1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: John Hinton <[email protected]>
Sent: 21 February 2025 04:50
To: Bhavani Potharaju
Cc: Hinton, Jennifer
Subject: FW: 530 Barron Ave Palo Alto (25PLN-00021)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
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Mr. Bhavani Potharaju,
My family owned 530 Barron until 2003. We bought it about 1998. When we took occupancy, the previous owner had just cut down one of the heritage redwoods on the property. We were left with the wood. In 1998, my children and I counted the rings on the fallen tree. We figure that it was at least 110 years old. The fallen tree was smaller than the other trees on the property.
My family lived on the property for a year while our house was being built on La Selva Drive. We started to plan on what to do with the property when our house was completed. The existing house on the property was old and not worth remodeling. In order to build something that was financially viable, a new house would have to be near the maximum allowable on the property, but the trees were in the building envelope.
We engaged an architect to help design something that would work (and save the trees). Our only hope was to apply for a variance to allow us to build outside of the standard building envelope. In 2002, we applied for such a variance, we had a hearing before the city council, and we were granted the variance. Our plan did not remove any trees and provided for a special foundation that would not harm the trees’ roots.
In the end, we chose not to build a new house for economic reasons and therefore, our variance expired.
I share this history with you for two reasons:
These trees are old, healthy, and beautiful. Our neighborhood would be poorer if they are removed. I’m sure a great majority of the neighborhood feels the same way. There is an alternative. I’d be happy to share my plans with you and the current owners.
John Hinton
408-690-0758
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: Kerri Jung <[email protected]>
Sent: 23 February 2025 02:46
To: Bhavani Potharaju; Chris; [email protected] Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Construction and Redwood Tree Removal at 530 Barron Avenue (File Number 25PLN-00021)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
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Dear Ms. Potharaju,
We are reaching out to formally express our opposition to the proposed construction project at 530 Barron Avenue and the potential removal of a significant redwood circle on the property.
The redwood cluster on this property, made up of five trees, is over 100 years old and is important to both the history of the site and the Barron Park neighborhood. The existing home, built in 1926, was designed to accommodate these trees and when the current owners purchased the home in 2022, the listing specifically stated, "Buyer should investigate the different options to rebuild, expand, or remodel with the City of Palo Alto," which we believe was included due to the trees' protected status.
We understand that the homeowners are seeking a waiver to remove the trees, citing limitations on construction.
However, previous plans submitted to Palo Alto planners in 2002 showed that a two story home exceeding 2,000 square feet could be built on this lot while preserving the redwoods. Those plans included a setback adjustment to allow for a two-story home in the footprint of the existing house. This past proposal shows there are viable alternatives that would allow for new construction without the loss of these trees. We would support building plans that preserve these protected trees and we strongly encourage the city to explore these options with the homeowners.
Beyond their historic value, these redwoods provide significant environmental benefits. Coast redwoods can sequester approximately 250 tons of carbon each and their root systems helps improve water quality.
We have also noted some inconsistencies in the Planning Review Application. The application describes retaining a "portion of the existing residence as a new detached ADU," but this portion is already a functioning ADU that was rented out until two years ago. The proposed plan would replace an existing smaller, more affordable home with a large 2,530-square-foot house and an attached 303-square-foot JADU. This change not only compromises environmental integrity but also contributes to the ongoing displacement of modest-sized homes in our community.
We appreciate the city’s careful review of this project and we look forward to discussing potential solutions with you during our March 6th meeting. We hope we can work toward an outcome that respects both the homeowners’ needs and the integrity of Palo Alto’s heritage trees.
Sincerely,
Kerri and Chris Jung
538 Barron Avenue
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: Francisco Martin <[email protected]>
Sent: 23 February 2025 14:27
To: Bhavani Potharaju
Subject: Opposition to Redwood Tree Removal at 530 Barron Avenue (File Number 25PLN-00021) Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
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Dear Ms. Potharaju,
My name is Francisco Martin and I live at 548 Barron Ave. Palo Alto, 94306
We have been informed that the owners of 530 Barron Ave (2 hours over from ours) have requested the removal of 5 redwood trees to build a larger home.
