Hearing officer upholds fine for illegal redwood removal at 5 Collado
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Summary
Staff reported that an appeal of a $41,000 fine for illegal removal of a large redwood at 5 Collado was denied by the hearing officer; staff said the fine calculation follows code that doubles appraised tree value for illegal removal.
Town staff reported that a recent enforcement appeal over the illegal removal of a large redwood at 5 Collado was denied by the hearing officer, and the previously imposed fine was upheld.
Town arborist Sally told the commission the property owner had paid a $41,000 fine and then appealed. Under the town code for illegal removals, staff said the enforcement penalty is calculated by appraising the tree value and doubling it; the removed redwood was appraised at roughly $85,000, and the hearing officer sustained the enforcement decision.
The commission received no further public comment on the item. Staff noted the fine outcome is subject to any further appeals to higher jurisdictional forums but said they did not expect additional appeals in this case.