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Board overrules urban forestry and allows removal of large street tree with replacement and sewer repair conditions
Summary
After hearing from the Bureau of Urban Forestry and the property owner at 835 Wisconsin Street, the Board overruled BUF's denial of a removal permit for a 26‑year‑old Metrosideros excelsa and approved removal on condition the owner plant two 24‑inch‑box replacement trees (species to be coordinated with BUF) and repair any sewer leakage as required by DPW.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on July 21 overruled the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Urban Forestry (BUF) and granted an appeal by homeowner Elizabeth Cantor to remove a 26‑year‑old Metrosideros excelsa at 835 Wisconsin Street, subject to conditions.
Kyla Short, representing BUF, urged the Board to deny the removal permit and recommended expanding the tree basin to 4 by 9 feet to protect the sidewalk while preserving the mature tree. "When we give tree roots more room, it makes them less likely to disrupt the sidewalk in the near future," Short said, emphasizing the environmental benefits of mature canopy and that an expanded basin and maintenance can reduce root‑related sidewalk damage.
Owner Elizabeth Cantor told the Board the tree has caused repeated root intrusion into her sewer and repeated sidewalk and utility problems. Cantor said her plumber videotaped roots at the junction where a clay sewer meets cast iron and that the tree’s large root system has lifted and intruded on pipes. She asked the Board to allow removal, citing repeated sewer maintenance and public‑safety concerns.
Commissioners questioned BUF and property owners about technical mitigation options, including whether the sewer leakage indicated a need for full pipe replacement or a targeted repair (a sleeve or localized sealing). Lawrence Kornfield of DBI suggested the plumbing inspection division determine whether repair or replacement is required rather than the Board prescribing a cure.
A motion to uphold BUF’s denial failed; the Board instead overruled the department’s decision and granted the removal on the condition the appellant plant two 24‑inch box trees (species to be selected with BUF) and repair any sewer leaks as required by DPW/streets and plumbing. The roll call recorded the conditioned approval (4‑1). The decision allows the homeowner to remove the mature tree but requires replacement plantings intended to preserve neighborhood canopy in the long term.
What happens next: The appellant will coordinate species selection with the Bureau of Urban Forestry and arrange for required sewer repairs or inspections by the plumbing division; BUF will provide planting guidance and any further compliance instructions.