A giant sequoia was removed from our front yard by the city a couple of years ago because it had an illness. This had a large impact on the neighborhood environment, where large protected trees are disappearing at an alarming rate. The removal of these other trees would have an even more significant impact and would radically transform our neighborhood to one without a soul.
We would like to request that the proposal to build a new home be considered while respecting these centennial trees.
Thanks for your consideration.
- Francisco Martin
408-335-8589
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: [email protected]
Sent: 23 February 2025 07:04
To: Bhavani Potharaju
Subject: Tree at 530 Barron Ave.
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
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Dear Ms. Bhavani Potharaju, Project Planner,
It would be a pity to remove such a wonderful tree.
I'm sure a project of a new or remodeled house can be created in order to preserve the tree.
Manuel Guerrero
3765 La Selva Dr.
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: Vicki Young <[email protected]>
Sent: 25 February 2025 02:14
To: Bhavani Potharaju
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: 530 Barron Avenue, File No. 25PLN-00021
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Be aware that the sending address can be faked or manipulated.
Bhavani Potharaju
Project Planner
CPU Development Center
Re: 530 Barron Avenue
File No: 25PLN-00021
Dear Ms. Potharaju:
I am writing about my concerns for the application to build a new two-story home at 530 Barron Avenue. The application calls for the removal of a magnificent Coast Redwood tree that should be spared. The tree is a protected species and meets the criteria for a heritage tree set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 8.10.090 - It is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species, it is one of the largest and oldest in Palo Alto, and it possesses distinctive form, size, age and location.
I have lived across the street from this tree since 1987, and I view the tree trunks daily from my kitchen window. The 530 Barron address is located at the entrance of La Selva Drive. As described in the recent Barron Park Association Newsletter, La Selva Drive was part of the driveway leading to the mansion built by Sarah Wallis and later owned by Edward Barron. It curved through the extensive grove of ornamental trees and shrubs planted by those early landowners. Edward Barron purchased the Wallis estate in 1878.
Our house is on the corner of Barron and La Selva. Records show that our house was built in 1927. Our neighbor at 538 Barron says that his house was built before then. The trees in the neighborhood were mature and verdant when we moved there almost 40 years ago. The “woodsy” character of the community sets Barron Park apart from other neighborhoods in Palo Alto.
I believe that the Coast Redwood in question is approximately 100 years old, and almost 100 feet tall. It is almost 9 feet in diameter at 2 feet. While the arborist report describes the tree as a single tree, five large trunks have grown from the base, so the tree appears to be a small grove. Two of five trunks by themselves are large enough to almost qualify as protected trees under the Palo Alto Code. The tree is in good condition and is a Locally Native Protected Species.
In reviewing earlier building applications for 530 Barron, I see that a former owner of the property applied for a variance in 2003 so that they could build a two story house at the location. The record number is Record 03IPT-00000-2053. The work description was for a rearyard setback variance and a rear yard daylight plane variance for the construction of a new two story single family residence. Not all 2 of the records for the application can be viewed on line, but the processing status shows that the Directors Decision was marked as Approved with Con. It is my understanding that the variances were requested so that the Coast Redwood tree/trees could be preserved.
In light of the variance that was approved in 2003, I believe there must be a feasible design alternative that would permit preservation of the tree.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Sincerely,
Vicki H. Young
3730 La Selva Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94306
[email protected]
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: Kerri Jung <[email protected]>
Sent: 19 May 2025 07:58
To: Bhavani Potharaju; [email protected] Cc: Chris; Lait, Jonathan; Stone, Greer
Subject: Updated Building Plan for 530 Barron Avenue (File Number 25PLN-00021) [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Be aware that the sending address can be faked or manipulated.
Dear Ms. Potharaju,
We are writing to follow up regarding the proposed removal of the redwood ring at 530 Barron Avenue. Thank you for your thoughtful comments in the Corrections Table document; we’ll continue to check the city website for the property owners’ responses to the issues you raised. From the documentation, it’s clear the property owners would like to move forward with their project, and we believe there is a viable path that can support both their goals and the community’s interest in preserving these significant trees.
As mentioned in our earlier message, the five mature redwoods in this ring provide environmental benefits to the neighborhood and to Palo Alto as a whole, including carbon sequestration, improved air and water quality, and natural cooling. These directly support the city’s broader climate and sustainability goals. In addition to their ecological value, the redwood ring is also a living neighborhood landmark that is both important to neighbors and contributes to Barron Park’s unique character.
