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Project Title: |
Attri Court Heritage Tree Nomination |
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County File(s): |
#CDHT23-00001 |
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Applicant/Owner: |
Daryl Chrzan (Applicant & Owner) |
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General Plan: |
Single-Family Residential-Medium Density (SM) |
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Zoning: |
R-10 Single-Family Residential District |
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Site Address/Location: |
11 Attri Court, Lafayette, CA 94549 (APN: 166-230-028) |
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California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Status: |
The project is exempt under Section 15307 of the Environmental Quality Act (See Section III for additional information). |
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Project Planner: |
Nai Saephan, Project Planner (925) 674-7788 nai.saephan@dcd.cccounty.us |
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Staff Recommendation: |
Approve (See Section II for Full Recommendation) |
I. PROJECT SUMMARY
This is a request to nominate two Canary Island date palm trees measuring approximately 124 inches and approximately 125 inches in circumference, pursuant to the Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 816-4).
II. RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the County Planning Commission:
A. OPEN the public hearing, RECEIVE testimony, and CLOSE the public hearing;
B. ADOPT a motion recommending that the Board of Supervisors:
1. FIND that for the purposes of compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the project is categorically exempt under Government Code Section 15307, which identifies projects consisting of actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by local ordinance to assure maintenance of a natural resource, as being exempt from review.
2. NOMINATE the two (2) Canary Island date palm trees identified in the application CDHT23-00001 as Heritage Trees pursuant to Chapter 816-4 of the County Ordinance.
III. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. General Plan: As of November 5, 2024, the subject property is located within an RLM, Residential Low-Medium Density (RLM) General Plan land use designation (County General Plan Envision 2045). At the time the application was deemed “complete” for processing (February 22, 2024), the property was located within a SM, Single-Family Residential - Medium Density (SM) General Plan land use designation.
B. Zoning: The subject property is located within a R-10, Single-Family Residential District.
C. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): The proposed project is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15307, which identifies actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by local ordinance, to assure the maintenance of natural resources for protection of the environment where construction activities are not proposed.
D. Prior County Zoning Files Related to the Property:
1. CDMS63-00217: An application for a 4-lot minor subdivision, approved on October 16, 1963.
IV. SITE DESCRIPTION
The subject property is an approximately 11,050-square-foot, rectangular lot that is developed with a single-family residence and a pool. Attri Court, located within a private access easement wholly on the subject property, provides access from Reliez Valley Road to four single-family residential lots surrounding the Court. The property and immediate vicinity is relatively flat due to its location within a valley surrounded by hills. Uses in the area primarily consist of single-family residences, two cemeteries, and Briones Peak open space park land. The subject property is located approximately 350 feet south of the Reliez Valley Trailhead with access to Blue Oak Trail and Briones Peak approximately 1-1/2 miles to the west.
IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This is a request to nominate two Canary Island date palm trees pursuant to the Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 816-4). The trees proposed for heritage tree designation are located in the approximate center of the Attri Court private road access easement on the subject property. The subject trees measure approximately 124 inches and 125 inches in circumference (approximately 39.5” and 40” in diameter, respectively) as measured 4 1/2 feet from grade. The applicant has elected to nominate the trees for heritage status due to their age, iconic status, and habitat for wildlife. Based on the applicant’s nomination statement, tree #1 was planted approximately 100 years ago, while tree #2 is approximately 50 years old. The applicant indicates that the trees have become a landmark for Attri Court and serve as a navigational aid. In addition, the trees have provided nesting habitat for barn owls and other wildlife.
V. STAFF ANALYSIS
A. Appropriateness of Nomination: The two Canary Island date palm trees nominated for designation meet the size criteria for designation as heritage trees, as is required under the Heritage Tree Definition of the County Ordinance (Section 816-4.402). Tree #1 measures approximately 124 inches in circumference and Tree #2 measures approximately 125 inches in circumference as measured 4-1/2 feet from grade level, where the minimum is 72 inches in circumference. In addition to their significant size and aesthetic benefits, based on the applicant’s nomination statement, the trees are a major component of Attri Court’s history dating back to at least the 1920s as is the case for Tree #1 and at least the 1970s for Tree #2. In addition, they provide a nesting habitat for barn owls and other wildlife. Therefore, it would be appropriate for both trees to be preserved as heritage trees due to their age, iconic status, and their valuable habitat for wildlife.
B. Suitable Marking of Trees: Upon designation, the heritage trees shall be clearly marked to notify the public of their heritage status. Staff recommends as a condition of approval (COA #3) that the applicant be required to suitably mark and maintain the markers on the designated trees.
VI. CONCLUSION
The two Canary Island date palm trees nominated by the applicant are worthy of heritage tree designation. The subject trees meet the minimum criteria for designation and possess unique character and value to the Attri Court properties and the County as a whole. Therefore, staff recommends that the County Planning Commission adopt a motion recommending the Board of Supervisors nominate the subject trees as Heritage Trees.
Attachments:
A. Findings and Conditions of Approval
B. Maps (Assessor’s Map, General Plan, Zoning, Aerial)
C. Annotated Aerial Map
D. Heritage Tree Nomination Package
E. Draft Board Resolution
F. Presentation Slides