Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 8D
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: April 7, 2026
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: John Ferons, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: John Ferons, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Number 26-4405 approving Tree Removal Permit TREE-26-6 for Bardessono Hotel and Spa authorizing the removal of Heritage Tree No. 158 located at the intersection of Finnell Road and Yount Street with the finding it constitutes a likely hazard to safety due to the proximity of the public travelled way and requiring mitigation replacement.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
Heritage Tree No. 158 is a Valley Oak (Quercus Lobata) located adjacent to the intersection of Finnell Road and Yount Streets. In 2009, when the Town’s Heritage tree survey was performed, the tree was identified as being in poor condition with a 24” diameter dead limb that was pruned back to the trunk while the remainder of the canopy was pruned for cleaning.
In the early hours of February 7, 2026, Public Works responded to a call from sheriff dispatch that a large branch had fallen from Heritage Tree No.158 into Finnell Road near the Yount Street intersection, to which Town street crews responded and cleaned up.
That branch failure, coupled with the proximity to the travelled way, caused Public Works staff to enlist the Town Arborist to perform an inspection of the tree. That inspection revealed the tree is afflicted with mediterranean oak, borer, structurally compromised, and in a state of advanced decline. Given the location next to the public travelled way and the high likelihood of additional large limb failures continued retention of the tree is no longer reasonable. The arborist’s recommendation is immediate whole-tree removal and proper disposal of infested material to reduce potential pest pressure on adjacent valley oaks.
While the tree is identified as a heritage tree, pursuant to Yountville Municipal Code, the location of the tree is such that it is the responsibility of the fronting property owner, Bardessono Hotel and Spa. Upon notification from the Town about the status of the tree, the representatives at Bardessono promptly applied for a Tree Removal Permit to remove the tree and are prepared to have a tree company perform the removal pending approval.
According to Chapter 17.128.060 of the Yountville Municipal Code (YMC), the Town Council shall grant or deny a permit for tree removal for heritage trees and native oak protected trees. As the responsible reviewing authority, Town Council may approve the application and authorize a Tree Removal Permit if one or more of the following findings can be made:
1. The condition of the tree(s) with respect to its health present(s) an imminent danger of falling or failure and constitutes a likely hazard to safety due to the proximity of existing structures or interference with public infrastructure or utilities. Prior history of poor maintenance affecting the health of the tree may invalidate grounds for removal of an unhealthy tree; or
2. Removal is warranted due to the tree's age and size with respect to the size or appropriateness of its planted location or if removal would encourage healthier, more vigorous growth of other trees or would encourage healthier, more vigorous growth of trees and other plant material in the area; or
3. Alternative mitigation measures that reduce a structural defect but do not result in removal of the tree(s) are either impractical or would not benefit the longevity of the subject tree(s).
Finding No. 1 can be made based on the arborist’s conclusion that the subject tree is in advanced decline with evidence of beetle activity and probable root decay. Given its location adjacent to a public roadway and the high likelihood of future large limb failures, immediate removal is recommended.
Also, as the decision-making authority, Town Council may attach any reasonable condition where mitigation is deemed necessary. According to YMC 17.128.070 when it is not possible to replace a large, older tree with a single equivalent tree the following tree canopy replacement ratio may apply:
The replacement requirement shall be with the minimum size for a replacement of a heritage tree, or a native oak shall be 24-inch box.
The existing tree is 42 inches in diameter at standard measuring height. The sum of the replacement trees shall meet the standards of size, species, and placement as provided for by the Town Arborist recommendation. Of the proposed replacement trees, one tree can be planted in the same location, and the remaining trees may be planted throughout the Bardessono Hotel and Spa property in locations deemed appropriate by the arborist.
Mitigation condition of approval based on YMC would be: Applicant shall provide an equivalent number of replacement trees calculated on an inch-by-inch replacement of the 42-inch diameter removed tree with minimum 24-inch box size and one tree planted in the same location and the remaining trees planted throughout the Bardessono Hotel and Spa property in locations deemed appropriate by the arborist.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Categorically Exempt per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guideline; Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land.
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? No
Is it Currently Budgeted? N/A
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No 26-4405 Approving Tree Removal Permit TREE-26-6
2. Urban Forestry Associates Valley Oak Assessment March 2 2026