Atherton planning commission approves removal of one heritage oak at 68 Elena, requires two 48-inch replacements

The Town of Atherton Planning Commission on Jan. 28 approved the removal of a heritage valley oak and a reduced tree-protection-zone encroachment to allow construction of a new single-family residence at 68 Elena Avenue.

Assistant Planner Jerry Martin told the commission staff recommends approval of two related requests: the removal of a 22.8-inch-diameter valley oak (identified as tree 162) and an exception to the tree protection zone to allow construction at five times the trunk diameter, rather than the eight-times protection standard, for a 27.4-inch coast live oak (tree 158) to accommodate a new driveway and site improvements. "Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve both requests," Martin said.

The town arborist, Sally, reviewed the project and agreed the developable area is constrained by lot shape and an existing drainage easement. Sally said tree 162 is in "fair" health with declining structure but that the larger front oak is preservable; she recommended approval provided the applicant plant two 48-inch-box oak trees as mitigation. "I do think Tree 162 is in fair shape," Sally said, and she supported preserving tree 154 over 162 while seeking replacement plantings.

Casey Kramer of Arcana Architecture, representing the applicant, said the design intentionally preserves the more prominent street-facing oak and places the light well and other elements where they conflict with tree 162. Kramer said the team has begun coordinating screening and replacement planting with neighbors and with the town arborist.

A commissioner moved to approve the heritage tree removal of the 22-inch valley oak, reduce the tree protection zone encroachment from eight times to five times the trunk diameter for construction, and require installation of two 48-inch oak replacements as a condition of approval. The motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor.

The commission’s approval includes standard protective conditions recommended by the town arborist, such as a 4–6 inch mulch layer in the tree protection zone, supervised excavation in the protected zone and monthly irrigation requirements for newly planted trees. The project will proceed through remaining plan-review steps and required permits.

The town’s staff report and arborist analysis formed the basis of the recommendation; the applicant will be required to show compliance with the replacement and protective conditions during building-permit review.

The Planning Commission moved on to the next agenda item after the vote.