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Design Review Board approves removal of a hazardous Coast Live Oak at 426 West Street
Summary
The Sebastopol City Design Review Board voted 3–0 to approve removal of a 26‑inch Coast Live Oak at 426 West Street after a city arborist’s report identified a lower‑trunk decay cavity as a likely point of failure; the board discussed but did not waive the replacement-or‑in‑lieu requirement.
Sebastopol’s Design Review Board voted to approve removal of a Coast Live Oak at 426 West Street, concluding the tree poses a foreseeable threat to neighboring property.
Planning staff told the board the tree measures 26 inches in diameter at breast height and is protected under the Sebastopol Municipal Code (protected trees exceed 10 inches). Staff summarized a November 1, 2024 arborist report by the city’s certified arborist, Ben Anderson, saying the report identified a decay cavity in the lower trunk that the report characterized as a substantial structural defect and a likely point of failure that could cause significant property damage. Staff recommended removal with conditions attached to the permit and noted Anderson attended the meeting but had a scheduled appointment later in the afternoon.
“I think John has pretty much summarized the concerns around this tree,” applicant Seth Henley said, describing recent dead wood and visible structural defects and saying removal would protect neighbors during the stormy season.
Board members who inspected the site said they agreed with the arborist’s assessment. One member said the tree is in "poor health" and likely poses a risk to life or property; another described it as "awkward out of place" and said its removal would benefit the neighboring trees.
Board members discussed the municipal requirement that removal of a protected tree be offset by replacement plantings or payment of an in‑lieu fee. A board member noted a replacement requirement (commented in the meeting as three trees) might be onerous in this case; staff confirmed the in‑lieu fee is an available alternative and that the fee supports city tree‑planting programs.
A board member identified in the transcript as Gary moved to approve the removal "as submitted" with no other conditions; a second was recorded. Roll call recorded three ayes — Board Member Dietler, Board Member Busch (Carrie Bush) and Chair Langberg — and the motion passed. The record shows Board Members Veil, Bausch and Vice Chair Henley were absent for the vote.
After the vote a board member offered practical advice on stump removal and cutting technique to reduce regrowth and avoid damaging adjacent tree roots.
Permitting will proceed according to conditions attached to the staff recommendation and Sebastopol Municipal Code requirements.
