Council upholds denial of removal for Canary Island pine at 347 Indiana Avenue

The Claremont City Council upheld a decision by the Community & Human Services Commission to deny a property owner’s request to remove a mature Canary Island pine at 347 Indiana Avenue.

Community Services Manager Carrie Dillman summarized staff findings: the tree is approximately 30 inches in diameter, 45–60 feet tall, structurally sound and free from pests or cavity decay; it does not meet the city’s hazard criteria (large dead branches, trunk cavities, fractures) that would require removal under the tree policy and guidelines. Staff noted that when removal is authorized under policy the property owner pays removal and is required to replant two trees (estimated cost in the packet: $2,260).

Appellants Dr. and Mrs. Souter told council they suffer severe sleep loss and health consequences because they believe the tree will fall in high winds and that the tree is only 29 feet from the house, which they said leaves no safe drop zone. Dr. Souter asked the council to allow removal and said he was willing to pay for removal and replacement.

Tree‑committee and commission members, the city arborist and several neighbors testified the tree is healthy and described the committee’s inspection and deliberations. The city arborist said the inventory lists the tree height and that staff had re‑inspected the tree after the applicant’s request and found no condition meeting the removal criteria.

Councilmembers weighed precedent, policy guidance and the applicant’s health vulnerabilities. After debate, the council voted to deny the appeal and to uphold the commission’s decision (vote 4–1: Liano — no; Kalaikai — yes; Vice Mayor Reese — yes; Medina — yes; Mayor Stark — yes). The council noted plans to expand inspections and monitoring of Canary Island pines citywide.