Council approves removal of two large 'heritage' trees at Boyce mixed‑use site over protest from tree‑minded planners

The City Council voted to allow removal of two trees designated as "heritage" at the Boyce Mixed‑Use Development on West Boyce Street, approving a fee‑in‑lieu to offset the loss.

Michael Burrell, interim development services director, explained that the two trees are large enough to meet the city's heritage designation (the code applies to trees over 25 inches diameter at breast height) and said one specimen (tree No. 29) was "speculated to be in poor health." Burrell said the trees obstructed the planned drive aisle and main entrance and that the developer proposed a fee‑in‑lieu payment to the city's tree replacement fund. "They're being removed simply because of their location," Burrell said.

Planning and Zoning recommended approval but, according to council discussion, commissioners had reservations because of their appreciation for trees. Councilmembers discussed alternatives and whether to require on‑site replacement; staff and a consultant explained that credit is typically given for on‑site plantings measured in caliper inches and that any remaining loss is converted to a fee to be used in public planting projects.

Councilwoman Wallace moved to approve the removal with a fee‑in‑lieu and to direct staff to determine valuation; the motion passed by a 6–1 vote. The transcript records "Motion passes 6 1" but does not include a full roll call of yes and no votes within the recorded segments.

What this means: the developer will proceed with the site layout that requires removal of the two large trees, will plant landscaping per its plan and will pay a fee for any net caliper inches lost that cannot be mitigated on site. Staff said a precise valuation will be calculated and returned to council as required by the governing tree replacement policy.