TR-2010-32b OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
C U P E RT I N O (408) 777-3308 • FAX (408) 777-3333 • planning @ cupertino.org
December 3, 2010
Raymond Chiu
20030 Forest Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
SUBJECT: RETROACTIVE TREE REMOVAL PERMIT ACTION LETTER - Application TR-2010-32:
This letter confirms the decision of the Director of Community Development, given on November 18,
2010, approving a retroactive tree removal permit for the removal of three specimen-size (3) Deodar
Cedar trees and the severe pruning (over 25 percent of the functioning leaf and stem area) of a Coast
Live Oak tree at 20030 Forest Avenue with the following conditions:
1. APPROVED PROTECT
The approval is based on the arborist report prepared by Arbor Resources on September 3, 2010,
except as may be amended by conditions in this resolution.
2. TREE REPLACEMENTS
The applicant shall be required to plant one (1) 36-inch box Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia); one
(1) 36-inch box California Buckeye (Aesculus californica); and one (1) 36-inch box Big Leaf Maple
(Acer macrophyllum) on the property in accordance with the City's Protected Tree Ordinance and
the tree replacement plan. The required replacement trees shall be planted within 15 days of the
date of this letter at the location staked on the property and verified by the City's Consulting
Arborist. All new trees shall be installed,
3. REMEDIAL PRUNING
The applicant shall consult a state-licensed tree service company (D-49 classification) that has an
ISA-certified arborist in a supervisory role, and abides by ANSI A300-2001 (Pruning) standards
and ANSI Z133.1-2006 (Safety Operations) to conduct remedial pruning on the severely pruned
Coast Live Oak tree to remove three (3) large, remainif�g stubs (and any small ones) and reducing
heavy limb weight of remaining foliage. Corrective pruning shall also be required for a Blue Atlas
Cedar near the northwest corner of the property to remove deadwood, raise up the canopy over
the driveway and sidewalk to eight (8) to ten (10) feet, and reduce heavy limb weight. Ivy shall
also be removed off and two (2) feet from the trunk.
4. ONE YEAR FOLLOW UP VISIT BY ARBORIST
The property owner shall retain the City's consulting arborist to make a site visit one year after
the planting of the trees to verify the survival of the new trees.
Retroactive Tree Removal Permit Page 2
TR-2010-32
5. NOTICE OF FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS OR OTHER EXACTIONS
The Conditions of Project Approval set forth herein may include certain fees, dedication
requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pursuant to Government Code
Section 66020(d) (1), these Conditions constitute written notice of a statement of the amount of
such fees, and a description of the dedications, reservations, and other exactions. You are hereby
further notified that the 90-day approval period in which you may protest these fees, dedications,
reservations, and other exactions, pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(a), has begun. If
you fail to file a protest within this 90-day period complying with all of the requirements of
Section 66020, you will be legally barred from later challenging such exactions.
Staff has made the findings necessary to grant the tree removal permit in accordance with Section
14.18.180 of the Protected Trees Ordinance.
Sincerely,
George Schroeder
Assistant Planner
408-777-7601
georges@cupertino.org
��.
ARBOR RESOLIRCES
_ professional consulting arborists and tree care
A REVIEW OF TREES
REMOVED OR PRUNED AT
20030 FOREST AVENUE
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
Submitted to:
George Schroeder
Community Development Department
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014-3255
Prepared by:
David L. Babby
Registered Consulting Arborist #399
Board-Certified Master Arborist #WE-4001 B
A�P�aV�L , 7�i� 020/ D -3�
A�p!;�tion Nun7ber
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September 3, 2010
p.o. box 25295, san mateo, california 94402 ■ email: arborresourcesQcomcast.net
phone: 650.654.335 I ■ fax: 650.240.0777 ■ licensed contractor #796763
David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist� September 3, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 1
2.0 OBSERVATIONS ............................................................................. 2
2.1 Trees #1 thru 3 ........................................................................................... 2
2.2 Tree #4 ........................................................................................................ 2
2.3 Tree #5 ........................................................................................................ 3
2.4 Tree #6 ........................................................................................................ 3
3.0 PRUNING RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................. 4
4.0 TREE REPLACEMENT ..................................................................... 4
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT TITLE
A AERIAL PHOTO
B PHOTOGRAPHS (includes photo index)
i
David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist� September 3, 2010
1.0 INTRODUCTION
I have been retained by the City of Cupertino Community Development Department to
review the recent removal of four various trees, substantial pruning of one oak, and the
future pruning of one blue atlas cedar at 20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino (Raymond Chiu
Property). Specific tasks performed are as follows:
■ Review the information and photographs provided by City Code Enforcement.
