Agenda packet — Santa Cruz City Council, June 24, 2025 (part 7 of 9)

Poor: Trees in poor health and/or with poor structure that cannot be effectively abated with treatment
530, 542 & 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Tree Assessment Chart - Appendix A
Suitability for Preservation Ratings: Disposition Category:

Good: Trees in good health and structural condition with potential for longevity on the site
RT: Retain Tree
RI: Remove Due to Construction Impacts
Fair: Trees in fair health and/or with structural defects that may be reduced with treatment procedures
I.M. Impacts Can Be Mitigated With Pre-Construction Treatments R.C. Remove Due to Condition
Protected Tree City of Santa Cruz Any tree 14 inches or greater in diameter measured at 4.5 feet above grade. Street trees regardless of size.

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Tree # Species
Trunk
Diameter @
54 inches
a.g.

Heritage
Tree
Crown
Height
(feet)&
Spread
(diameter
feet)
Health
Rating
Structural
Rating Age
Suitability for
Preservation
(Based Upon
Condition &
Species)
Tree
Protection
Zone (in
radius feet)
Construction
Impacts (Rating &
Description)
Retention
or Removal
Code
Comments
T3
queen palm
(Syagrus
romanzoffiana )

14.5" Yes 35'X15' Good Good SemimatureGood 10' High (In building footprint) R.I.

T4 queen palm 11" No 60'x45' Good Good Semimature
Good 10' High (In building
footprint) R.I.

T5 fan palm
(Washingtonia spp .) 19" Yes 35'X10 Good Good Semimature Good 10' High (In building
footprint) R.I.

T6 fan palm 22" Yes 30'X10' Good Good Semimature
Good 10' High (In building
footprint) R.I.

T7 queen palm 11" No 30'X10' Fair Fair
Semimature
Fair 10' High (In building
footprint) R.I.

T8 queen palm 12" No 30'X10' Good Good Semimature
Good 10' High (In building
footprint) R.I.

Page 2 of 3 ends

530, 542 & 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Tree Assessment Chart - Appendix A

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Tree # Species
Trunk
Diameter @
54 inches
a.g.

Approximately 2' from new building foundation. Needs
clearance pruning to accommodate project. Remove=al of
approximately 25-35% of canopy, including 6 ea. 3-6-inch diameter limbs is necessary to accommodate building.

T10 Leyland cypress 11"
(Estimated) No 50'X15' Fair Fair
Semimature
Fair 15'
High ( Canopy
Loss, clearance
pruning, Root Loss,
excavation)
R.I.

Approximately 2' from new building foundation. Needs
clearance pruning to accommodate project. Removal of
approximately 25-35% of canopy, including 4 ea. 2-4-inch diameter limbs is necessary to accommodate building.

T11 Leyland cypress 13"
(Estimated) No 50'X15' Fair Fair
Semimature
Fair 15'
High ( Canopy
Loss, clearance
pruning, Root Loss,
excavation)
R.I.

Approximately 2' from new building foundation. Needs
clearance pruning to accommodate project. Removal
approximately 25-35% of canopy, including 6 ea. 3-5-inch diameter limbs removed at trunk is necessary to
accommodate building.

T12 incense cedar
(Calocedrus decurrens)
24"
(Estimated) Yes 55'X15' Fair Fair-Poor Mature Fair 20'
High ( Canopy
Loss, clearance
pruning, Root Loss,
excavation)
R.I.

Approximately 3.5' from new building foundation. 10 - 15 degree trunk lean. Unbalanced canopy with weight bias
towards subject lot. All live growth is at outer edges of canopy. Needs clearance pruning to accommodate project.

Removal of approximately 65-75% of canopy is necessary to accommodate building.

T13
walnut
(Julgans spp .)
30"
(Estimated) Yes 50'X30' Fair Fair Mature Fair 20'
Moderate (Root
Loss, excavation,
Canopy Loss,
clearance pruning)
R.T., I.M.

Approximately 8.5' from new building foundation. Topped at 35' above grade. Needs clearance pruning to accommodate project. Removal of approximately 15-20% of canopy is
necessary to accommodate building.

Page 3 of 3 ends

Trees On Adjacent Properties
530, 542 & 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Tree Assessment Chart - Appendix A

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APPENDIX B – CRITERIAFORTREE ASSESSMENT CHART
Following is an explanation of the data used in the tree evaluations. The data is incorporated in the Tree Assessment Chart, Appendix A.

Trunk Diameter and Number of Trunks:

Trunk diameter as measured at 4.5 feet above grade. The number of trunks refers to a single or multiple trunked tree. Multiple trunks are measured at 4.5 feet above grade.

Health Ratings:

Good: A healthy, vigorous tree, reasonably free of signs and symptoms of disease Fair: Moderate vigor, moderate twig and small branch dieback, crown may be thinning and leaf color may be poor
Poor: Tree in severe decline, dieback of scaffold branches and/or trunk, most of foliage from epicormics
Structure Ratings:

Good: No significant structural defects. Growth habit and form typical of the species Fair: Moderate structural defects that might be mitigated with regular care Poor: Extensive structural defects that cannot be abated.

Relative Age:

I estimated tree age as young, semi-mature, mature, or over-mature.

Suitability for Preservation Ratings:

Rating factors:

Tree Health: Healthy vigorous trees are more tolerant of construction impacts such as root loss, grading, and soil compaction, then are less vigorous specimens.

Structural integrity: Preserved trees should be structurally sound and absent of defects or have defects that can be effectively reduced, especially near structures or high use areas.

Tree Age: Over mature trees have a reduced ability to tolerate construction impacts, generate new tissue and adjust to an altered environment. Young to maturing specimens are better able to respond to change.

Species response: There is a wide variation in the tolerance of individual tree species to construction impacts.

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Rating Scale:

Good: Trees in good health and structural condition with potential for longevity on the site Fair: Trees in fair health and/or with structural defects that may be reduced with treatment procedures.

Poor: Trees in poor health and/or with poor structure that cannot be effectively abated with treatment. Trees can be expected to decline or fail regardless of construction impacts or management . The species or individual may possess characteristics that are incompatible or undesirable in landscape settings or unsuited for the intended use of the site.

Construction Impacts:

Rating Scale:

High: Development elements proposed that are located within the Tree Protection Zone that would severely impact the health and /or stability of the tree. The tree impacts cannot be mitigated without design changes. The tree may be located within the building footprint.

Moderate: Development elements proposed that are located within the Tree Protection Zone that will impact the health and/or stability of the tree and can be mitigated with tree protection treatments.

Low: Development elements proposed that are located within or near the Tree Protection Zone that will have a minor impact on the health of the tree and can be mitigated with tree protection treatments.

None: Development elements will have no impact on the health and stability of the Tree.

Tree Protection Zone (TPZ):

Defined area within which certain activities are prohibited or restricted to prevent or minimize potential injury to designated trees, particularly during construction or development.

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542 OCEAN STREET
548 OCEAN STREET
530 OCEAN STREET

OCEAN STREET

BRANCIFORTE CREEK
H:\3871-000\ACAD\EXHIBITS\XB_BASE MAP.DWG

BASE MAP

ARTHAUS OCEAN

CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CALIFORNIA
SCALE: 1"=10' DATE: APRIL 5, 2024
0 10 20 30 CIVIL ENGINEERS SURVEYORS PLANNERS

SAN RAMON
WWW.CBANDG.COM

ROSEVILLE
(925) 866-0322
(916) 788-4456
.
.
.
.
.
. .

