STAFF REPORT - Tree Removal Application - 283 Pallisier Avenue

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Council DATE: January 29, 2015 FROM: Dave Podmoroff MEETING DATE: February 3, 2015

Tree Removal Application, 283 Pallisier Avenue.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approves the removal of one (1) tree at 283 Pallisier Avenue as requested;

AND THAT as per the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695, that two (2) trees be replanted (2:1 ratio) for this one (1) tree to be removed.;

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To address the request for removal of one (1) tree at 283 Pallisier Avenue.

BACKGROUND:

The owners of 283 Pallisier Avenue are wishing to perform driveway and landscape improvements on their property. They have applied for a driveway access permit and a tree removal permit.

The Tree Removal Application submitted to the Town on September 29, 2014, requested the removal of the following trees:

• one, 67.0 cm dbh, Big Leaf Maple tree (Acer macrophyllum) located in the rear of the property in the southeast corner.
• one (1), 12.0 cm dbh, Golden Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) located in the rear of the property.
• one (1), 38.0 cm dbh, Golden Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) located on the west side of the property, adjacent to the driveway.
• one (1), 29.5 cm dbh, Poplar tree (Populus sp.) in the front of the property on the northeast corner.
• one (1), 42.0 cm dbh, large, Portugal Laurel shrub (Prunus lusitanica) in the front of the property on the northeast corner.

Deb Becelaere and myself met with the resident on October 17, 2014 to discuss the trees and the boulevard issues. Councilor Mattson was also in attendance. At this time we explained the bylaws and process when dealing with the trees and boulevard areas.

A Tree Removal Permit letter was issued on October 23, 2014, approving the removal of the following trees:

• the 67.0 cm dbh, Big Leaf Maple tree, as it is rotten and has a hollow center. This tree is to be replaced with two replacement trees as per the Town's Tree Protection Bylaw No. 695.
• the 12.0 cm dbh, Golden Locust tree, as it is undersize (<30.5cm dbh) and not a protected species in the Town's Bylaw.

Also in the permit letter was the denial of the following trees:

• one (1), 38.0 cm dbh, Golden Locust tree as this is an oversize tree (>30.5cm dbh)
• one (1), 29.5 cm dbh, Poplar tree as this tree is in the boulevard/road allowance and therefore, a Town of View Royal tree.
• one (1), 42.0 cm dbh, large, Portugal Laurel shrub as this tree is in the boulevard/road allowance and therefore a Town of View Royal shrub.

A Driveway Access Permit letter was issued on October 22, 2014 to allow for the driveway changes and a request for a landscape plan of the boulevard area before any landscape work is to be performed. As the Poplar tree is not in good shape and is very invasive, it will be approved for removal by Deb Becelaere, with the provision that two (2) replacement trees be planted in the boulevard area during landscaping. The large Portugal Laurel will remain but pruning will occur to clean it up. To date, a landscape plan has not been received by the Town.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

That Council request an independent arborist report be completed to confirm that the tree should be removed.

That Council denies the request to remove one (1) the tree.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approves the removal of one (1) tree at 283 Pallisier Avenue as requested;

AND THAT as per the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695, that two (2) trees be replanted (2:1 ratio) for this one (1) tree to be removed.;

SUBMITTED BY: Dave Podmoroff, Parks Supervisor

REVIEWED BY: John Rosenberg, Director of Engineering