■ Visit the site on 8/31/10, and identify the species and location of the four stumps
and two remaining trees.
■ Measure the diameter of the four stumps and two remaining trees.
■ Estimate the canopy spreads and condition of the two remaining trees.
■ Assign numbers to each subject stump and tree, and plot those on a copy of the
aerial photograph (derived from Google Earth) presented in Exhibit A.
■ Evaluate pruning of the oak, and provide recommendations for future pruning.
■ Determine appropriate pruning of the remaining blue atlas cedar.
■ Identify whether trees removed were considered "protected trees" as defined in
Section 14.18.035 of the City's Municipal Code.
■ Identify the size and amount of trees required for installation to mitigate removed
trees of regulated status (utilizing Table 3-1, Section 14.18.185 of the Code).
■ Obtain photographs of each stump and tree; these can be viewed in Exhibit B.
■ Prepare a written report containing the aforementioned information.
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino Page 1 of S
City of Cupertino Community Development Department
David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist� September 3, 2010
2.0 OBSERVATIONS
For identification purposes, I have sequentially numbered the four stumps and two
remaining trees as 1 thru 6. Their approximate locations can be viewed on the aerial
photo in Exhibit A, and photographs are presented in Exhibit B.
2.1 Trees #1 thru 3(stumps of Deodar cedars)
Trees #1 thru 3 consist of stumps of three Deodar cedars (Cedrus deodara) located in the
backyard, immediately east of the swimming pool and gazebo. The measured height and
diameter of each stump are as follows:
■ Tree #1: 1.6 feet tall, 24 inches in diameter
■ Tree #2: 1.8 feet tall, 30 inches in diameter
■ Tree #3: 2 feet tall, 34.5 inches in diameter
Per Section 14.18.035 of the City Code, Deodar cedars with trunk diameters of ten inches
and greater measured at 54 inches above grade are considered regulated and defined as
"protected trees." Given that measurements were obtained below 54 inches high, I estimate
that at 54 inches above grade, natural taper of the trunk will yield diameters of
approximately two inches less, or 22 inches for tree #l, 28 inches for tree #2, and 32.5
inches for tree #3. Based on this information, these three cedars qualify as "protected
trees" and are regulated by City Code.
2.2 Tree #4 (stump of non-protected tree)
This tree also consists of a stump, and is located at the northeast corner of the property,
near the Forrest Avenue and Toni Court intersection. At the time of my visit, it had been
cut to grade, and I measured its diameter across the top of its stump to be 18 inches.
Considering trunk taper, its diameter at 54 inches high was likely 12 inches across.
' Diameters were measured around their circumference, at about one-inch below the tops of the stumps.
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino Page 2 of S
City of Cupertino Community Development Department
David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist September 3, 2010
The report by Code Enforcement specifies this tree as being a black oak (Quercus
kelloggii), which is a species regulated by City Code. My review of the photographs
provided by Code Enforcement, as well as leaf remnants found during my visit, reveals
that this tree is not a black oak, and therefore, not regulated by City Code (from what can
be observed, it resembles a pin or scarlet oak).
2.3 Tree #5 (coast live oak)
This is a coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) situated along the home's east side (near Toni
Court). It has a trunk diameter of 20 inches (measured at 54 inches above grade), an
estimated canopy spread of 20 feet across, and appears in overall good health. Recent
pruning removed an estimated 50-percent of its live canopy, an amount that exceeds the
threshold for professional pruning and maintaining the oak's natural form and optimal
vigor. Although the extent of pruning can be regarded as substantial and adversely
impacting its form and possibly longevity, there appears to be sufficient remaining foliage
to warrant retention and corrective pruning.
