Board allows removal of palm if owner secures DBI permit, requires replacements

The Board of Appeals on Sept. 1 granted an appeal to remove three private‑property trees at 635 Steiner — a Mexican fan palm, a cabbage palm and a Spanish bayonet (cordyline) — but attached conditions to protect public safety and canopy cover.

Appellant counsel presented photos and an arborist report showing the fan palm planted atop a 10‑foot retaining wall with root flare and material intrusion into a water main; staff from the Bureau of Urban Forestry agreed the palm contributes to wall stress and said removing that palm may be needed to reach the root cause of wall failure. The bureau recommended retaining the other two trees unless remedial work to the wall is required.

After testimony, the board conditioned removal on a building‑permit step: tree removal may proceed only after the owner obtains a Department of Building Inspection (DBI) permit for the retaining‑wall repair (or equivalent showing that DBI will permit the repair). The board also required replacement planting: the owner must install small‑stature replacement trees in 24‑inch boxes (species and placement to be determined in consultation with the Bureau of Urban Forestry). The motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The decision balances private property concerns and neighborhood safety — allowing removal to address an active structural risk while preserving tree canopy through required replacements.

Next steps: The owner must secure the DBI permit. The Bureau of Urban Forestry and DBI will coordinate requirements for wall repair and replacement plantings, and the board’s order will specify the conditions and timeline.