2023-15 (EG)RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVING A
REQUEST FOR A CANARY DATE PALM (PHOENIX CANARIENSIS) TO BE GRANTED
HERITAGE TREE STATUS ON MOONLIGHT STATE BEACH (APN 258-042-30)
CASE NO. HTREE-003531-2019 (MOONLIGHT STATE BEACH)
WHEREAS, Tanner McConlogue submitted an application for the nomination of a Canary
Date Palm tree as a Heritage Tree, located on Moonlight State Beach;
WHEREAS, the process for considering nominations for Heritage Tree status is identified
within Section 9.00 of the City of Encinitas Urban Forest Management Program – Administrative
Manual; and
WHEREAS, a tree nominated for Heritage Tree status shall meet at least one of the criteria
identified within Section 9.10(C) of the City of Encinitas Urban Forest Management Program –
Administrative Manual;
WHEREAS, the UFAC considered the request, determined that the nominated tree did
meet one of the required criteria, and recommended Heritage Tree status at their meeting of
January 23, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the California State Department of Parks and Recreation’s Environmental
Review Memorandum, date stamped September 28, 2022, approved the project to proceed with
conditions;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the UFAC recommendation for
approval at their meeting of August 3, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Encinitas Planning Commission hereby
APPROVES Case No. HTREE-003531-2019 based on the following Environmental
Determination and Findings:
Section 1. California Environmental Quality Act Determination
The request is exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) when it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment and the
activity is not subject to CEQA. None of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 exists.
Section 2. Discretionary Action(s) Findings
Based on the findings for a Heritage Tree nomination, as per Section 9.00 of the Urban
Forest Management Program – Administrative Manual Procedures and the aforementioned
analysis, the Planning Commission has made the following findings to support the
approval:
Heritage Tree Findings Explanation of Finding
1. It is one of the oldest and largest of
its species located in Encinitas;
The Canary Date Palm is one of the oldest and
largest of its species located in Encinitas. The tree is
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estimated to be more than 50 years old, 60-feet tall,
and in good health.
2. It is a tree of unique form or
species;
The tree species is common but the location of it is
unique. It is located in the middle of Moonlight State
Beach.
3. It has historic significance due to
an association with a historic
building, site, street, person or
event; or
The Canary Date Palm has historical significance
because of its unique location in the middle of
Moonlight Beach. This tree has become a well-known
symbol for the area and can be seen in many
business logos, artwork and is a visual icon for the
area.
4. It is a defining landmark or
significant outstanding feature of a
neighborhood.
The Canary Date Palm is a defining feature of
Moonlight beach. It is the only tree located on the
beach, and its prominent location creates a significant
iconic and recognizable visual landmark within the
community.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of August 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Dalton, Prendergast, Ryan, Sherod
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Doyle
_________________________
Steve Dalton, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
_________________________
Anna Colamussi
Secretary
NOTE: This action is subject to Chapter 1.04 of the Municipal Code, which specifies time limits
for legal challenges.
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