Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Street Tree Removal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board overrules Urban Forestry and permits removal of street tree at 3420 Fulton with replacement conditions
Summary
The Board of Appeals granted an appeal to remove a large street tree at 3420 Fulton Street, conditioning approval on replanting (minimum 24‑inch box) and a sidewalk landscaping plot (at least 6×9), citing repeated sewer backups and property impacts. Vote 5–0.
The Board of Appeals voted 5–0 to overrule the Department of Public Works’ denial of a removal permit for the street tree at 3420 Fulton Street and granted the owners’ request to replace the mature tree under specific conditions. Appellants detailed repeated sewage backups, tenant losses and property damage they attributed to the adjacent tree.
Chris Buck, acting Urban Forester for Public Works, acknowledged the property owners’ hardship but urged preservation of the mature tree, recommending a substantial tree‑basin expansion (at least 6×9 feet) and sidewalk repairs as a remedy. The board weighed public‑benefit arguments for retaining canopy against documented health and property impacts and support among nearby neighbors for a replacement tree.
Commissioner Fung moved to grant the appeal on condition the owners obtain a sidewalk landscaping plot permit of at least 6×9 feet and replant a replacement tree of at least 24‑inch box size in consultation with DPW. The motion passed 5–0.
