Equity Smart Investments LP Tree Removal Permit (P6068)

The applicant requests Tree Removal Permit approval to authorize the removal of 11 trees classified as either protected or heritage, pursuant to the applicable definitions set forth in Marin County Development Code, on a vacant lot located in an unincorporated area of Mill Valley. According to the submitted arborist report and tree inventory prepared by California Tree and Landscape Consulting, Inc. (dated August 2025), the proposed tree removals include five California bay trees (Umbellularia californica), all of which qualify as protected trees, and six coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), five of which qualify as protected trees and one as a heritage tree. All trees proposed for removal are, at a minimum, rated in fair condition and do not exhibit major or extreme structural or health deficiencies, according to the report. The 11 trees proposed for removal are listed in a chart below which includes their identification (tag) number, overall health assessment, total observed diameter at breast height (DBH), classification as either a protected [P] or heritage [H] tree, and other relevant information.

Additional tree removal activities that are not subject to Tree Removal Permit approval are also proposed, including the removal of 20 native trees (i.e., California bay, Coast live oak, Pacific madrone, etc.)  that either do not meet the required diameter at breast height (DBH) to be classified as protected or heritage, or that, although meeting the classification criteria, exhibit major or extreme structural or health deficiencies, thereby qualifying them for removal without permit approval pursuant to Marin County Development Code Section 22.62.040 (Exemptions). Additionally, 49 nonnative trees would be removed, primarily consisting of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.).

Tree Removal Permit approval is required pursuant to Section 22.62.020 of the Marin County Development Code because the project consists of the removal of trees classified as protected or heritage, as defined by the terms “Protected Tree” and “Heritage Tree” in Marin County Code Section 22.130.030 (Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases), on a vacant lot, and which cannot be otherwise exempt from such approval.

Land Use Info

Zoning: R1-B1 (Residential, Single-Family District, together with the Minimum Lot Size “-B1” Combining District)
County Plan Designation: SF6 (Single-Family 6, a Low Density Residential Land use Category)
Community Plan (if applicable): Tamalpais Area Community Plan (1992)