City Council approves tree removal for 8 unit housing development on E Avenue
February 18, 2023 | Lake Oswego City, Clackamas County, Oregon
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The Lake Oswego City Council convened on February 18, 2023, to discuss two significant tree removal applications related to a development project at 233 E Avenue. The applications, AP2404 and AP2405, are part of a ministerial building permit review for an eight-unit middle housing cottage cluster, which is permitted in all residential zones.
During the meeting, city staff presented the details of the tree removal applications, noting that 22 trees are proposed for removal to facilitate site improvements and landscaping. The majority of these trees are smaller, with three larger trees—each over 30 inches in diameter—identified as having poor health or structure. Additionally, one 18-inch western hemlock tree is slated for removal due to necessary grading for public improvements.
The council reviewed the applications against the city’s tree code criteria. Staff confirmed that the tree removals would not significantly impact erosion control, surface water flow, or adjacent trees, thus meeting the second criterion. However, the third criterion, which assesses the impact on neighborhood character and aesthetics, was not met for all trees. Staff explained that reasonable alternatives to removal were not feasible, as the trees in question were in poor condition and necessary for the development to proceed.
The council also discussed the required mitigation for the tree removals. The applicant proposed to plant 36 new trees, including native species, to offset the loss. Staff recommended approval of the applications, emphasizing that the criteria for tree removal had been satisfied.
The meeting highlighted the balance between development needs and environmental considerations, as council members sought clarity on the implications of tree removal for the community. The council's decision will pave the way for the cottage cluster development while addressing the necessary environmental protections. The next steps will involve monitoring the implementation of the approved tree mitigation plan as the project progresses.
During the meeting, city staff presented the details of the tree removal applications, noting that 22 trees are proposed for removal to facilitate site improvements and landscaping. The majority of these trees are smaller, with three larger trees—each over 30 inches in diameter—identified as having poor health or structure. Additionally, one 18-inch western hemlock tree is slated for removal due to necessary grading for public improvements.
The council reviewed the applications against the city’s tree code criteria. Staff confirmed that the tree removals would not significantly impact erosion control, surface water flow, or adjacent trees, thus meeting the second criterion. However, the third criterion, which assesses the impact on neighborhood character and aesthetics, was not met for all trees. Staff explained that reasonable alternatives to removal were not feasible, as the trees in question were in poor condition and necessary for the development to proceed.
The council also discussed the required mitigation for the tree removals. The applicant proposed to plant 36 new trees, including native species, to offset the loss. Staff recommended approval of the applications, emphasizing that the criteria for tree removal had been satisfied.
The meeting highlighted the balance between development needs and environmental considerations, as council members sought clarity on the implications of tree removal for the community. The council's decision will pave the way for the cottage cluster development while addressing the necessary environmental protections. The next steps will involve monitoring the implementation of the approved tree mitigation plan as the project progresses.
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