Committee approves 881‑sq‑ft addition and removal of eight trees at 17616 Eaton Lane, requires 10 citrus trees in planters

The Site Architectural Committee approved application 20253068 for a one‑story addition of approximately 881 square feet at 17616 Eaton Lane and granted a tree removal permit for eight trees, with a condition that the applicant plant an additional ten 24‑inch‑box citrus trees in the locations shown on the plan.

Consultant planner Danelle Gonzales Ariana told the committee the proposal requests removal of 12 trees in total with eight subject to commission review; staff recommended approval as conditioned. Applicant Jeff Current described the project as a single‑story ranch house addition, explained the removal of four very tall trees that have little lower‑level foliage and said an arborist advised removing trees leaning over the house. Neighbor Dan Christman said his main concern was "the loss of privacy in our backyard" and asked for a privacy‑screening strategy. The neighbor’s architect, Bess Worsmith of Studio 3, urged the committee to address replacement and species selection, noting the city's identity as a heavily canopied community: "Monte Sereno is the city of trees 20 20," she said, and recommended preserving more of the mature canopy and agreeing on replacement planting that maintains neighborhood character.

Commissioners focused on impervious coverage numbers, replacement planting size and time to mature. Commissioners proposed and adopted a motion that conditions approval on installing ten additional 24‑inch‑box citrus trees in the planter boxes indicated on the plans and directed staff to ensure parties agree on the planting approach prior to permit issuance. The motion passed with members voting in favor.