Commission approves removal of ficus in Walk Street encroachment after lengthy debate over permits and planter feasibility

The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission voted May 20 to approve staffs recommendation to remove an 18-inch ficus tree located in the public right-of-way encroachment area at 528 A Street and accept installation of two on-site replacement trees at a 2:1 ratio.

Assistant engineer Magnbai presented the staff report, noting the ficus measures about 18 inches in diameter, has caused displacement of flatwork and created a trip hazard, and that the species is not included on the citys approved parkway tree list. Staff said the applicant proposed two pink melaleuca trees as replacements and that the city received public notice responses per standard procedures.

Applicant representative Stacy Strauss argued the tree is an invasive, nonnative ficus that is located in a raised planter and therefore would not be permitted in a conforming encroachment plan. "This ficus tree is limiting the property owner's ability to get a building permit," Strauss said, adding that the Coastal Commission had identified the tree as ficus and would not allow retaining it in that context.

Commissioners extensively questioned staff about whether the municipal code allows removal based solely on species, about the absence of an applicant-provided arborist report, and about liability and maintenance when a development triggers an encroachment permit. During deliberations staff clarified that while the citys tree list governs permitted new and replacement species, code removal criteria focus on dead or diseased trees, trees posing danger to persons or property, and trees that impair sidewalks or utilities. Commissioners also weighed that if the encroachment area must be brought up to conformance for the development, the existing raised planter would need removal, making retention of the ficus infeasible.

After debate, a motion to approve staffs recommendation passed on roll call. The vote was recorded in favor by Commissioner Dunabin, Vice Commissioner Hayes and Chair Gretton.

The commissions action authorizes removal with on-site 2:1 replacement; the applicant will proceed with encroachment permitting and the required replacement planting as part of development conditions.