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Board allows removal of third tree at 2530 Fillmore, orders replacement plan with BUF consultation
Summary
After hearing from property owner Bob Oyster and representative David Sierra that three street trees were damaging the sidewalk, the Board granted the appeal to remove the third tree and directed final replacement species, spacing and placement be determined in consultation with the Bureau of Urban Forestry (BUF).
Property owner Bob Oyster and representative David Sierra asked the Board of Appeals to allow removal of three street trees at 2530 Fillmore Street and the replanting of three replacement trees. Oyster said the existing trees had uprooted and broken the sidewalk and that two ficus trees already approved for removal left one large tree whose roots would again break the pavement if left in place.
Board members asked staff whether distance-to-streetlight or other code requirements prevented replacement at the same location. Commissioners noted BUF/DPW was not present to answer technical questions about clearance from streetlights. Appellants said the building’s new lighting would provide adequate sidewalk illumination and that replacement with smaller-box trees would reduce future sidewalk damage.
Finding no departmental representative available to oppose removal and with technical placement and species questions to be finalized by BUF, the Board moved to grant the appeal and condition the removal permit on final consultation with the Bureau of Urban Forestry to determine the number, species, spacing and exact planting locations. The motion carried 4–0 with Commissioner Wilson absent.
What happens next: The permit is overturned for the third tree removal, but the owner and BUF must finalize replacement species and spacing; BUF will advise on compliance with distance-to-lighting and streetlight clearance codes before replacement trees are planted.
