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Planning commission approves removal of one heritage redwood, grants three TPZ exceptions at Euclid Avenue lots

July 26, 2025 | Atherton Town, San Mateo County, California


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Planning commission approves removal of one heritage redwood, grants three TPZ exceptions at Euclid Avenue lots
The Atherton Planning Commission on March 26 approved a revised plan to remove one heritage coast redwood and grant tree protection zone exceptions for three other redwoods to allow a parking pad for four vehicles at the adjacent lots 37 and 53 Euclid Avenue. Staff said the new configuration reduced tree impacts compared with a prior proposal the commission denied in August. Staff recommended approval after discussions with the applicant and the town arborist. A staff presenter described the property as two adjacent lots under common ownership, about two acres in total in the R1A zoning district, developed with a single-family house, pool and pool house. The revised plan shifts the pad and adds a retaining wall to reduce impacts and avoids grading within eight times the TPZ; the project arborist will be on-site during construction and no roots larger than two inches will be cut, staff said. Ralph Osterling, a registered forester at the hearing, told the commission he was available to answer questions. Commissioners said the modified design was an improvement and discussed but ultimately declined staff’s recommended requirement for a 36-inch box replacement tree because of the site’s many existing trees. One member remarked that the property is “spectacular in terms of trees.” The town arborist previously approved removal of one tree at staff level because it posed a danger; the commission voted to approve the additional heritage removal and the three TPZ exceptions. The motion cited CEQA and local code provisions for minor alterations to land; the commission approved the application without the 36-inch replacement-tree requirement. Staff noted the project’s history, including the August denial and subsequent redesign, and included a condition that a project arborist be present during work to protect remaining trees. The commission voted in favor with no recorded oppositions. Commissioners and staff praised the applicant for revising the plan to limit tree impacts.

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