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Board continues street‑tree appeal at 371 Silver Avenue until after ballot measure
Summary
An appellant asked to remove a privately maintained street tree that she says damages sidewalks and sewers; Public Works’ urban forestry staff said the tree is generally healthy. The board continued the appeal to Dec. 7 to await a ballot initiative that would return maintenance to the city.
San Francisco — The Board of Appeals continued a request from a property owner to remove a privately maintained street tree at 371 Silver Avenue to Dec. 7, 2016, in light of a pending ballot measure on city maintenance of street trees.
The appellant said past root damage required a costly sewer repair and that existing sidewalk uplift and weak limbs make the tree a hazard. Chris Buck, San Francisco Public Works’ urban forester, told the board the tree’s structure and vigor were generally good, that the species is relatively well behaved, and that Public Works has historically maintained these trees. Buck offered that if a voter measure passes the city may resume maintenance for certain trees and that the property’s two trees might revert to city responsibility.
Commissioners expressed sympathy for the homeowner’s financial concerns about a repeat sewer repair but also emphasized the city’s interest in preserving mature urban trees. Vice President Fung moved to continue the matter until December 7 to await election results and potential city policy changes; the motion carried unanimously.
What happens next: The appeal is continued and the board will revisit the removal request after the stated date; Public Works said it maintains records for the site and will re‑inspect if needed.
