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Board upholds DPW tree-removal denial by default after 2–2 tie; Diamond Heights neighbors oppose removal
Summary
An appeal by Lily Louie seeking removal of a street tree at 5525 Diamond Heights Blvd. was denied by the Department of Public Works; a motion to overturn that denial failed on a 2–2 tie, so the denial stands. Appellant cited sidewalk damage and safety concerns while neighbors and community groups urged keeping the healthy tree.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals considered an appeal on Nov. 19 from Lily Louie asking the Board to overturn the Department of Public Works decision denying removal of a city-owned street tree at 5525 Diamond Heights Boulevard.
Lily Louie said the tree’s roots have repeatedly damaged her sidewalk and that she fears the tree poses a safety risk, especially since she has medical issues and mobility challenges. “I am afraid worrying about this tree … may cause me to have another stroke,” she told the Board.
Chris Buck, acting urban forester for DPW’s Urban Forestry division, said staff received repeated complaints and repaired the sidewalk in 2013 but ultimately found the tree healthy and not a structural safety hazard. Buck told the Board the Department’s decision focused on the health and structural condition of the tree and that removals must meet established removal standards.
Multiple neighbors and the Diamond Heights Community Association urged the Board to deny the appeal and preserve the tree, citing canopy, wind resistance and neighborhood character. Beth Cietti, president of the community association, presented letters from neighbors asking the Board to vote “no” on the appeal. Several speakers noted the tree’s health and the recent sidewalk repairs.
Commissioners discussed the history of complaints and the difficulty of balancing the property owner’s concerns and the city’s responsibility for hundreds of street trees. President Anne Lazarus moved to uphold DPW’s denial on grounds the tree is healthy and DPW committed to maintenance, but that motion failed on a 2–2 split. Under the City Charter, with one Board vacancy a three‑vote majority is required to overturn a departmental action; absent a successful motion the denial remains upheld by default.
Outcome and next steps: The Board did not overturn DPW’s denial (resulting in DPW’s decision being upheld). DPW said it would continue to monitor the site and prioritize repairs if further damage recurs.
