Commission approves removal of 24‑inch Aleppo pine at 635 Loma Drive, requires two on‑site replacements

The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission voted in its November meeting to allow the removal of an Aleppo pine with a 24‑inch trunk fronting 635 Loma Drive, provided the developer installs two replacement trees on‑site.

Assistant engineer Christian Alarcon told the commission the tree qualifies for a public hearing because its trunk diameter “exceed[ed] 12 inches” and recommended removal with a 2:1 replacement ratio drawn from the city’s approved parkway list. Alarcon said the removal request is tied to a new single‑family residence and associated public improvements, including installation of a six‑foot sidewalk.

The applicant submitted a supplemental plan the evening before the meeting to show the replacement layout. An applicant representative explained the tree well would “straddle the property line” so the replacement trees would technically be in public right of way while the pit partly sits on private property, meeting the municipal code’s replacement requirements while preserving required clearances.

Commissioners reviewed an arborist report submitted with the application that flagged the tree for internal decay and increased susceptibility to pests after extensive pruning and noted compacted soils and root‑ball extent that could be damaged by sidewalk excavation. One commissioner said the removal met the code standard because the tree would “interfere significantly with the use and enjoyment of the immediately joining property” if left in place and redevelopment could not proceed.

After deliberation a motion to accept staff’s recommendation — removal of the 24‑inch tree at 635 Loma Drive with installation of two on‑site replacement trees — was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

The commission’s action implements the replacement requirement of Hermosa Beach municipal code 12.36.06. Staff and the applicant confirmed the approved action reflected the on‑site replacement revision shown on the meeting display. No public speakers opposed or supported the item during the hearing.

The decision allows the developer to proceed with plan check and permits necessary for the new sidewalk and associated improvements; the replacement trees must be installed consistent with the city’s parkway species list and the approved plan.