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Board Upholds DPW Denial of Tree Removal Request on Noriega Street
Summary
Property owner’s appeal to remove a privately maintained street tree at 1812 Noriega Street was denied after DPW urban forestry staff described the species as healthy and appropriate for the site; commissioners noted infrastructure concerns but voted 3–0 to uphold the department.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Sept. 17 upheld the Department of Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry’s denial of a request to remove a privately maintained street tree at 1812 Noriega Street.
Appellant Michael Klestoff told the board he has owned the property for more than 20 years and cited repeated sidewalk upheaval from tree roots, damage to a nearby water meter and potential liability for future sidewalk repairs. He said he would be willing to replace the tree with a less invasive species.
Carla Short, representing DPW’s Bureau of Urban Forestry, presented photos and staff inspection results and said the subject tree — a New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsa) — is well maintained, structurally sound and suits the challenging west‑side microclimate. DPW proposed alternatives including expanding the tree basin to give roots more room, but acknowledged no guarantee that would prevent future sidewalk damage.
Commissioners questioned the age and planting history of the tree, whether the tree was privately planted, and whether widening the basin or replacement with a different species would be viable. After discussion, Commissioner Frank Fung moved to uphold DPW’s denial on the basis that the tree is healthy; the motion passed 3–0.
The board’s decision leaves the tree in place; the property owner may pursue other avenues such as applying for a permit with a revised proposal or seeking mediation with DPW.
