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Commission approves removal of large redwood at 14 Diane Lane but delays work until after nesting season
Summary
Facing competing concerns about property damage and tree preservation, the commission approved a heritage‑tree permit allowing removal of one redwood at 14 Diane Lane, adding a condition that removal be delayed until after the local bird fledgling/nesting season (around October).
The Larkspur Planning Commission voted July 22 to approve a heritage‑tree permit (HTR‑25‑009) to remove a large redwood tree at 14 Diane Lane, but added a condition requiring that removal not commence until after the local bird fledgling and nesting season to reduce wildlife impacts.
Staff told the commission the tree sits approximately six inches from the applicant’s house, is healthy and meets the city’s heritage‑size criteria at the base, but that the arborist report forecasts potential future foundation damage given the tree’s large basal flare. Staff recommended the commission deny or continue the application unless the applicant could present direct evidence of damage; neighbors filed multiple protests urging retention.
Applicant John Schorin said removal was not undertaken lightly but argued the tree’s root system and proximity to retaining walls and the foundation posed a future risk of expensive structural damage and safety concerns. “We love that tree, and we don't wanna take down the tree. It's time, though,” Schorin said, and added he would delay removal to avoid harming nesting birds.
Neighbors and other residents provided opposing testimony: Matt Pearson called the redwood “one of very few tall redwoods left in Heather Gardens” and urged preservation for habitat and neighborhood character, while nearby resident Dana Hepner said roots already have lifted fence panels and caused yard damage and that high winds make her anxious about the tree’s proximity to her home.
Commissioners weighed absence of documented foundation failure against evidence of encroaching roots and past neighborhood tree failures; several members said they could make the findings for removal based on proximity and risk to structures in Heather Gardens, which is built on fill. The motion to approve removal carried with four yes votes and standard findings; commissioners added a condition delaying removal until after the fledgling/nesting season (estimated to conclude by October) and announced a 10‑day appeal period.
The approval balances immediate neighbor safety and structural concerns with habitat protections by placing a time limit on when removal may commence.