Tree Location Map
530, 542, 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Sheet T1
of one sheet
K.F.
4/30/2024
A.P.N. - 010
-011-16, 31
& 30
.
.

T12 INCENSE CEDAR
24"
T13 WALNUT
30"
T9 CYPRESS
16"
T10 CYPRESS
. .
11"
T11 CYPRESS
13"
T1 EVERGREEN PEAR

13.75"
T2 PRIVET
6"
.

T3 QUEEN PALM

14.5"
T4 QUEEN PALM
11"
T5 FAN PALM
19"
T6 FAN PALM
22"
T7 QUEEN PALM
11"
T8 QUEEN PALM
12"
X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X X X X.

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Glossary of Terms
Basal rot: decay of the lower trunk, trunk flare, or buttress roots.

Canker: Localized diseased area on stems, roots and branches. Often sunken and discolored.

Critical Root Zone (CRZ): Area of soil around a tree where a minimum number of roots considered critical to the structural stability or health of the tree are located. CRZ determination is sometimes based on the drip line or a multiple of the DBH, but because root growth can be asymmetric due to site conditions, on-site investigation may be required.

Codominant branches/stems: Forked branches (or trunks), nearly the same size in diameter, arising from a common junction and lacking a normal branch union, may have included bark.

Crown: Upper part of a tree, measured from the lowest branch, including all branches and foliage.

Defect: An imperfection, weakness, or lack of something necessary. In trees defects are injuries, growth patterns, decay, or other conditions that reduce the tree’s structural strength.

Diameter at breast height (DBH): Measurement of trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above grade.

Frass: Fecal material and/or wood shavings produced by insects.

Included Bark Attachments (crotches): Branch/limb or limb /trunk, or codominant trunks originating at acute angles from each other. Bark remains between such crotches, preventing the development of axillary wood. The inherent weakness of such attachments increases with time, through the pressure of opposing growth and increasing weight of wood and foliage, often resulting in failure.

Live Crown Ratio (LCR): Ratio of the the crown length (live foliage), to total tree height.

Scaffold branches: Permanent or structural branches that form the scaffold architecture or structure of a tree.

Suppressed: Trees that have been overtopped and occupy an understory position within a group or grove of trees. Suppressed trees often have poor structure.

Tree Protection Zones (TPZ): Defined area within which certain activities are prohibited of restricted to prevent or minimize potential injury to designated trees, especially during construction or development.

Trunk flare: Transition zone from trunk to roots where the trunk expands into the buttress or structural roots.

This Glossary of Terms was adapted from the Glossary of Arboricultural Terms (ISA, 2015)

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P:\PKAD\Registration Office\Fee Schedule\Fees PR Facilities – Effective Jan 08, 2024 Page 12 of 13

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

SCHEDULE OF FEES
Effective Date 01/08/2024

EVENT PERMIT FEES

PERMIT TYPE

STANDARD RATE

DEPOSITS/ MISC FEES

SIMPLE COMPLEX
Film, Video & Photography* $305 $737 💰Deposit may be required for facility access cards or keys 🍷 $67 Alcohol Permit
⚡ $34 Access to Power
💵 Commercial Use Fee (10% Standard, 5% Nonprofits)
🎟 Admissions Tax (5% Standard)
Parking Lot fees may be prorated by Permit Officer. Listed fee is a maximum.
*Application fees for student film projects are waived if they are noncommercial in orientation and content.

Major Public Event $309 $617
Public Gathering & Expression No Charge
N/A
Street Performance No Charge
Neighborhood Block Party $140
Parks & Recreation Parking Lot Use $11/space/day
Street Closure $257/day
Fees above are per approved application and do not include other fees for additional required permits, facility fees, services or staff time.

ENCROACHMENT AND TREE PERMIT FEES

PERMIT TYPE STANDARD RATE DEPOSITS/MISC FEES
Encroachment-construction/research No Charge No fee for an application. Upon approval, an Encroachment Permit will be issued.

Emergency / Dead Tree Removal
Application No Charge
No fee for an Emergency or Dead tree removal application.

Upon approval, an Emergency or Dead Tree Permit will be issued.

Tree Permit Application $50 $20 for each additional tree listed on application. A 6% technology will also be applied.

Tree Mitigation Fees
Tree Bond
In-Lieu Fee
Street Trees:

In-Lieu Fee - less than 7” diameter
In-Lieu Fee - 7” and greater in diameter
$250
$1,859
$1,646
$1,859
Mitigation Fees are per tree.

For Replanting, permittee must contact the City Urban Forester, 831-420-5246 after 3 months of establishment to have the $250.00 bond returned.

In-Lieu fees support City Tree Trust Fund for off-site mitigation.

Street Tree In-Lieu Fee is based on size as noted by City Arborist/Urban Forester Tree Appeal $100 Filed with the Parks and Recreation Commission Secretary.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Matheny, N. and Clark, J. Trees & Development – A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees During Land Development. Champaign, IL: International Society of Arboriculture c. 1998 Costello, L.R., Watson, G., Smiley E.T. Root Management – Best Management Practices, Champaign, ILL: International Society of Arboriculture c. 2017 ANSI Board of Standards Review. A.N.S.I. (American National Standard) A300 (Part 8)- 2013 Root Management
Harris, R.W., Clark, J.R. and Matheny, N.P. Arboriculture: Integrated management of landscape tree, shrubs, and vines. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. c.2004 Matheny, N. and Clark, J. Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas. Champaign, IL: Wadley Graphix Corp. c.1994
Smiley, E.T., Matheny, N., Lilly, S. Tree Risk Assessment – Best Management Practices, Champaign, ILL: International Society of Arboriculture c. 2011 Costello, L., Perry, E., & Matheny,N, Abiotic Disorders of Landscape Plants: A Diagnostic Guide Oakland, CA:UC/ANR Publications (Publication 3420) c.2003.

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Appendix G- TREE PROTECTION GUIDELINES AND RESTRICTIONS Protecting Trees During Construction:
1) Before the start of site work, equipment or materials move in, clearing, excavation, construction, or other work on the site, every tree to be retained shall be securely fenced- off as delineated in approved plans. Such fences shall remain continuously in place for the duration of the work undertaken in connection with the development. 2) If the proposed development, including any site work, will encroach upon the tree protection zone, special measures shall be utilized, as approved by the project arborist, to allow the roots to obtain necessary oxygen, water, and nutrients. 3) Underground trenching shall avoid the major support and absorbing tree roots of protected trees. If avoidance is impractical, hand excavation undertaken under the supervision of the project arborist may be required. Trenches shall be consolidated to service as many units as possible. Boring/tunneling under roots should be considered as an alternative to trenching.
4) Concrete or asphalt paving shall not be placed over the root zones of protected trees, unless otherwise permitted by the project arborist.
5) Artificial irrigation shall not occur within the root zone of native oaks, unless deemed appropriate on a temporary basis by the project arborist to improve tree vigor or mitigate root loss.
6) Compaction of the soil within the tree protection zone shall be avoided. 7) Any excavation, cutting, or filling of the existing ground surface within the tree protection zone shall be minimized and subject to such conditions as the project arborist may impose. Retaining walls shall likewise be designed, sited, and constructed to minimize their impact on protected trees.
8) Burning or use of equipment with an open flame near or within the tree protection zone shall be avoided. All brush, earth, and other debris shall be removed in a manner that prevents injury to the tree.
9) Oil, gas, chemicals, paints, cement, stucco or other substances that may be harmful to trees shall not be stored or dumped within the tree protection zone of any protected tree, or at any other location on the site from which such substances might enter the tree protection zone of a protected tree.
10) Construction materials shall not be stored within the tree protection zone of a protected tree.

