Board continues San Carlos live‑oak removal request to August for redesign and second arborist opinion

The board voted to continue PZB application 20260055 — a request to remove two significant live oaks (one ~52‑inch DBH and one ~44‑inch DBH) on San Carlos Avenue — to the August 4 Planning & Zoning Board meeting to allow the applicant time to provide additional information and consider redesign options to save trees.

Staff described the trees’ locations and the constraining lot size. A speaker who identified himself as conducting a level‑2 risk assessment said one tree had decay and leaning that posed risk to adjacent lots, while the other tree was healthier but sits in the center of the proposed building footprint. Neighbors from nearby Magnolia and May streets urged preservation of the canopy, saying the live oaks are part of the historic neighborhood character and resilient in storms.

Board members repeatedly asked whether the house could be moved, lowered in height or placed on piers to avoid root damage. Several members suggested using the planning department’s budget to retain an independent city arborist for a second opinion; staff confirmed that such funds and consultative capacity exist. Given the number of public commenters urging preservation and the technical uncertainties about root impact and structural risk, the board opted to continue the matter to allow the applicant to explore site‑plan changes and to obtain additional arboricultural analysis.

The continuance is intended to produce a revised site plan and additional documentation that specifically addresses whether the house can be repositioned or the design modified (for example, using piers or changing orientation) to retain one or both live oaks. The applicant was instructed to submit materials by the stated deadlines for the August 4 agenda.