Land Use Recommends New House Near Oak Trees

The Planning and Land Use Committee and Town Council voted Thursday night to support a builder's project that would enter the protected space of five oak trees.  

Developer Mark Anderson requested permission to encroach five oak trees as part of the building of a roughly 2,500 square-foot, single-family Craftsman home at 2752 Frances Ave. Under the proposal, none of the trees would be removed. 

With the vote, the committee and Town Council will write a letter to the county's Department of Regional Planning asking them to grant Anderson permission, provided that he works to preserve the health of the trees and that a seven-year inspection period from the county is confirmed.

Committee member Odalis Suarez recused herself from the vote. The Department of Regional Planning will review Anderson's request at a July 6 hearing.

Anderson presented his concept to the committee, detailing his purchase of the property and splitting it into two parts. He also noted how his original plan was met with resistance from neighbors.

“About 40 people opposed my concept,” he said. “The original concept called for the cutting down of two trees. So, I redesigned the house to keep the two trees.”

Anderson described encroachment as the ability to build a structure within the drip line of the trees, or five feet beyond. He also said he would be responsible for the trees’ well-being.

“The trees will be OK,” he said. “If they die, I have to plant new ones.”

Reaction from residents was generally positive, as Anderson and committee members addressed questions regarding the preservation of the trees’ roots. Anderson said that the county, with the help of an arborist, will decide the best course of action should large roots be encountered.

“Trees are there to be cherished, but not to impose on everything we do,” said architect Alex Rogic. “If you can make a better house and a sightline, I think that would be acceptable. I wish you good luck.”

At the end of the meeting, committee chairwoman and Town Council president Cheryl Davis urged the committee/council to request that the county inform them of any news or changes regarding the requested parking deviation at 3115 Foothill Blvd.

The accompanying photo is not of an oak tree at 2752 Frances Ave., it is an oak tree in Crescenta Valley Park.