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Project Arborist Duties and Inspection Schedule:

The project arborist is the person(s) responsible for carrying out technical tree inspections, assessment of tree health, structure and risk, arborist report preparation, consultation with designers and municipal planners, specifying tree protection measures, monitoring, progress reports and final inspection.

The Project Arborist must provide monthly tree protection monitoring inspections. During these inspections the Project Arborist should monitor the condition of the trees, verify the tree protection measures are in compliance, provide recommendations for any necessary maintenance and impact mitigation, and prepare monthly reports for City Arborist Review.

A qualified project arborist (or firm) should be designated and assigned to facilitate and insure tree preservation practices. He/she/they should perform the following inspections:

Inspection of site: Prior to equipment and materials move in, site work, demolition, landscape construction and tree removal: The project arborist will meet with the general contractor, architect / engineer, and owner or their representative to review tree preservation measures, designate tree removals, delineate the location of tree protection fencing, specify equipment access routes and materials storage areas, review the existing condition of trees and provide any necessary recommendations.

Inspection of site: During excavation or any activities that could affect trees: Inspect site during any activity within the Tree Protection Zones of preserved trees and any recommendations implemented. Assess any changes in the health of trees since last inspection.

Final Inspection of Site: Inspection of site following completion of construction. Inspect for tree health and make any necessary recommendations.

Kurt Fouts shall be the Project Arborist for this project. All scheduled inspections shall include a brief Tree Monitoring report, documenting activities and provided to the City Arborist.

Tree Protection Fencing
a. The tree protection shall be installed in compliance with the recommendations in the Arborist Report.
b. Then the Project Arborist should visit the property, verify that the protection measures are in compliance, take photos, and then prepare a brief verification letter for City Arborist review.

Tree Protection fencing shall be installed prior to the arrival of construction equipment or materials. Fence shall be comprised of six -foot chain link fence mounted on eight - foot tall, 1 and 7/8-inch diameter galvanized posts, driven 24 inches into the ground and spaced on a minimum of 10-foot centers. Once established, the fence must remain undisturbed and be maintained throughout the construction process until final inspection.

A final inspection by the City Arborist at the end of the project will be required prior to removing any tree protection fencing.

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Tree Protection Signs
All sections of fencing should be clearly marked with signs stating that all areas within the fencing are Tree Protection Zones and that disturbance is prohibited.

Monitoring
Any trenching, construction or demolition that is expected to damage or encounter tree roots should be monitored by the project arborist or a qualified ISA Certified Arborist and should be documented.

The site should be evaluated by the project arborist or a qualified ISA Certified Arborist after construction is complete, and any necessary remedial work that needs to be performed should be noted.

Root Pruning
Root pruning shall be supervised by the project arborist. When roots over two inches in diameter are encountered they should be pruned by hand with loppers, handsaw, reciprocating saw, or chain saw rather than left crushed or torn. Roots should be cut beyond sinker roots or outside root branch junctions and be supervised by the project arborist. When completed, exposed roots should be kept moist with burlap or backfilled within one hour.

Tree Work Standards and Qualifications
All tree work, removal, pruning, planting, shall be performed using industry standards of workmanship as established in the Best Management Practices of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the American National Standards Institute series, Safety Requirements in Arboriculture Operations ANSI Z133-2017, Contractor licensing and insurance coverage shall be verified.

During tree removal and clearance, sections of the Tree Protection Fencing may need to be temporarily dismantled to complete removal and pruning specifications. After each section is completed, the fencing is to be re-installed.

Trees to be removed shall be cut into smaller manageable pieces consistent with safe arboricultural practices, and carefully removed so as not to damage any surrounding trees or structures. The trees shall be cut down as close to grade as possible. Tree removal is to be performed by a qualified contractor with valid City Business/ State Licenses and General Liability and Workman’s Compensation insurance.

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Development Site Tree Health Care Measures

RECOMMENDED TO PROVIDE OPTIMUM GROWING CONDITIONS, PHYSIOLOGICAL

INVIGORATION AND STAMINA, FOR PROTECTION AND RECOVERY FROM CONSTRUCTION IMPACT.

Establish and maintain TPZ fencing, trunk and scaffold limb barriers for protection from mechanical damage, and other tree protection requirements as specified in the arborist report.

Project arborist to specify site-specific soil surface coverings (wood chip mulch or other) for prevention of soil compaction and loss of root aeration capacity.

Soil, water and drainage management is to follow the ISA BMP for "Managing Trees During Construction" and the ANSI Standard A300(Part 2)- 2011 Soil Management (a. Modification, b. 'Fertilization, c. Drainage.)
Fertilizer / soil amendment product(s) amounts and method of application to be specified by certified arborist.

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ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITING CONDITIONS

1. Any legal description provided by the appraiser/consultant is assumed to be correct. No responsibility is assumed for matters legal in character nor is any opinion rendered as the quality of any title.

2. The appraiser/consultant can neither guarantee nor be responsible for accuracy of information provided by others.

3. The appraiser/consultant shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of this appraisal unless subsequent written arrangements are made, including payment of an additional fee for services.

4. Loss or removal of any part of this report invalidates the entire appraisal/evaluation.

5. Possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by any other than the person(s) to whom it is addressed without written consent of this appraiser/consultant.

6. This report and the values expressed herein represent the opinion of the appraiser/consultant, and the appraiser/consultant’s fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value nor upon any finding to be reported.

7. Sketches. Diagrams. Graphs. Photos. Etc., in this report, being intended as visual aids, are not necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering reports or surveys.

8. This report has been made in conformity with acceptable appraisal/evaluation/diagnostic reporting techniques and procedures, as recommended by the International Society of Arboriculture.

9. When applying any pesticide, fungicide, or herbicide, always follow label instructions.

10. No tree described in this report was climbed, unless otherwise stated. We cannot take responsibility for any defects which could only have been discovered by climbing. A full root collar inspection, consisting of excavating around the tree to uncover the root collar and major buttress roots, was not performed, unless otherwise stated. We cannot take responsibility for any root defects which could only have been discovered by such an inspection.

CONSULTING ARBORIST DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Arborists are tree specialists who use their education. Knowledge, training, and experience to examine trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and attempt to reduce risk of living near trees, Clients may choose to accept or disregard the recommendations of the arborist, or to seek additional advice.

Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to the structural failure of a tree.

Trees are living organisms that fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below ground. Arborists cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy or safe under all circumstances, or for a specified period of time. Likewise, remedial treatments, like medicine, cannot be guaranteed.

Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. To live near trees is to accept some degree of risk. The only way to eliminate all risk associated with trees is to eliminate all trees.

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Addendum to:

ARBORIST REPORTTree Survey & Preliminary Impact Assessment 530, 542 & 548 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA
APN:010-011-16, 31, 30
April 30, 2024

Addendum Date 5/25/2025

Prepared for:

Riaz Capital
2244 East 11th Street
Oakland, CA
Prepared by:

ISA Certified Arborist WE0681A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

43.289
Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 1
Background
This addendum contains revisions to the preliminary construction impact assessment on trees surveyed in the arborist report dated 4/30/2024. Since that report, the proposed building footprint has been moved from one foot away from the property line, to three feet from the property line. On 5/15/2025, root exploration work was performed near the property line to determine the number, size, and location of roots from trees growing on the adjacent property, and close to the property line. Based on the root exploration information, I have identified changes to the anticipated root loss impacts of some trees. Additionally, the building footprint has been revised, and I have identified changes to the anticipated canopy loss impacts to some trees based on the revised footprint.

Because the impacts to some trees have been revised, the tree disposition recommendations have also been revised, and are discussed in the text below.

Summary
Based on the root exploration information, and revised building footprint location, the anticipated construction impacts to three Leland cypress trees will be reduced from high to moderate. In my report dated 4/30/2025, the trees were recommended for removal due to high construction impacts. Because the anticipated impacts to the three trees is now reduced to moderate, the trees can be retained. The three Leyland cypress trees include trees, T9, T10 and T11.

Table T1, shown below, has been updated. The Tree Assessment Chart spreadsheet, and Sheet T1, Tree Location Map, (attached), were also updated to reflect the revised anticipated construction impacts, and tree disposition.

Data Summary
Table 1 – All Surveyed Trees
General
Total Trees Inventoried Count
Total 13
Species 7
Regulated Trees
Heritage Trees
All trees > 14” trunk diameter 6
Tree Disposition Categories – All Trees
R.I. – Remove due to construction impacts 9
R.C. – Remove due to condition (poor condition) 0
R.T., I.M. - Retain tree. Preservable, low or moderate impacts that can be mitigated. 4

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Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 2
Root Exploration Description
An exploratory trench was dug to a depth of 24 inches, and 3 feet from the property line. The trench is opposite from three Leyland cypress trees, growing on the adjacent property, (Image #1).

Image #1 – The three Leyland cypress trees growing on the adjacent property. The soil pile from the hand digging excavation work can be seen in this image.

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Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 3
The trench was dug to discover the number, size, and location of significant roots that would need to be pruned for the new building foundation. No significant roots were found, (Image #2).

Image #2 – No significant roots from the 3 cypress trees were found. The 1/4” to 1/2” roots seen in this image are likely from the xyloma shrubs that were removed during the hand digging process.

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Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 4
At one end of the trench the hand digging went down to the bottom of the block wall footing.

This was done to determine the depth of the footing. The footing depth was 3 feet, (Image #3).

Image #3 – A tape measure was used to determine the depth of the footing.

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Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 5
Root Exploration Findings & Impact Assessment to Cypress Trees On 5/20/2025, I met with the City of Santa Cruz Urban Forester, Leslie Keedy, at the proposed project site at 530 Ocean Street , Santa Cruz. The purpose of our meeting was to document the root exploration information, and discuss the anticipated root loss and canopy loss impacts to the three Leyland cypress trees, the Incense cedar, and the walnut tree. All five of these trees are growing on properties adjacent to the proposed project. We also discussed the mitigation, (targeted clearance pruning), necessary to create space for the building construction.

Anticipated Root Loss to the Three Cypress Trees
Because the block wall footing extends to a depth of 3 feet, and since most roots of any tree are found in the upper 18” of the soil profile, I do not anticipate discovery of significant roots, (root 2” in diameter or >), when excavation occurs for the proposed building foundation. Therefore, the new building foundation will have minimal, or no effect, to the roots of the three cypresses.

Anticipated Canopy Loss to the Three Cypress Trees
The three cypress trees will require targeted clearance pruning to allow room for the building construction. Because the building footprint has been moved back from the previously proposed footprint, the canopy loss impacts to the trees will be reduced. I estimate between 25 -30% of the cypress trees canopy will need to be removed, and canopy losses will be within the trees tolerance.

Targeted clearance pruning of the three cypress trees, T9, T10 and T11, to achieve clearance for building construction will be necessary. The pruning shall be performed under direction of the project arborist. All pruning cuts shall be made to a live side branch. If no side branch is available, the cut shall be made at the parent stem/ or trunk. These cuts will require permission from the owner to allow trespass to make cuts at the trunk. If the owner of the cypress trees will not allow trespass to make a cut following proper arboricultural practices, the tree pruner shall make a stub cut at the property line.

It should be noted that stub cuts do not follow industry standards for proper pruning. However, stub cuts will not significantly harm the tree, and I noted many existing stub cuts present on the tree from past practices, (Images #4 & #5, page 6).

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Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 6
Image #4 – Tree T9, cypress. Note multiple stub cuts.

Image #5 – Trees T9, T10 and T11, cypress. Note multiple stub cuts on all trees.

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Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 7
Observations & Discussion
During my site visit, I noted that the three cypress trees have multiple symtoms of cypress canker disease including, flagging, (scattered tip dieback), browning of needle bundles, and some branch bleeding, (Images #6 & #7).

Image #6 – Trees T9 and T10. Note flagging, (tip dieback), and browning needle bundles, circled.

Image #7 – Tree T10, cypress. Note tip dieback and browning needle bundles, (circled).

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Addendum to Arborist Report 5/25/2025
530, 542 & 548, Ocean St., Santa Cruz Page 8
Cypress canker is a disease common to this region, and these trees have a minor infection level at the time of this report. It should be noted that any pruning by the applicant is not the cause of this preexisting condition.

Construction Impact Assessment to Incense Cedar and Walnut Since the building footprint location has been revised, I reviewed the anticipated construction impacts to tree T12 Incense cedar and T13, walnut with Ms. Keedy.

The impacts to the Incense cedar, (high), and the walnut, (moderate), have not changed based on the new footprint.

We agreed that the cedar will suffer significant canopy loss beyond the trees tolerance, and it should be removed. The walnut will have some canopy loss, and possibly some root loss. Both losses will be within the walnut trees tolerance, and it can be retained.

Respectfully submitted,
Kurt Fouts ISA Certified Arborist WE0681A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
Attachments:
 Revised Tree Assessment Chart
 Revised Sheet T1, Tree Location Map
 Tree Protection Specifications
 Arborist Report Dated 4/30/2024

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Tree Protection Specifications
Whenever construction work includes soil disturbance near protected trees, the Project Arborist shall be contacted to supervise work. The arborist shall be given 48 hours’ notice for site visits. The Projects Arborist shall document work completed, tree condition, and address any areas of concern.

Demolition Phase:

1. Tree Protection Fencing - Install Tree Protection Fencing, in location indicated on Sheet T1, Tree Location Map after demolition of building adjacent to tree T13, walnut. If block wall adjacent to trees T9, T10 and T11, Leyland cypress is demolished, install tree protection fencing, , in location indicated on Sheet T1, Tree Location Map after demolition of wall. .

