REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Proposed Project: Appeal of a decision by the Director of Community Development denying a TREE REMOVAL PERMIT for a 21-inch diameter Fruitless Pear tree in the front yard.
Location: 385 Redondo Terrace (APN: 165-46-025)
File #: PLNG-2025-0521
Zoning: R1.7/PD (Low-Medium Density Residential Zoning District with a Planned Development Combining District)
Applicant/Appellant/Owner: Kaye Suyama (applicant/appellant)/Kamayatsu-Peterson Erika L Trustee (owner)
Environmental Review: Categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4).
Project Planner: Cindy Hom, (408) 730-7411, chom@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
General Plan: Low-Medium Density Residential
Existing Site Conditions: Two-story single-family home
Surrounding Land Uses: Two-story single-family homes
Issues: Appeal letter notes tree safety concerns
Staff Recommendation: Alternative 1: Deny the appeal and uphold the decision of the Director of Community Development to deny the Tree Removal Permit.
BACKGROUND
The applicant/appellant filed a Tree Removal Permit application on August 18, 2025 to remove one (1) Fruitless Pear tree located in the front yard, next to the driveway. The reason stated for the proposed removal was that the tree had outgrown the front yard and a large branch had recently fallen, with the potential for other branches to fall on neighboring properties and on the sidewalk. The subject lot size is 3,869 square feet and is currently developed with a two-story single-family home.
The City Arborist inspected the tree on August 25, 2025, and determined that its removal was not warranted. The City Arborist found the tree to be in good health and did not meet the City's criteria for removal, which are described below. As such, the City Arborist recommended that the tree be preserved and that safety pruning be carried out by...
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