Public Works Commission approves removal of 24-inch right-of-way tree at 635 Loma Drive with on-site 2:1 replacement

The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission on a unanimous roll-call vote approved removal of a 24-inch-diameter Aleppo pine located in the public right-of-way fronting 635 Loma Drive and required the developer to replace it on-site at a 2-to-1 ratio.

Assistant Engineer Christian Alarcon told the commission that the tree is located on the right-of-way line and is part of a proposed public improvement plan for construction of a single-family residence that includes a six-foot sidewalk. "The tree is an Aleppo pine tree with a 24 inches diameter trunk," Alarcon said, and he noted the arborist report cited extensive prior pruning, compaction of the planting soil and increased susceptibility to internal decay and pest infestation. He said city code (Hermosa Beach Municipal Code 12.36.06) requires public hearing consideration for trees exceeding 12 inches in trunk diameter and mandates replacement from the city's approved parkway tree list at a minimum 2-to-1 ratio.

An applicant representative told commissioners the original proposal sought off-site replacement but a supplemental plan submitted the prior evening proposes placing replacement trees in a tree well that straddles the public right-of-way and private property line so the trees themselves remain in the right-of-way. The representative said the team confirmed the proposed on-site layout is feasible and meets clearance requirements.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether sidewalk installation could be accomplished without removing the tree. Staff and the applicant cited the arborist's finding that excavation for the curb, gutter and new sidewalk would likely intrude on the tree's critical root zone and could affect its stability. A commissioner who supported removal cited the municipal-code standard that removal may be considered when a tree "interferes significantly with the use and enjoyment of the immediately adjoining property," adding that if the tree prevented construction of a required sidewalk, the owner could not complete redevelopment.

A motion to follow staff's recommendation — approve removal of the right-of-way tree at 635 Loma Drive and require installation of two on-site replacement trees — was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. Commissioners confirmed the motion language was updated to require on-site replacement.

The commission did not specify the exact replacement species in the motion; Alarcon said the applicant proposed installing two king palms consistent with the city's parkway list, subject to plan-check details including irrigation and tree-well grading. Final planting details, irrigation responsibilities and plan-check approvals will be resolved during the building and plan-check process.

The commission's action authorizes staff to reflect the approved removal and on-site replacement in project conditions and permit requirements.