2. Clearance Pruning - Targeted clearance pruning of the three cypress trees, T9, T10 and T11, to achieve clearance for building construction will be necessary. The pruning shall be performed under direction of the project arborist. All pruning cuts shall be made to a live side branch. If no side branch is available, the cut shall be made at the parent stem/ or trunk. If the owner of the cypress trees will not allow trespass to make a cut following proper arboricultural practices, the tree pruner shall make a stub cut at the property line.

All pruning shall be performed using industry standards of workmanship as established in the Best Management Practices of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and the American National Standards Institute, Safety Requirements in Arboriculture Operations ANSI Z133-2017. Contractor licensing and insurance coverage shall be verified. Any pruning necessary should be assessed by the contractor and project arborist prior to the start of construction.

Construction Phase:

1. Building Foundation – Excavation for the building foundation opposite Leyland cypress trees T9, T10 and T11, and walnut T13, shall be supervised by the Project Arborist. If any significant root, (roots 2” in diameter or greater), are found, they shall be cleanly pruned with a Sawzall or similar tool, under direction of the arborist. Pruned root ends shall be kept covered with moistened burlap until the exaction is backfilled and the roots are covered with soil.

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ARBORIST REPORTTree Survey &
Preliminary Impact Analysis

530, 542 & 548 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA
APN:010-011-16, 31, 30
April 30, 2024
Prepared for:

Riaz Capital
2244 East 11th Street
Oakland, CA
Prepared by:

ISA Certified Arborist WE0681A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

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Table of Contents SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................. 1 Data Summary………………………………………………………………………………………...……….1
Background .................................................................................................................... 2 Assignment .................................................................................................................... 2 Limits of the Assignment................................................................................................ 2 Purpose and use of the report ....................................................................................... 2 Resources...................................................................................................................... 3 OBSERVATIONS....................................................................................................................4-7 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................. 8 Species List.................................................................................................................... 8 Tree Evaluation and Recording Methods ...................................................................... 8 Condition Rating ............................................................................................................ 9 Suitability for Preservation ............................................................................................. 9 Tree Protection Zone ...................................................................................................10 Critical Root Zone ........................................................................................................10 Root Disturbance Distance…………………………………………………………………11
Impacts to Heritage Trees ..…………………….....………………………………………12-15 Tree Removal and Replacement……………………………………………………….….16
Certificate of Performance…………………………………………...…………………………………..17 CONCLUSION …………………………….……………………………………………………………….……………….18 RECOMMENDATIONS…………………………………………………………………………………………………..18

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Attachments: Appendix A - H
Appendix A – Tree Assessment Chart
Appendix B – Criteria for Tree Assessment Chart
Appendix C - Sheet T1 - Tree Location Map
Appendix D- Glossary of Terms
Appendix E - City of Santa Cruz, Encroachment & Tree Permit Fees Appendix F – Bibliography
Appendix G - Tree Protection Guidelines & Restrictions
 Protecting Trees During Construction
 Project Arborist Duties & Inspection Schedule
 Tree Protection Fencing
 Tree Protection Signs
 Monitoring
 Root Pruning
 Tree Work Standards & Qualifications
Appendix H - Assumptions & Limiting Conditions

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SUMMARY
This report provides the following information:

1. A summary of the health and structural condition of 13 trees.

2. A preliminary evaluation of anticipated construction impacts to the trees.

3. Recommendations for retention or removal of assessed trees based on their condition, construction impacts, and future uses.
 A six story multi-family apartment building is proposed at 530, 542 and 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz. I surveyed six Heritage trees on the property, or with canopies that overhang the subject property. A Heritage tree is protected as defined by the City of Santa Cruz Ordinance.
 The Heritage trees are in good or fair condition and are suitable for incorporation into the project.
 One Heritage tree will have moderate construction impacts, can be incorporated into the project, and will require mitigation methods to reduce construction impacts.  Five Heritage trees are in direct conflict with the project and their removal will be necessary to accommodate construction of the building.
 This report assesses anticipated impacts to affected trees and is based on a preliminary site plan. Depending on revisions to the preliminary site plan, impacts to trees may change and will require reassessment. Once the final plan set is completed, a Tree Protection Plan will be required and shall be included with the final plan set.
 The Tree Assessment Chart, Appendix A is the condensed reference guide to inform all tree management decisions for the trees evaluated.

Data Summary
Table 1 – All Surveyed Trees
General
Total Trees Inventoried Count
Total 13
Species 7
Regulated Trees
Heritage Trees
All trees > 14” trunk diameter 6
Tree Disposition Categories – All Trees
R.I. – Remove due to construction impacts 12
R.C. – Remove due to condition (poor condition) 0
R.T., I.M. - Retain tree. Preservable, low or moderate impacts that can be mitigated. 1

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Background
A preliminary plan set had been completed for a six story multi-family apartment building at 530, 542 and 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz. Riaz Capital requested my services to assess the condition of thirteen trees within or near the project limits, and the construction impacts that may affect them. Further, to provide a report with my findings, and recommendations to meet the City of Santa Cruz requirements.

Assignment
Provide an arborist report that includes an assessment of the trees within the project area. The assessment is to include the species, size (trunk diameter, height and canopy spread), condition (health and structure), and suitability for preservation ratings. Review preliminary development plans, assess potential impacts to trees, and provide recommendations for retention or removal.

To complete this assignment, the following services were performed:
 Tree Survey, Assessment & Recommendations: Inventory, evaluate and make recommendations for subject trees.
 Plan Review: Reviewed provided plans including Preapplication Plan Set, dated 2/28/2024, by Workbench, Architects.
 Impact Assessment: Recommendations for retention or removal of assessed trees based on their condition, construction impacts, and future uses.

Limits of the Assignment
The information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection April 22, 2024.

The inspection is limited to visual examination of accessible items without climbing, dissection, excavation, probing, or coring. There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the trees in question may not arise in the future.

Purpose and use of the report
The report is intended to provide a condition evaluation and management recommendations for the trees inventoried. This report is to be used by the applicant, their agents, and the City of Santa Cruz as a reference for existing tree conditions, and to help satisfy City of Santa Cruz planning requirements.

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Resources
All information within this report is based on site plans as of the date of this report. Resources are as follows:
 Preapplication Plan Set, dated 2/28/2024, by Workbench, Architects.  Site Visit, Tree Inventory & Condition Evaluation, 530, 542 and 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, on 4/22/2024.
 City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code – Chapter 9.56 Preservation of Heritage Trees (applicable sections).

