Board allows removal of specimen tree at Parkridge Drive, citing owner hardship and arborist reports

The Board of Appeals on Aug. 20 granted a variance allowing removal of a specimen tree at 3035 Parkridge Drive by a 4‑1 vote after the property owner and his hired arborists presented tests showing structural cracks and a leaning trunk that they said presented a liability.

Builder Houston Feaster and owner James (last name in file) said the tree's critical roots extend across the lot and that resistograph testing and on‑site inspection indicate structural failure risk. "Two certified arborists conclude the tree is in fair to poor condition and recommend removal," the owner said, arguing continued rental of the property would be unsafe and financially untenable.

City arborist staff reviewed the submission and characterized the tree as in "fair" rather than "poor" condition, and advised that legal removal of a specimen tree requires a variance rather than administrative approval. Staff nonetheless recommended approval conditional on standard mitigation measures and tree recompense requirements. Staff noted they had recommended removal through the variance process rather than permitting administrative removal because the tree is classified as a specimen outside the buildable envelope.

After board discussion that weighed economic hardship, liability, arborist disagreement and mitigation, the motion to approve the specimen‑tree removal with staff conditions passed 4‑1. The winning motion requires the applicant to meet the city's replacement/mitigation requirements and to submit updated site plans and calculations for recompense.