2.4 Tree #6 (blue atlas cedar)
This is a blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica `Glauca') situated at the front, west side of the
driveway. It has a trunk diameter of an estimated 25 inches, and appears in overall good
health. Dense ivy and shrubs hinder visibility of its lower trunk, but the tree is seemingly
stable. There are utility lines routed through the canopy (low/household-voltage electrical
triplex, phone and cable), but this is typical and does not warrant concern for tree removal
or severe pruning (the primary concern with utilities is high-voltage, electrical distribution
and transmission wires; the utility companies regularly prune trees away from these wires
for ongoing clearance). Regarding pruning, there is deadwood, heavy limb weight, and
encroachments into the driveway and sidewalk that should be addressed.
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino Page 3 of S
City of Cupertino Community Development Department
David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist� September 3, 2010
3.0 PRUNING RECOMMENDATIONS
1. For tree #5 (oak), corrective pruning consists of removing three large, remaining stubs
(and any small ones), and reducing heavy limb weight of remaining foliage.
2. For tree #6 (cedar), pruning should consist of removing deadwood, raising the canopy
over the driveway and sidewalk to eight to ten feet, and reducing heavy limb weight.
Ivy should also be removed off and two feet from the trunk.
Pruning must be performed by a California state-licensed tree service company (D-49
classification) that has an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist in
a supervisory role, and abides by ANSI A300-2001 (Pruning) standards and ANSI Z133.1-
2006 (Safety Operations).
4.0 TREE REPLACEMENT
Pursuant to Table A, Section 14.18.185 of the City Code, mitigation for removing trees #1
thru 3 shall include installing new trees on-site according to one of the following four
options:
a. Three trees of 36-inch box size
b. Six trees of 24-inch box size
c. Four trees of 24-inch box size and one tree of 36-inch box size
d. Two trees of 24-inch box size and two trees of 36-inch box size
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino Page 4 of S
City of Cupertino Community Development Department
David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist September 3, 2010
Regarding the type of tree to install, I suggest one or more of the following are considered
(each is derived from the list of "protected trees"): Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), coast
live oak (Quercus agrifolia), black oak (Quercus kelloggii), valley oak (Quercus lobata),
big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and California buckeye (Aesculus californica).
Regarding the trees' locations, I suggest the following areas are considered:
■ Two to three trees (or more) in the front and/or side yard.
■ One to two trees where #1 thru 3 are located.
■ One to two trees within the south side of the fence immediately south of the
swimming pool (between the aviary and gazebo).
The trees should be established at least 15 feet apart, beyond canopies of existing trees, and
10 feet from any structure. I am available to review any proposed locations and species, as
well as once the trees have been installed and oak (and cedar) pruned. A follow-up visit in
six months and/or one year may also be necessary to verify survival of new trees.
All new trees should be installed, including necessary irrigation, by an experienced state- .
licensed landscape or tree-service contractor, and performed to professional industry
standards. They shall be double-staked with rubber tree ties and no cross-brace, and
irrigated with a drip-type system, preferably connected to a timer (the contractor installing
the trees should advise on the frequency and amount of water to supply).
Prepared By: . Date: September 3, 2010
David L. Babby
Registered ConsultingArborist #399 ; �.._:�
Board-Certified Master Arborist #WE-4001 B ` _ ,
� �`
�v%
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino Page S of S
City of Cupertino Community Development Department
David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist� September 3, 2010
EXHIBIT A:
AERIAL PHOTO
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino
City of Cupertino Community Development Department
20030 FOREST AVENUE
_ Cupertino, California
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David L. Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist� September 3, 2010
EXHIBIT B:
PHOTOGRAPHS
Photo Index
Page B-1: Stumps from trees #1 and 2
Page B-2: Stumps from trees #3 and 4
Tree #5
Page B-3: Trees #5 and 6
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino
City of Cupertino Community Developrnent Department
u
David L. Bubby, Registered Consultirzg Arborist
20030 Forest Avenue, Cupertino
City of Cupertino Co�nmunity Develop�»errt Departrnent
September 3, 2010
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Page B-1
Duvic! L. Babby, Registered Consz�lting Arborist
20030 Forest Avenue, Czrpertino
City of Cupertino Community Development Department
Sc�tember 3, 2010
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Duvid L. Babby R2�ISlGYGCI COI1SLlIrlil� AYbOY1St
20030 Forest Avenue, Cirpertino
City of Cz�pertino Cornnaunity Develop�nent Department
Septer�aber 3, ZO10
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