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Board continues 800‑block Steiner tree-replacement proposal to Oct. 20 after parties agree to submit plans
Summary
Neighbors proposing to remove nine trees and plant 14 replacements on the 800 block of Steiner offered to cover costs; the Board of Appeals continued the appeal to Oct. 20 to allow DPW and appellants to submit exhibits and negotiate maintenance responsibilities.
Neighbors on the 800 block of Steiner told the San Francisco Board of Appeals on Sept. 8 that they want to remove nine existing street trees and plant 14 replacement trees at their expense to restore a consistent streetscape near Alamo Square.
Carla Short of the Department of Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry said many of the trees on the 800 block are DPW-maintained and are generally healthy. DPW granted removal of one tree at the departmental hearing but denied most of the removal requests because the trees did not meet DPW’s removal standard; the department said basin expansion and coordinated root pruning often allow preservation of mature specimens. Short noted the Urban Forestry Ordinance directs DPW to protect mature trees for their environmental benefits.
Appellant Ted Bartlett and neighbors presented a plan prepared with a certified arborist to replace the trees with approved species and said the neighbors would assume planting costs and seek maintenance transfer options from DPW. Residents argued the existing mix of large trees obscures Victorian facades, creates sidewalk heave and is inconsistent with the iconic 700 block (Painted Ladies) nearby. An arborist for the appellants described sidewalk heave and species-specific residue that can create slippery conditions.
Board members, DPW and appellants discussed whether adjacent property owners could assume long-term maintenance or sign maintenance agreements. DPW staff said the Public Works Code allows the director to relinquish maintenance responsibility to adjacent owners by letter and follow a public notice process. Commissioners asked for comparative ecological data (trunk diameters / canopy benefits) and drawings showing the proposed streetscape after tree replacement.
Commissioner Garcia moved to continue the item to Oct. 20 so DPW and the appellants could submit up to five pages of briefing and unlimited exhibits; the motion passed 4-0. The board asked the parties to provide species and size options, maintenance proposals, and illustration of the streetscape in advance of the hearing.
