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Commission approves removal of terrace tree at 7108 North Avenue with builder conditions
Summary
The Middleton Parks commission approved a request to remove a tulip street tree at 7108 North Avenue to accommodate a driveway for a new house, contingent on the builder paying removal and remediation costs and attempting to create a replacement planting site.
The Middleton Parks and Recreation Commission voted to allow removal of a city-owned terrace tree at 7108 North Avenue after hearing from staff, the project designer and commissioners.
Staff member Kevin presented the request on behalf of Philip Roe of Roe Construction and Design, saying the tree in question (tree number 13684) is a tulip tree planted in 2020 and measured 2 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above grade. "It was inspected as part of the 2024 Street tree inventory, in late September of last year. It was a 90 out of a 100 or excellent condition," Kevin said. He noted the only defect recorded was lawn mower damage at the base.
Philip Roe, the project representative, told the commission the driveway location reflects his client's design preferences and the interior orientation of the new house. "My client is more than willing to take and replace the current tree and put a new tree in the curve or the right of way once we demolish everything and remodel the house," Roe said. He also said the project team is exploring burying overhead electrical lines, which could create room for a future tree.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on alternatives, including mirroring the house so the new drive would occupy the existing driveway location. Kevin said transplantation of the existing tree was unlikely to assure long-term survival and that the city's standard practice if removal is approved would be to cut the tree, grind the stump, replace grindings with soil and seed, or allow a contractor to handle removal as part of construction.
The motion that carried requires the builder to pay all fees related to removal, be responsible for attempting to relocate the tree or creating a new planting plot contingent on utility burial and compliance with city ordinances, and to meet any remediation requirements for terrace planting sites. Chair (Speaker 1) directed the applicant to coordinate next steps with staff (Kevin and Kylie). The commission recorded a voice vote and the chair announced the motion carried.
Next steps: staff will work with the applicant on permit and remediation details; the commission stipulated that new planting placement must meet Chapter 20 planting restrictions, including required distances from underground water/sewer lines and driveways.
