Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Heritage Tree 100 Piedmont topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission permits removal of heritage redwood at 100 Piedmont Court, recommends replacement planting
Summary
The commission granted a heritage tree removal permit to allow removal of a large redwood at 100 Piedmont Court after the property owner said surface roots have seriously damaged a steep driveway and impaired access for a family member who uses a wheelchair; commissioners approved the removal with a recommendation the owner plant a replacement tree on the property and noted a 15‑day appeal window.
The Larkspur Planning Commission approved a heritage tree removal permit Oct. 28 allowing removal of a mature redwood at 100 Piedmont Court (HTR25‑022) after hearing from the property owner and conservation advocates.
Owner Steve Crystal described a steep driveway made unsafe by protruding redwood roots that lift the asphalt and create a breakover angle that causes passenger vehicles and accessible vans to scrape and, he said, prevents a family member who uses a wheelchair from being dropped off safely. The arborist's report, summarized by staff, concluded that root cutting would destabilize the tree and recommended removal, stump grinding and replanting a smaller native species. The arborist also noted an ecologist's survey found no northern spotted owl nesting in that particular tree this year; staff said removal before nesting season (before Feb. 1, 2026) would avoid impacts on nesting owls.
Elise Almernick of Marin Audubon and Barbara Salzman urged the commission to seek alternatives and stressed the ecological and community value of the redwoods and potential owl habitat. The commission considered those concerns but concluded the code's required findings — including reasonably protecting the property owner's investment‑backed expectations and avoiding undue hazard or erosion — could be met in this case.
Commissioners discussed replacement options and ultimately passed a motion approving the removal with a recommendation the owner plant a replacement tree on the property at his discretion to restore canopy. The vote was 5‑0. There is a 15‑day appeal period for heritage tree removals.
