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Commission allows removal of some street trees but requires replacements near garage
Summary
Commissioners agreed to allow removal of two of four 'strawberry' trees at 130 San Rafael while preserving two trees flanking the garage and requiring a final landscape plan approved by chair and staff; species for replacements will be determined during that review.
The design-review approval for 130 San Rafael includes a landscaping condition that preserves the two strawberry trees closest to the garage while allowing removal of the other two adjacent to the sidewalk, with a final landscape plan required and subject to chair and staff approval.
Staff and the applicant said the proposed trees had become "very large" and messy, producing berries and leaf drop; the applicant's representative said the trees shade the applicant's front vegetable garden and can create slipping hazards for parked cars. Commissioners generally sought compromise: preserve two trees to retain visual character and require replacement plantings to soften the street frontage. The resolution language directs that the species and final placement of mitigation plantings be approved by the chair and staff as part of the landscape plan prior to issuance of a building permit.
Commissioners noted that tree removal and replacement proposals are considered under design-review findings and that an arborist report and planting plan will accompany final permits. The motion to approve design review with these conditions passed 4–1.
