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Contested grand‑oak removal at Kensington continued after residents and tree advocates press board for alternatives
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Summary
Domain Homes’ request to remove a large live oak to build a larger replacement home was continued to June after neighbors, an arborist and the Tampa Tree Advocacy Group urged preservation and the board asked the applicant to present alternative site or setback options.
A heated public exchange over the future of a large live oak at 4003 West Kensington Avenue ended April 14 with the Variance Review Board continuing the case to June to allow the owners and builder to present alternative site plans.
Domain Homes’ permit manager explained the lot constraints and asserted the existing house (built 1947) needs replacement, while the owners said they wish to stay on the lot and build a larger family home. The builder and applicant presented two alternate site plans but said retaining the existing large shed and the chosen footprint best met their budget and programmatic needs.
Opponents, an arborist and the Tampa Tree Advocacy Group urged preservation. Pamela Jackson Haney, representing the advocacy group, said a B7 rating for a live oak is rare and urged the board and applicant to pursue layout alternatives or relocate the shed rather than remove the tree. The board pressed the applicant to demonstrate that alternatives (including modest setback variances or a reoriented plan) could not achieve the same program while preserving the tree.
Board action: At the applicant’s request and after robust public comment, the board continued VRB‑26‑55 to June 9 so the applicant can supply alternate designs or reduced‑setback options that might preserve the tree or otherwise reduce canopy damage.
Next steps: Applicants were asked to meet with staff about alternate layouts and to return with specific site‑plan options for the June hearing; tree advocates said they would remain engaged.
