Parks commission splits on street-tree removals: four approvals, two denials

Santa Barbara — The Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday approved several street-tree removal permits while denying others, drawing frequent debate over precedent, property damage and neighborhood character.

The commission voted to approve the removal of an ailing American sycamore at 288 Cannon Drive after the Street Tree Advisory Committee documented trunk decay and dead limbs and recommended removal with no mitigation. Nathan Slack, urban forest staff, told commissioners the committee unanimously concluded “the tree didn’t have much of a future.” Commissioner Ramsey moved to accept the committee’s recommendation and the motion passed.

The panel also voted to approve removal of a large Italian stone pine at 536 Bath Street, where the applicant presented an arborist report documenting progressive damage to walkways, multiple retaining walls and evidence of foundation impacts. Chair McGill said he made the motion “with a heavy heart” to approve removal on the condition the applicant plant a new canopy tree expected to reach about 30 feet at maturity; the applicant indicated a jacaranda was the preferred replacement.

Separately, the commission approved an application allowing pre-approval to…