City of Santa Cruz

9.56.040 HERITAGE TREE AND HERITAGE SHRUB DESIGNATION.

Any tree, grove of trees, shrub or group of shrubs, growing on public or private property within the city limits of the city of Santa Cruz which meet(s) the following criteria shall have the “heritage” designation:
(a) Any tree which has a trunk with a circumference of forty-four inches (approximately fourteen inches in diameter or more), measured at fifty-four inches above existing grade; (b) Any tree, grove of trees, shrub or group of shrubs which have historical significance, including but not limited to those which were/are:
(1) Planted as a commemorative;
(2) Planted during a particularly significant historical era; or (3) Marking the spot of an historical event.
(c) Any tree, grove of trees, shrub or group of shrubs which have horticultural significance, including but not limited to those which are:
(1) Unusually beautiful or distinctive;
(2) Old (determined by comparing the age of the tree or shrub in question with other trees or shrubs of its species within the city);
(3) Distinctive specimen in size or structure for its species (determined by comparing the tree or shrub to average trees and shrubs of its species within the city); (4) A rare or unusual species for the Santa Cruz area (to be determined by the number of similar trees of the same species within the city);
(5) Providing a valuable habitat; or
(6) Identified by the city council as having significant arboricultural value to the citizens of the city

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OBSERVATIONS
The project is located in a commercial area on Ocean Street between Soquel Avenue and Dakota Avenue in Santa Cruz. Branciforte Creek runs to the North of the project boundary. The proposed project area contains three parcels and four exisiting builidngs, (Image #1).

Image #1 – Project is located on Ocean Street, Santa Cruz. Approximate project boundaries are outlined in red.

I surveyed thirteen trees 6-inches or greater in diameter. Six trees surveyed are defined as Heritage trees according to the City of Santa Cruz ordinance. A Heritage Tree includes any species 14 inches in diameter or larger, measured at 4.5 feet above grade.

Three of the Heritage trees are palm trees growing in a landscape planter fronting Ocean Street.

The other three Heritage trees grow on properties adjacent to the project, have canopies overhanging the subject property, and include a cypress, a cedar and a walnut.

T3 T2 T1

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Three Heritage palm trees grow in a landscape planter fronting Ocean Street, (Image #2).

Image #2 – Heritage trees T3, queen palm and T5 & T6 fan palm. The other palm trees in the image have trunk diameters below protected size.

Tree T3, a 14.5” diameter semi-mature queen palm grows along the Ocean Street frontage. The palm has a full, dense canopy. The trunk is straight and the palm is stable. Overall the palm is in good condition.

Tree T5, a 19” fan palm and T6, a 22” fan palm grow opposite each other at the entrance walkway for 542 Ocean Street. The trees are of similar size, have dense full canopies, and some dead fronds in the lower canopy. Both palms are in good condition.

Three other queen palms in image #2 are below protected size. The three queen palms are in fair or good condition.

Two trees that are below protected size grow in landscape planters between 542 and 548 Ocean Street. The species includes one evergreen pear and one privet. The two trees are in fair condtion.

T3
T5
T6

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Five trees on the adjacent properties have canopies that overhang the project limits. (Image #3) Image #3 – Heritage trees T9, cypress, T12, cedar and T13, walnut grow on two adjacent lots and have canopies that overhang the subject property.

Three of the five trees are Heritage trees. They grow near the east property line, behind the existing businesses and are on adjacent properties. The three trees include T9, cypress, T12, incense cedar and T13, walnut.

Tree T9, a 16” cypress grows in a row with two other cypress. Most of the lower limbs on the bottom half of the tree have been removed. Canopy density in the upper half of the tree is normal. Some limbs grow beyond the canopy outline and are over extended.

Tree T9 and the other two cypress were most likely planted for screening purposes. Their branches intermingle so that the effect is a single canopy. Overall, the three trees are in fair condition.

T9
T12
T13
T11 T10

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Image #4 – Heritage trees T12, cypress, and T13 walnut. Note trunk lean towards subject property of tree T12, cedar.

Tree T12 is a mature 24” Incense cedar. The cedar has a 10 – 15 degree trunk lean towards the subject property, (Image #4). The tree grows in competition for sunlight and space with the adjacent walnut. Because of this competition, most of the brancing structure is on one side of the tree. This structure creates an unbalanaced canopy with a weight bias towards the subject property. The canopy density and color is normal for the species. Overall the trees health is fair with the structure rated fair to poor due to the one sided branching structure, unbalanced canopy, and trunk lean.

Tree T13 is a mature, 30” walnut. The canopy color and density is normal for the species. The tree was topped at about 35’ above grade and branches have resprouted at the locations the tree was topped. Some of these resprouted branches may have weak attachments and could be supseptible to breakage as they incease in length. Overall, the tree is in fair condition.

T12
T13

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DISCUSSION
Species List
Table 2 – Heritage Trees

HERITAGE TREES
Common Name Botanical Name Count
queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) 1
fan palm (Washingtonia spp.) 2
Leyland cypress (x Hesperotropis leylandii) 1
incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) 1
walnut (Julgans spp.) 1
Total Heritage Tree Count 6
Table 3 – All Trees Inventoried

ALL TREES
7 species – A complete list can be found in Appendix A – Tree Assessment Chart Total Tree Count 13
Tree Evaluation and Recording Methods
Site evaluations were made on 3/27/2024. The inventory included all trees on the property or on adjacent properties with canopies overhanging the project limits. The health and structural condition of each tree was assessed and recorded. Based on the trees’ health and structural condition, each tree’s suitability for preservation was rated and recorded.

Appendix A - Tree Assessment Chart contains the tree survey data. Appendix B contains criteria used to assess and rate trees. To correlate the data in the Tree Assessment Chart to the tree’s location on the site, refer to Appendix C - Sheet T1- Tree Location Map.

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Condition Rating- Heritage Trees
A tree’s condition is determined by an assessing both the health and structure, then combining the two factors to reach a condition rating. The tree’s condition is rated as poor, fair, or good.

The quantity of trees assigned for each category (good, fair, or poor), is indicated below:

Tree Condition Rating
 Good - 3
 Fair - 3
 Poor - 0
Suitability for Preservation- Heritage Trees
A tree’s suitability for preservation is determined based on its health, structure, age, species characteristics and longevity using a scale of good, fair, or poor. The quantity of trees assigned to each category (good, fair, or poor), is listed below.

Suitability Rating
 Good - 3
 Fair – 3
 Poor - 0

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Tree Protection Zone
The tree protection zone (TPZ) is a defined area (radius from trunk), within which certain activities are prohibited or restricted to minimize potential injury to designated trees during construction.

The size of the optimal TPZ can be determined by a formula based on 1) trunk diameter 2) species tolerance to construction impacts, and 3) tree age (Matheny, N. and Clark, J 1998). In some instances, tree drip line is used as the TPZ. Development constraints can also influence the final size of the tree protection zone.

Fencing is installed to delineate the (TPZ), and to protect tree roots, trunk, and scaffold branches from construction equipment. The fenced protection area may be smaller than the optimal or designated TPZ area in some circumstances. Tree protection may also involve the armoring of the tree trunk and/or scaffold limbs with barriers to prevent mechanical damage from construction equipment. See Tree Protection Guidelines & Restrictions – Appendix E.

Once the TPZ is delineated and fenced (prior to any site work, equipment and materials move in), construction activities are only to be permitted within the TPZ if allowed for and specified by the project arborist.

Where tree protection fencing cannot be used, or as an additional protection from heavy equipment, tree wrap may be used. Wooden slats at least one inch thick are to be bound securely, edge to edge, around the trunk. A single layer or more of orange plastic construction fencing is to be wrapped and secured around the outside of the wooden slats. Major scaffold limbs may require protection as determined by the City arborist or Project arborist. Straw wattle may also be used as a trunk wrap and secured with orange plastic fencing.