After reviewing the latest documentation, we believe the plan in “Section G: Small Tree Removal” offers a reasonable and balanced compromise. This plan would allow the homeowners to build a total of 3,132 square feet by removing a single smaller tree while preserving the five-tree redwood ring, a solution that is both viable and respectful of the site’s history. With appropriate setback variances, it seems possible to allow for new construction while protecting the environmental and community value of the redwoods.
The arborist report is clear that this is a feasible plan, noting that the redwood ring is in good health and that this plan could proceed without adversely impacting the trees, as long as reasonable precautions are taken.
We understand the homeowners have expressed concern about insurance due to tree overhang. However, after walking the surrounding neighborhood, we observed many homes, both older and newly built, with substantial tree overhang. Two examples include 739 La Para Avenue, which is beginning a construction project and has significant overhang from a large tree, and 3618 Laguna Avenue, where a new home is being built with a large oak tree overhanging a substantial portion of the structure. If helpful, we can provide a list of over 20 nearby addresses, both existing and recently constructed, that demonstrate this pattern, along with photos. These examples throughout our neighborhood show that mature canopy and new construction can safely coexist, and that insurance issues may not be as big a problem as the property owners fear.
2 Palo Alto has a long tradition of supporting heritage tree preservation through setback variances and thoughtful site planning. We encourage the city to continue that practice by supporting the Section G solution which preserves the redwood ring while allowing the homeowners to build.
If the current plan proceeds, we would like to be notified of any public meetings or opportunities for comment prior to a final decision. Several neighbors are closely following this proposal and we would all appreciate the opportunity to participate in the process.
Thank you again for your time, your careful review of this proposal, and your continued efforts to balance new development with stewardship of Palo Alto’s urban forest.
Sincerely,
Kerri and Chris Jung
538 Barron Avenue
Palo Alto, California
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: Rune Olslund (rolslund) <[email protected]>
Sent: 09 July 2025 09:23
To: Hinton Jenn Wagstaff
Cc: Bhavani Potharaju; John Hinton; La Selva Group; Kerri Jung; [email protected]; Jennifer Wagstaff Hinton
Subject: Re: 530 Barron Ave Palo Alto (25PLN-00021)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Be aware that the sending address can be faked or manipulated.
Hi Bhavani::
We live two houses from these trees. We see them every day. Going to work. Coming home from work.
Walking our dogs. Heading out for dinner. Going by them when we go to the grocery store. Our neighborhood, Palo Alto and Santa Clara will be less if these old souls are sacrificed for another modern multi-million $ development. Please help do the right thing here. You would be so appreciated by all of us.
Rune
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2025, at 7:37 PM, Jenn Wagstaff Hinton <[email protected]> wrote:
Good evening, Bhavani Potharaju.
We are reaching out to you again after 5 months of efforts working with the current owners of 530 Barron - seeking ways to preserve the 100+ year old stand of Redwood trees, while assisting them with options we discovered in 2002 by working with the Canopy and Planning staff back at that time. We'd like to formally appeal any/all decisions by City Planning to allow the current owners to proceed with the tree removal, including the addition of this Project 25PLN-00021 to an upcoming City Council agenda to enable neighbors to share their concerns about the current removal plans. Please advise 2 when/how we may pursue this appeal path with your City Planning team and/or the City Council - including process, form submittals, and possible city council dates for
review. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Jenn & John Hinton
3838 LaSelva Drive
prior owners 530 Barron Ave.
650-704-1244
On Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:58 AM Bhavani Potharaju <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi John & Jennifer,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your comments. I have received your comments and sent it to other reviewing departments. I will keep you posted on the project review.
Thanks & Regards,
<image001.png> BHAVANI
POTHARAJU
Associate Planner
408.340.5642 x126 c
408.819.0452
Timings: Mon- Fri, 7-10am
PST
a new design on urban planning
m-group.us | M-LAB
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: Payal Karsan <[email protected]>
Sent: 15 October 2025 06:56
To: Bhavani Potharaju
Cc: Sundip Karsan
Subject: Letter in Support of 530 Barron Avenue Project [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Be aware that the sending address can be faked or manipulated.
