees on-site to satisfy the municipal code replacement requirement (a 2:1 replacement ratio).
Homeowner Romaine Levy, who identified herself as the owner of 2122 Monterey, spoke in support of the staff recommendation. “We’re sad to see a beautiful thriving tree be taken out, but I’m happy to replace it with two new ones that will hopefully grow to be as large and healthy as that one is,” Levy said.
A commissioner asked whether the tree is in the public right of way; staff responded, “It’s absolutely in the public right of way… I have 100% confidence it’s in the public right of way and not on private property.”
During deliberations commissioners said there was no evidence the tree was dead or a nuisance. One commissioner said the relevant code requires removal of nonconforming elements when a substantial redevelopment (exceeding 400 square feet) is undertaken and concluded that retaining the tree would prevent compliance and thereby “severely interfere” with the owner’s ability to use and enjoy the property. Commissioners noted the applicant is offering the required two replacement trees on-site.
A motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve removal passed by recorded voice; the minutes show multiple commissioners voting in favor. The official action approves removal of the parkway pine tree in front of 2122 Monterey Boulevard, requires installation of two replacement trees from the city’s approved parkway list, and continues the project to the encroachment permitting stage where the applicant must finalize plans and obtain an encroachment permit.
The commission’s decision is recorded in the meeting minutes; a formal building or encroachment permit and any associated construction permits remain to be issued by staff. The staff report and presentation referenced Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Section 12-16-130 and noted the code’s requirements for removing nonconforming encroachments as part of substantial redevelopment.