Data has been entered in the Tree Assessment Chart – Appendix A, which indicates the optimal Tree Protection Zone for each tree.

Additional general tree protection guidelines are included in Tree Protection Guidelines & Restrictions – Appendix G.

Critical Root Zone
The CRZ is the biological limit of a tree’s capacity to recover from root loss. It is “the area of soil around a tree where the minimum number of roots that are biologically essential to the structural stability and health of the tree are located. There are no universally accepted methods to calculate the CRZ.” (Clark, Metheny, Smiley, et al, The Tree Protection Zone & the Critical Root Zone, 12/2021). The methods utilized to determine the Critical Root Zone are varied and can be based on professional guidelines and/or industry standards. Criteria such as trunk diameter, tree age and vigor, species tolerance, tree architecture and existing site constraints are commonly used criteria.

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Critical Root Zone, Continued:

Using this information, the arborist can find the distance from the trunk that should be protected per unit of trunk diameter. The CRZ does not always represent a radius around the tree. When necessary, the area can be offset or shaped in a manner that accepts tree canopy constraints or existing conditions.

For purposes of this report the CRZ is the minimum tolerable distance between the trunk, and excavation that requires root cutting. I have estimated it to be five times the trunk Diameter at Breast Height, (DBH is 4.5’ above grade). For example, if a tree has a one-foot trunk diameter, the CRZ extends to five feet from the trunk.

If encroachment into the CRZ or TPZ is required to retain the tree during development, the arborist must provide alternative construction methods or preconstruction treatments to reduce impacts.

Root Disturbance Distance
No one can estimate and predict with absolute certainty what distance from a tree, a soil disturbance such as excavation for construction should be, to ensure it will not significantly affect tree stability or health. Or to what degree, (low, moderate or high), a tree might be impacted. There are simply too many variables involved that we cannot see or anticipate.

However, three times the D.B.H. (diameter at breast height), is a widely accepted minimum used in the industry for root disturbance, on one side of the trunk, and is supported by several research studies including (Smiley, Fraedich & Hendrickson 2002, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories). This distance is often used during the design and planning phases of a project in order to estimate root loss due to construction activities. This distance is a guideline only and should be increased for trees with significant leans, decay or other structural problems.

The ISA, International Society of Arboriculture- Root Management (2017) publication recommends, “cutting roots at a distance greater than six times the trunk diameter (DBH) minimizes the likelihood of affecting both health and stability. This recommendation is given further direction by the companion publication, A.N.S.I. (American National Standard) A300 (Part 8)- 2013 Root Management, when roots are cut in a non-selective manner, i.e. in a straight line on one side of a tree. It says, if the cutting is “within six times the trunk diameter (DBH), mitigation shall be recommended”. Further, A.N.S.I. recommends the “minimum distance from the trunk for root cutting should be adjusted according to trunk diameter, species tolerance to root loss, tree age, health and site condition”.

In general, root cutting that occurs at a distance less than ten times the diameter of a tree should be undertaken by hand digging and hand (or Sawzall), root pruning. These methods help mitigate root loss impacts.

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Construction Impacts to Heritage Trees
All Heritage trees within the project limits, including palm trees T3, queen palm, and T5 & T6, fan palm, will be in the building footprint and their removal will be necessary to accommodate the project.

The remaining Heritage trees surveyed grow on adjacent residential properties that front May Avenue. This includes tree T9 cypress, T11 incense cedar and T12, walnut. Construction impacts will affect both root loss and canopy loss for these trees. Impacts to the cypress and cedar will be high and impacts to the walnut will be moderate.

The proposed ground level setback is 1-foot 5 inches from the property line, and the adjacent lots containing Heritage trees T9, T11 & T12. Because the setback is 1-foot 5 inches from the property line, when excavation for the building foundation occurs, soil will be excavated at the property line.

Tree T9, a 16” cypress grows on the adjacent lot less than one foot from the property line, (Image #5). Excavation for the new building foundation will occur within the critical root zone of the tree, 1’ X 12” ÷ 16” trunk diameter = .75 X the trunk diameter. This linear cut across the dripline of one side of the tree exceeds the root loss tolerances for the cypress, and impacts would be high.

Several anchoring roots which stabilize the tree would be cut, increasing the risk of tree failure.

Image #5 – Heritage trees T9, T12 & T13, and distance to property line. Also shown is approximate canopy outline (green outline), that overhangs building envelope.

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Construction Impacts to Heritage Trees, Continued:

Image #6 – Cypress trees T9, T10 & T11, and extent of canopy overhang on subject property.

The canopy outline of cypress tree T9 overhangs the project limits by an average of 12-feet, (Image #6), and I estimate approximately 35% to 40% of the trees live canopy would need to be pruned for new building clearance. Because of these impacts, I recommend removal of this tree.

To retain this tree, excavation across the tree dripline should not occur closer than 4 feet. At 4 feet, root losses, with mitigation, would be within the trees tolerance. At 4-feet I estimate 25-35% of the trees canopy would need to be pruned, and the cypress could tolerate this level of pruning. Cypress trees T10 and T11 are below protected size, but since they are on adjacent property and not owned by the applicant, it should be noted that impacts for these two trees would be equivalent to those discussed for cypress tree, T9.

Tree T12, a mature, 24” incense cedar grows on the adjacent lot approximately 2.5 feet from the property line, (Image #5). Excavation for the new building foundation will occur within the critical root zone of the tree, 2.5’ X 12” ÷ 24” trunk diameter = 1.25 X the trunk diameter. This linear cut across the dripline of one side of the tree exceeds the root loss tolerances for the cedar, and impacts would be high. Several anchoring roots which stabilize the tree would be cut, increasing the risk of tree failure. The cedar has a 10 - 15-degree trunk lean which further compromises it’s stability if anchoring roots are cut close to the trunk.

T11 T10 T9

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Construction Impacts to Heritage Trees, Continued:

Image #7 – Trees T12, incense cedar, and T13, walnut, showing canopy overhang above subject property. An approximate amount of clearance pruning, (canopy removal cedar, red outline, and walnut, blue outline), that would be necessary to accommodate construction of the building is shown Because the cedar has a trunk lean towards the subject property, most of its branching structure over hangs the proposed building envelope, (Image #7). I estimate approximately 70 - 80% of the trees live canopy would need to be pruned for new building clearance. This species does not resprout on limbs that are stub cut. Since all growth is at the edges of the canopy on this tree, all clearance pruning cuts would leave stubs, and it is unlikely there would be any new regrowth after pruning. This amount of canopy loss would likely cause signinfcant decline, or tree mortality, as most of the trees energy reserves would be lost. Because of these impacts, I recommend removal of this tree.

For root loss impacts to be within tree T12 cedars tolerance, the building foundation would need to be a minimum of 6-feet from the tree. However, at 6-feet canopy losses would exceed the trees tolerance. Canopy loss is the limiting factor when estimating construction impacts for this tree, and it is difficult to estimate the minimum distance required between the cedar and the building. To retain this tree, I would estimate a range of 8-feet to 12-feet as the minimum distance between the cedar trunk and the building envelope.

