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Forest & Beach Commission allows removal of coast live oak near Santa Fe after engineer’s report; owner to plant replacement in city or pay fee
Summary
The commission approved a tree‑permit to remove a coast live oak whose roots were linked to foundation cracking; approval conditions require the owner to plant another tree on city property as designated by the city forester or pay the established in‑lieu planting fee.
The Forest and Beach Commission on Nov. 13 voted to allow the removal of a coast live oak at a steep lot on Santa Fe southwest of 4th after hearing structural‑engineer evidence that the tree was contributing to foundation cracking.
The commission’s action followed a presentation from the applicant’s architect, Patrick Lemaster, and staff who said the structural engineer recommended removal to prevent further damage to the crawl‑space and foundation. “If you go into the crawl space … you can see the cracks that are heading out from those corners,” said the applicant’s representative, who described the home as having been modified many times since the 1960s.
Commissioners debated whether to require replanting on the property, require replanting elsewhere in Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, or accept an in‑lieu fee. City staff noted municipal code language authorizing the commission to condition permits on replacement trees and to require the permittee to pay the cost of obtaining and planting the replacement tree (Municipal Code section cited in the staff packet). Justin, the city forester, confirmed the city’s existing approach and clarified that the planting fee currently used as a historic figure is $800, which pays for procurement and installation but does not cover long‑term maintenance.
Commissioner comment focused on two themes: protecting private property and preserving canopy. Some commissioners said homeowner safety and preserving the house weighed heavily in favor of removal; others urged building the replanting concept into the broader Forest Master Plan. The commission ultimately approved the permit with the condition that the owner either plant a replacement tree at a city‑designated location or pay the established planting cost so staff can plant on city property. The motion passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners present voting yes.
Next steps: staff will issue the tree‑permit consistent with the commission’s conditions and coordinate with the city forester on replant location or in‑lieu fee processing. Any subsequent site work or replacement planting will follow applicable permit requirements and municipal standards.
