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Zoning panel denies Brandner tree-protection variance after arborists disagree
Summary
The Mandeville Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 14 to deny a variance that would have altered vegetation protection requirements at 149 Coffee after competing arborist findings about root disturbance and debate over hardship and fence placement.
Zoning Chairman Brian Rhinehart called the Zoning Commission public hearing to order at 6 p.m. on April 14. Planner Alex Weiner presented variance V26-03-06, a request by Josh and Luci Brandner related to vegetation protection requirements at 149 Coffee in Old Town Mandeville.
Weiner outlined the case and commissioners questioned differences in arborist reports about the depth and extent of root disturbance following air spading. Applicant Luci Brandner and the applicants’ arborist, Joey Fallas of Bayou Tree Service, described what they observed during the air-spade inspection and noted the applicants’ participation in a tree-health care program. Applicant Josh Brandner directed questions to City Attorney David Parnell about hardship considerations and the legal standard for relief.
Commissioners discussed the location of tree protection fencing and whether the demonstrated impacts met the criteria for a variance. Commissioner Claire Durio moved to deny the variance; Commissioner Karen Gautreaux seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
