City halts unsanctioned tree removal

Shepard Place Apartments complex had slated 70+ trees for removal, per city staff

The city of Carpinteria issued an immediate “stop work” order last week for unsanctioned tree removal at the Shepard Place Apartments, a 55 and older community located at 1069 Casitas Pass Rd. in Carpinteria.

According to Nick Bobroff, principal planner with the city of Carpinteria, the city heard from residents of Shepard Place Apartments last week that the complex’s new owners had ordered the removal of “a number of” mature trees. The new owners, an investment company, bought the complex late last year.

Per Bobroff, management said the new owners had identified more than 70 trees they believed were either causing damage or prone to causing damage and had started to remove those trees.

However, the property has an approved landscape and development plan, and any “significant alternations” to its landscaping – including the widespread tree cuttings – would require prior review and approval by the city.

“City staff acknowledged that these may be compelling reasons that could merit removal of some trees, but that outside of an immediate life safety hazard scenario, such as a fallen tree, there is a city review process that needs to be followed prior to undertaking site renovations,” Bobroff said.

The city requested management provide an analysis from a certified arborist explaining why the trees must be removed as opposed to pruned; a tree replacement or revised landscape plan; and an exhibit identifying all trees removed and slated for removal. As of Tuesday, the city is waiting to receive those materials.

“Management was directed that no further tree removals should occur unless and until the tree removal plan and a suitable replacement/re-landscaping plan have been approved by the city,” Bobroff said.

A person who picked up the phone at Shepard Place Apartments front desk refused to give a name, said they had no comment, and hung up.

The city of Carpinteria issued a “stop work” order for unsanctioned tree removal at Shepard Place Apartments, a 55 and older community located on Casitas Pass Road.