Payal and Sundip Karsan
3727 Cass Way
Barron Park, Palo Alto, CA 94306
[email protected], [email protected]
October 14, 2025
City of Palo Alto Planning and Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Subject: Letter of Support for Cat and Tom Sullivan – Residential Construction at 530 Barron Avenue
Dear Bhavani and City of Palo Alto Planning Department,
I am writing as a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood to express my strong support for my neighbor, Cat and Tom Sullivan, and their plans to build a home on their property located at 530 Barron Avenue.
Our neighborhood values both the preservation of Palo Alto’s natural environment and the ability of residents to responsibly develop and enjoy their properties. In this case, I understand there is a protected tree on the site that may affect the feasibility of construction. From what I know, Tom has been thoughtful and transparent throughout this process, engaging with professionals and the City to explore preservation and mitigation options.
If it is ultimately determined that the tree must be removed to allow for construction, I respectfully urge the City to provide a clear and fair path forward — including reasonable mitigation measures — so that Cat and Tom can proceed with building their home. Supporting homeowners in finding practical solutions benefits the broader community and helps maintain the vibrant, family-oriented character of Barron Park.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Payal and Sundip Karsan
Resident, Barron Park Neighborhood
Palo Alto, California
1 Bhavani Potharaju
From: Charlton Lui <[email protected]>
Sent: 15 October 2025 01:07
To: Bhavani Potharaju
Cc: Charlton Lui
Subject: Request to Read Public Comment – 530 Barron Avenue (Sullivan Family Project) Application 25PLN-00021).
Attachments: Formal Written Comment – 530 Barron Avenue.docx; Personal Comment – 530 Barron Avenue (for reading aloud).docx
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Be aware that the sending address can be faked or manipulated.
Dear Ms. Potharaju,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing in support of the Sullivan family and their proposed project at 530 Barron Avenue (Application 25PLN-00021).
Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the Director’s Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025, but I would greatly appreciate it if my personal comment (attached) could be read aloud during the public comment portion of the hearing. This statement reflects my perspective as a Palo Alto neighbor who knows the Sullivans personally — our children go to school and play on sports teams together, and I have had the pleasure of coaching some of those teams.
For the official record, I have also attached my formal written comment in support of the project.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance in ensuring my comments are included in the hearing.
Warm regards,
Charlton Lui
Palo Alto Neighbor
Attachments:
1. Formal Written Comment – 530 Barron Avenue (Word Doc)
2. Personal Comment – 530 Barron Avenue (Word Doc, formatted for reading aloud)
1. Title: Support for the Sullivan Family – 530 Barron Avenue Project Dear Ms. Potharaju and Planning Staff,
I am writing to express my support for the Sullivan family and their proposed project at 530 Barron Avenue (Application 25PLN-00021).
The Sullivans currently reside in a 924-square-foot home, which is inadequate for their growing family of four. Their proposal to construct a 2,528-square-foot two-story residence with attached and detached accessory dwelling units is reasonable, well-planned, and consistent with the character of the neighborhood.
While I understand there are concerns regarding the removal of an existing tree, the Sullivans have taken care to comply with all city regulations, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Their project represents a thoughtful approach to creating a safe, comfortable, and livable home for their family while remaining engaged members of the Palo Alto community.
I respectfully urge the City to approve their application.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Charlton Lui | Palo Alto Neighbor | [email protected]
Title: Public Comment – Support for the Sullivan Family Address: 530 Barron Avenue, Palo Alto
Hello, my name is Charlton Lui, and I am a Palo Alto neighbor of the Sullivan family.
Our kids go to school and play on sports teams together, and I have had the pleasure of coaching some of those teams. The Sullivans are one of the kindest, most generous families you could meet, always willing to help others and contribute positively to our community.
Their current 924-square-foot home is far too small for their family of four. Their proposed rebuild to a 2,528-square-foot home is thoughtful, modest, and consistent with the character of the neighborhood. They have followed all City guidelines and have taken care to minimize any impact from tree removal.
Families like the Sullivans make Palo Alto a stronger and more connected community.
I wholeheartedly support their project and respectfully urge the City to approve it.
Sincerely,
Charlton Lui
Palo Alto Neighbor