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Impact Rating
 Low - 0
 Moderate – 1
 High - 5
Mitigation Measures for Retained Trees
The trees retained on this project will require some or all of the following methods to protect them from the impacts described above and to minimize root loss during the construction phases.
 Tree Protection Fencing
 Hand trenching.
 Supervised root pruning.

Applicant Requirements
1) After revisions are made to the preliminary plan set, A Tree Protection Plan will be required and shall be included with the final plan set. 2) A final inspection of the completed project by the Project Arborist is highly recommended. The inspection shall occur prior to removal of tree protection fencing and after all replacement trees have been installed.

Note: Any tree on site protected by the City Code will require replacement if it is damaged beyond repair as a result of construction activities.

Construction Impacts to Heritage Trees, Continued:

Tree T13 a, a mature, 30” walnut grows on the adjacent lot approximately 7.5 feet from the property line, (Image #5). Excavation for the new building foundation will occur within the critical root zone of the tree: 7.5’ X 12” ÷ 30” trunk diameter = 3 X the trunk diameter. With mitigation the walnut would suffer moderate root loss which it can tolerate, and the tree will need tree protection treatments to reduce root loss impacts. I estimate 15 - 20% of the trees live canopy would need to be pruned for new building clearance. This amount of canopy loss is within the trees tolerance.

Impact Level – Heritage Trees
Impact level rates the degree a tree may be impacted by construction ac tivity and is primarily determined by how close the cons truction procedures occur to the tree. Construction impacts are rated as low, moderate, and high. The quantity of trees assigned for each category (low, moderate, high), is indicated below:

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Tree Removal- Heritage Trees
Table 3 – Tree Disposition Categories – Heritage Trees
Tree Disposition Categories – Heritage Trees
R.I. – Remove due to construction impacts 5
R.C. – Remove due to condition (poor condition) 0
R.D. - Remove due to damage to structure 0
R.T., I.M. - Retain tree. Preservable, low or moderate impacts that can be mitigated.
1 Heritage Tree Removal and Replacement Trees
This report is a preliminary evaluation of construction impacts to trees. The final disposition of the Heritage trees will be determined after planning department review. If the tree removal recommendations in this report are approved, five Heritage trees will be removed. The trees recommended for removal include trees, T3 queen palm, T5 and T6, fan palm, T9 Leland cypress and T12, incense cedar. The trees most closely meet City of Santa Cruz Criterion 3:
“A Construction project design cannot be altered to accommodate existing heritage trees or shrubs”.

A Tree Permit Application will be required and if approved the applicant must fulfill a mitigation requirement:

Tree Replanting Requirement for each tree permitted for removal:

A) Replanting three (3) fifteen gallon (15 gallon), or
B) one twenty-four-inch (24”) box specimen tree
Applicants may elect to place a refundable $250.00 bond, (per tree), with the Parks and Recreation Department and replant their own tree(s); OR • Applicants may elect to pay an in-lieu fee to the tree trust fund of $1,859 per tree for off-site mitigation. (Contributions to the Tree Trust Fund are used to purchase street trees, trees for projects, etc.)
• If the $250.00 refundable bond is placed and the tree(s) are replanted, permittee must contact the City Urban Forester, 831-420-5246 after 3 months of establishment to have the $250.00 bond returned. Once the permit is issued there is a 10-day appeal period as required by ordinance before the permit becomes effective.
• If no appeal is filed, the permit is valid for 45 days. Aggrieved parties wishing to appeal the approval of a tree permit may submit a tree appeal application and $100 fee to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Applicants shall submit written statements or landscape plans to describe how they will fulfill the replacement tree requirements. The submissions shall include: (a) the replacement tree species, (b) the container size, (c) the planting location, and (d) an in-lieu fee payment, if applicable.

Replacement trees shall receive supplemental irrigation for a period of two years or until established. Install a 2-4-inch layer of wood chip mulch around the tree dripline of new trees, and all established trees. Keep mulch away from the trunk of newly planted trees. Keep mulch a minimum of 2-feet from the trunk of established tree.

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Certificate of Performance
I, Kurt Fouts, certify:

That I have personally inspected the tree(s) and/or the property referred to in this report and have stated my findings accurately to the best of my professional judgement.  That I have no current interest in the vegetation or the property that is the subject of this report, and I have no personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved.  That the analysis, opinions and conclusions stated herein are my own, and were developed and prepared according to commonly accepted arboricultural practices.  That my compensation is not contingent upon the reporting of a predetermined conclusion that favors the cause of the client or any other party, nor upon the results of the assessment, the attainment of stipulated results, or the occurrence of any subsequent events.
 That my analysis, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been prepared according to commonly accepted arboricultural practices.  That no one provided significant professional assistance to the consultant, except as indicated within the report.

I further certify that I am an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and carry an International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. I have been involved in the practice of arboriculture and the care and study of trees for more than 20 years.

Signed:________________________ Date: ______________________ 4/30/2024

43.318
Tree Survey & Impact Assessment 4/30/2024
530, 542 & 548 Ocean Avenue, Santa Cruz Page 18

CONCLUSION
 A six story multi-family apartment building is proposed at 530, 542 and 548 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz. I surveyed six Heritage trees on the property, or with canopies that overhang the subject property. A Heritage tree is protected as defined by the City of Santa Cruz Ordinance.
 The Heritage trees are in good or fair condition and are suitable for incorporation into the project.
 One Heritage tree, T13, walnut, will have moderate construction impacts, can be incorporated into the project, and will require mitigation methods to reduce construction impacts.
 Five Heritage trees including T3, queen palm, T5 and T6, fan palm, T9, Layland cypress, and T12, incense cedar, are in direct conflict with the project and their removal will be necessary to accommodate construction of the building.  This report assesses anticipated impacts to affected trees and is based on a preliminary site plan. Depending on revisions to the preliminary site plan, impacts to trees may change and will require reassessment. Once the final plan set is completed, a Tree Protection Plan will be required and shall be included with the final plan set.
 The Tree Assessment Chart, Appendix A is the condensed reference guide to inform all tree management decisions for the trees evaluated.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Obtain all necessary permits prior to removing or significantly altering any trees on site.

2. If the owners of trees on the adjacent lots agree to remove highly impacted trees, consider using the appraised value of the offsite trees as compensation.

Respectfully submitted,
Kurt Fouts ISA Certified Arborist WE0681
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

43.319

Tree # Species
Trunk
Diameter
@ 54
inches
a.g.

Heritage
Tree
Crown
Height &
Spread
(diameter)
Health
Rating
Structural
Rating Age
Suitability for
Preservation
(Based Upon
Condition &
Species)
Tree
Protection
Zone (in
radius feet)
Construction
Impacts (Rating
& Description)
Retention
or Removal
Code
Comments
T1 evergreen pear
(Pyrus kawakamii ) 13.75 No 35'X35' Fair Fair
Semimature
Fair 15' High (In building
footprint) R.I. Strong trunk bow. Surface roots are lifting parking curb.

T2 glossy privet
(Ligustrum lucidum ) 6" No 10'X10' Good Fair
Semimature
Good 10' High (In building
footprint) R.I.

Page 1 of 3 ends

43.320
Tree # Species
Trunk
Diameter @
54 inches
a.g.