Recommended approval (Feb 2026) · Council outcome not on recordOther

815 Skyline Dr tree removal (TREE-0973-2025)

Description

Removal of four Canary Island pines and one Monterey pine, with five replacement trees in front plus one more in back for the Monterey pine. The committee recommended approval; the Community Development Director makes the final call.

Impact summary

Removes the street's most prominent trees but replaces them with five fire-smart species — ginkgo, flame bottle tree, jacaranda, and sweet shade — planted farther from the house.

Applicant

Name: Chris van Harmelen
Address: 815 Skyline Dr, San Luis Obispo, CASee this on the map

At a glance

Hearings: 1
Public comments: 1
Total mentions: 1

Last vote

Recommended approval (Feb 2026) · Council outcome not on record4–1

A recommendation. The council’s outcome is not on record here.

Last discussed Feb 23, 2026.

Meeting timeline (1)

Feb 23, 2026

Tree Committee

Homeowner seeks removal of four Canary Island pines and one Monterey pine, citing the new high fire hazard designation, needle debris, and a leaning backyard pine a neighbor's attorney has flagged. The committee recommended approval of the four front pines with five replacement trees, and made the Monterey pine contingent on an arborist report.

Related issues (1)

Removal of five pines at 815 Skyline Drive

A Skyline Drive property newly mapped in a high fire hazard severity zone wants six pines removed, and neighbors support it — some have had homeowners insurance cancelled over wildfire risk. The case highlights tension between preserving large mature canopy and fire-smart landscaping as California wildfire risk grows.

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