Neighbor Appeals Palo Alto Homeowner’s Tree Removal

A Palo Alto resident applied for and was granted a tree removal permit for a 70-foot tall redwood that is causing ongoing damage to the home’s foundation. The tree slated for removal had previously seen several branches fall during winter storms and had even done damage to a neighbor’s home. Not wanting to risk further falling limbs and in order to protect their home’s foundation, the homeowners sought the permit. However, a neighbor, upon finding out the permit was granted, filed an appeal which was successful, and the permit was rescinded.

Palo Alto Public Works Director Brad Eggleston, in revoking the permit, noted that a properly licensed arborist was not engaged when originally evaluating the application. However, the city’s Urban Forestry team determined that the report that was written by other city officials was professional and accurate and decided an arborist was not necessary. Eggleston noted that while he recognized the damage was occurring, other information was necessary before granting the permit.

The neighbor who appealed the permit opened up the appeals hearing by stating she was there to speak on behalf of the tree “which had no voice.” This is seemingly another chapter in Palo Alto’s ongoing tree preservation policy that previously resulted in damage to homes and power outages because of expanded tree protections.

More info can be found here.

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