TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: MAY 7, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
REQUEST FOR TREE REMOVAL - 1034 MARYHURST DRIVE
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SUMMARY
The property owner of 1034 Maryhurst Drive is requesting the removal of one City-owned Brazilian pepper tree located within the right-of-way in front of the property. The resident cites health concerns for his minor child who is allergic to the pepper tree. Brazilian peppers produce small peppercorns that are considered an irritant that may cause reactions in some sensitive people. The resident’s request is included as Attachment A.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Community and Human Services Commission deny the request for removal of the Brazilian pepper tree at 1034 Maryhurst Drive.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Approve the request for the removal of the tree at 1034 Maryhurst Drive and the replanting of two trees, as required by the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual, at the property owner’s expense, for a total cost of $1,820.
B. Refer the matter back to staff for additional information.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The removal cost of a tree is determined by its diameter at breast height (DBH). The cost to remove the tree in question is $49 per DBH. The tree measures approximately twenty-one inches DBH, for an approximate removal cost of $1,029. If approved for removal, two replacement trees will be planted, as required by the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual. The cost to plant two 24”-box-sized trees is $840. The total estimated cost of removal and replacement is $1,869.
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $2,225 and is included in the operating budget of the Community Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The property owner at 1034 Maryhurst Drive is requesting the removal of one Brazilian pepper tree adjacent to his property. The owner is requesting that the tree be removed due to his daughter’s severe allergies, which he believes are caused by the peppercorns produced by the tree. The Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute of Cal Poly (UFEI), lists the Brazilian pepper’s potential health issues as: “allergy, irritant.” Photos of the tree in question are included as Attachment B. According to the property owner, his daughter has been treated by a Nurse Practitioner (NP) for severe allergies caused by the tree in front of the home. As stated by the NP, “This allergy has caused her to experience ongoing respiratory issues, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, bloody noses, and difficulty breathing, which have significantly impacted her life.” The NP’s statement is included as Attachment C. Both the NP and property owner are concerned about continued exposure and its impact on the daughter’s overall health and well-being. They feel that despite consistent management of her condition using medications and humidifiers, the condition persists and will continue to be an issue until the tree is removed. The property owner’s daughter also submitted a letter requesting that the tree be removed so she can play outside “without worrying about sneezing or watery eyes.” Her letter is included as Attachment D.
Additionally, the property owner claims that root intrusion by the tree has caused significant damage to the sewer lateral line of the property. Work including clearing of the line, as well as installation of a new lateral and two-way clean-out system was recently completed, at a cost of $18,500. The contractor’s invoice and estimate are included as Attachment E. Staff has provided the property owner with information regarding the City’s Liability Claim process.
In accordance with the appeal process, the City Arborist conducted a Level I inspection on the Brazilian pepper tree at 1034 Maryhurst Drive and noted the following:
Tree F2 has a diameter at breast height (DBH) of approximately 21” and a height of 18’. The tree is in good health with no observable defects and with species-appropriate form. The tree was last pruned in December 2024. The approximate value of the tree is $6,080.
Because this tree removal request is discretionary in nature and does not meet the criteria for removal as specified in the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual, staff does not recommend approving this request. However, Claremont Municipal Code Section 12.26.020 authorizes the Community and Human Services Commission to grant approval of such requests, if it finds that not removing the tree would result in a burden on the property owner that substantially outweighs the benefit to the public of maintaining the tree. If the request for removal is granted, the City Arborist will work with the resident to select the best viable planting sites and species for the replanting.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
COMMITTEE REVIEW
On April 30, 2025, the Tree Committee recommended that the Community and Human Services Commission review the request for removal of the Brazilian pepper tree at 1034 Maryhurst Drive. An excerpt from the draft April 30, 2025 Tree Committee Special Meeting minutes is included as Attachment F.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Cari Dillman
Community Services Director Community Services Manager
Attachments:
A - Request from Property Owner - 1034 Maryhurst Drive
B - Photos of Brazilian Pepper Tree - 1034 Maryhurst Drive
C - Statement from Allison Bell, Nurse Practitioner
D - Letter from Emma Wirtz, Resident
E - Invoice, Estimate from Contractor
F - Excerpt from the Draft 4-30-2025 Tree Committee Special Meeting Minutes