TR-2020-015 Action Letter CITY OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3308 • FAX: (408) 777-3333
CUPERTINO CUPERTINO.ORG
August 20, 2020
Jonathan James
JJA Architecture
609 Price Ave., Ste. 108
Redwood City, CA 94063
SUBJECT: TREE REMOVAL PERMIT ACTION LETTER-Application TR-2020-015
This letter confirms the decision of the Director of Community Development, given on
August 17, 2020 approving a Tree Removal Permit to allow the removal and replacement of
one (1) development tree Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood) located at 20425 Stevens
Creek Blvd. Based on the information submitted with the application, including the arborist
report prepared by an ISA certified arborist,staff has made the finding that the location of the
tree restricts the economic enjoyment of the property by severely limiting the use of property
in a manner not typically experienced by owners of similarly zoned and situated property,
and the applicant has demonstrated to that there is no reasonable alternatives to preserve the
tree. The finding is necessary to grant the tree removal permit in accordance with Cupertino
Municipal Code (CMC)Section 14.18.180 (A)(2).
The application is approved with the following conditions:
1. APPROVED PROJECT
This approval for tree removal is based on the arborist report prepared by Samuel Oakley
(ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, WE-9474B) consisting of six (6) pages with a tree
removal and replacement plan.
2. TREE REPLACEMENT
The proposed replacement is one (1) 48-inch Acer buergerianum (Trident Maple) to be
planted on the subject property within 30 days of tree removal. The applicant shall
provide the Department of Community Development adequate documentation,
including but not limited to photographs, receipts or invoices, to verify that the
replacement trees have been planted.
3. PROTECTED TREES
The applicant understands that replacement trees may not be removed without a Tree
Removal Permit and that they shall be responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance
and care of the tree. The applicant shall also disclose the location and species of all
protected trees on site upon sale of the property.
4. NOTICE OF FEES,DEDICATIONS,RESERVATIONS OR OTHER EXACTIONS
The conditions of Project Approval set forth herein may include certain fees, dedication
requirements,reservation requirements, and other exactions.
Staff received three phone calls requesting information on the reasons for removals and staff
explained the justification provided by the applicant and shared the arborist report. Based off
comments of ensuring enough evergreen coverage, the applicant revised their replacement plan
to include evergreen trees. No additional conditions were added.
Also,please note that an appeal of this decision can be made within fourteen(14) calendar
days from the date of this letter(September 3,2020 at 5:00 PM). Do NOT REMOVE THE
TREE(S) until the end of the appeal period. If an appeal is filed,you will be notified of a public
hearing date,which will be scheduled before the Planning Commission.
Sincerely,
Erick Serrano
Senior Planner
(408) 777-3205
ericks@cupertino.org
Enclosure: Arborist report with removal and replacement plan