The Atherton Planning Commission on Wednesday granted a heritage‑tree removal permit for two large trees at 285 Camino Del Lago and denied the removal of a third tree scheduled for protection.

Town staff recommended approval of the removals for trees identified as numbers 18 (valley oak) and 20 (coast live oak) because of structural concerns documented by the applicant’s project arborist and reviewed by the town arborist; staff recommended denial of tree number 11 after the town arborist concluded the canopy and structural issues could be mitigated through pruning.

The nut graf: The commission’s action cleared the way for the property owner to proceed toward demolition of the existing structure and to pursue construction of a new house, subject to remaining building‑permit and tree‑protection requirements; neighbors asked for a continuance so all trees potentially affected by the project could be considered together, but staff said two additional trees tied to a new driveway were not properly noticed and would be brought back in a later hearing.

During the hearing the applicant explained the project’s schedule and said the construction loan requires timely permits; the applicants asked the commission to approve the two removals so they could secure a demolition permit. Neighbor Evangeline Cook asked the commission to continue the item because she considered the replanting plan “woefully inadequate” and said screening requirements had not been addressed in sufficient detail.

Staff clarified that the submitted arborist reports show tree number 11’s diameter was smaller in more recent measurements (26 inches) than earlier plan sheets, and that under the building footprint as proposed tree 11 might have been eligible for a staff‑level TPZ exception rather than removal. Staff recommended replacement plantings if removals are approved and suggested four 24‑inch‑box oak trees and two 24‑inch‑box Chinese pistache trees as part of mitigation.

The commission voted to approve removals for tree numbers 18 and 20 and to deny removal of tree number 11 (roll call: all in favor, one absent). Staff said the applicant could receive a demolition permit if they install required temporary tree protection fencing and the town verifies protective measures; grading, driveway and new‑residence permits remain on hold and must reflect any changes that result from final tree and driveway decisions.

The commission instructed staff to remain involved in reviewing on‑site protection and replacement plantings, and commissioners raised the Atherton Channel and potential impacts where roots approach channel infrastructure as an item for the applicant to address with the public‑works review required for grading and drainage permits.