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CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Council Report

May 4, 2015

To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

From: Douglas J. Schmitz, City Administrator

Subject: Kamm Residence/Waiver of Planning and Building Fees and Adoption of Findings

RECOMMENDATION(S):

Authorize a fee waiver of Planning and Building fees for the Kamm residential remodelin the amount of $1338 and adopt the findings as outlined in Attachment 1.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Mr. Kamm incurred additional expenses for the redesign of his home in order to save atree that members of the community advocated be protected and which has a value of$45,000. Mr. Kamm did not appeal the Forest and Beach Commission’s decision to theCity Council but instead worked with City staff to address the concerns of theCommission and some citizens.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION

In late 2014, the City Forester received an application for the removal of a 68” diameterCoastal Redwood on the eastside of Santa Fe, 4 northeast of 2 nd Avenue. The tree wasdetermined to be in excellent condition but was causing structural problems to a roomon the eastside of the residence. Mike Kamm, the owner, stated that he had asked hisengineer how to address the situation regarding the structural damage and was told theroom could not be repaired without the tree being removed.

According to a property inspection report, the “tree adjacent to the structure has causeddamage to the eves….and siding and is threatening the foundation.” A second report,by Monterey Bay Engineers, stated “The growth of the tree has displaced the house tothe west…” “It is apparent that the Redwood Tree must be removed before any bracingof the cripple walls and foundation could be reasonable accomplished. The RedwoodTree will continue to expand and further damage the house…” “It is my recommendation

Council Meeting Date: May 4, 2015 Agenda Item: 4.I

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Attachment I

Findings Regarding Redwood Tree Located at:

East side of Santa Fe, 4 Northeast of 2 nd (KAMM)

1) The Redwood tree on the Kamm property, due to its size, has a prominent presenceon Santa Fe Street and the streetscape;

2) The 68” diameter makes the Redwood one of the largest trees within the Carmel bythe Sea forest;

3) Because of its good health and the life expectancy of Redwoods, the City Foresterbelieves this tree is capable of living another several hundred years. As such, itwould be a beneficial, longtime contributor to Carmel’s upper canopy forest for manyfuture generations of Carmelites.

4) The Redwood is located in one of Carmel by the Sea’s oldest neighborhoods whereits earliest pioneer residents lived. The City Forester believes that due to its size, it isa legacy from those early Carmelites.

5) The tree is in excellent condition and health which indicates it is well adapted to thisparticular site.

Council Meeting Date: May 4, 2015 Agenda Item: 4.IPage 3