HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_York_Tree_Removal_RVMP_Final_20250304_pdfDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_York Tree Removal_RVMP_Final
PLANNING DIVISION
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: March 4, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA24-000350, RVMP
PROJECT NAME: York Tree Removal
PROJECT MANAGER: Brianna Burroughs, Associate Planner
OWNER/APPLICANT: Don and Manuella York
3628 SE 19th Ct, Renton, WA, 98058
CONTACT: Manuella York
3628 SE 19th Ct, Renton, WA, 98058
PROJECT LOCATION: 3628 SE 19th Ct, Renton, WA, 98058 (APN 8645540200)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The property owner is requesting retroactive approval of a Routine
Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) for a high-risk bigleaf maple tree that has been removed on or around
Monday, August 26, 2024. The site of the tree removal is located at 3628 SE 19th Ct, APN 8645540200. The
subject property is approximately 9,000 square feet (0.20 acres) and is situated within the Residential-8 (R-
8) zone in the Benson Community Planning Area.
The tree was removed without the benefit of permit review and a code case (CODE24-000623) was opened.
The owner insists that the tree had major decay and damaged the neighboring property, which warranted the
emergency removal of the tree. Photo evidence provided includes fallen tree limbs crushing a shed on the
neighbor’s property, damage to the neighbor’s roof, and visible disease/decay of the tree (Attachment B).
Further investigation of the severity of decay could not be determined on the scene as most of the debris had
been removed by the time city staff responded to the initial code compliance complaint.
CRITICAL AREA: None
GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D.4:
YES 1. The lot shall comply with minimum tree density requirements pursuant to RMC 4-4-
130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations.
Staff Comments: In accordance with RMC 4-4-130H, compliance with tree credit
requirements necessitates a minimum of 30 tree credits per net acre. The subject
property is approximately 9,000 square feet (0.20 acres). Based on the property size,
six (6) trees are required to meet the minimum tree density requirement (30 tree
credits/acre × 0.2 acres = 6 tree credits).
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
York Tree Removal LUA24-000350, RVMP
Permit Date: March 4, 2025 Page 2 of 4
D_York Tree Removal_RVMP_Final
The applicant’s description of the remaining trees on site (Attachment A) and the Tree
Retention and Credit Worksheet created by staff based on the applicant’s information
(Attachment C) indicates that one (1) hazardous landmark tree was removed and
twelve (12) trees are proposed to remain. Landmark trees are classified as trees with
a caliper of twenty-four inches (24”) or greater, except for big leaf maples, black
cottonwoods, and red alder trees, which qualify as landmark trees with a caliper of
thirty inches (30”) or greater. Originally, there were ninety-three (93) tree credits on
this property and the removal of the landmark tree, which was measured at thirty-two
caliper inches (32”), reduced the tree credits by twelve (12). The retention of the other
remaining twelve (12) trees on the property would maintain a total of eighty-one (81)
tree credits.
The retention of twelve (12) trees and eighty-one (81) tree credits would maintain the
minimum tree density for the subject property.
N/A 2. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with restrictions for critical
areas, pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations, and
RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations.
Staff Comments: Not applicable. As seen on the City of Renton (COR) maps, this
property is not located within any critical areas.
YES 3. Removal of a landmark tree shall meet the review criteria for removal off landmark tree,
pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations.
Staff Comments: According to RMC 4-4-130F.2.c.i, a landmark tree may be removed
if it is determined to be high risk. In RMC 4-11-200, a high-risk tree is classified as such
if it has a probable or imminent likelihood of failure; and a medium or high likelihood
of impact; and the consequences of failure for the tree are significant or severe.
There was no ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification form filled out; thus the
following information is based on the supplemental information provided by the
owner. The stump of the tree is thirty-two inches (32”) in diameter, as measured by
the owner, classifying the tree as having landmark status. According to the property
owner, a large branch of the big leaf maple broke off and crushed a shed on the
neighbor’s property in 2021. The tree was subject to further failure in August 2024
when another large branch broke off and hit the neighbor’s deck and roof, damaging
the roof and gutter system (Attachments A and B). The multiple failures ultimately led
to the property owner’s need to remove the tree. Photos of the tree demonstrate that
a section of the trunk had signs of decay.
Since the tree demonstrated the severe consequences of impact and imminent
likelihood of failure, staff concurs that the tree should have been removed due to
criteria i in RMC 4-4-130F.2.c being satisfied.
N/A 4. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved unless
otherwise approved by the Administrator.
Staff Comments: Not applicable. The subject tree was not a street frontage tree nor
a parking lot tree. Neither street frontage nor parking landscape is proposed to be
removed.
N/A 5. The land clearing and tree removal shall not remove any landscaping or protected
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
York Tree Removal LUA24-000350, RVMP
Permit Date: March 4, 2025 Page 3 of 4
D_York Tree Removal_RVMP_Final
trees required as part of a land development permit.
Staff Comments: Not applicable. The tree removed was not a part of landscaping or
protected trees required as part of a land development permit.
YES 6. The land clearing and tree removal shall maintain visual screening and buffering
between land uses of differing intensity, consistent with applicable landscaping and
setback provisions.
Staff Comments: The tree removal did not impact visual screening and was not a part
of required landscaping. The zoning intensity of all surrounding properties are also
single-family residential in the Residential-8 (R-8) zone so there is no disruption
between use intensity.
YES 7. The land clearing and tree removal shall not create or contribute to a hazardous
condition, such as increased potential for blowdown, pest infestation, disease, or
other problems that may result from selectively removing trees and other vegetation
from a lot.
Staff Comments: The removal of the tree has not created a hazardous condition.
Instead, it mitigated further risk of tree collapse and further potential damage to
property.
N/A 8. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with the requirement of the
Shoreline Master Program, pursuant to RMC 4-3-090F1, Vegetation Conservation and
RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations.
Staff Comments: Not applicable. The property is not located within shoreline
jurisdiction.
DECISION: The York Tree Removal, LUA24-000350, RVMP is Approved.
SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION:
________________________________________ ____________________________________
Matthew Herrera, Planning Director Date
RECONSIDERATION: Within 14 days of the decision date, any party may request that the decision be
reopened by the approval body. The approval body may modify his decision if material evidence not readily
discoverable prior the original decision is found or if he finds there was misrepresentation of fact. After
review of the reconsideration request, if the approval body finds sufficient evidence to amend the original
decision, there will be no further extension of the appeal period. Any person wishing to take further action
must file a formal appeal within the 14-day appeal time frame.
APPEALS: Appeals of permit issuance must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 18, 2025.
An appeal of the decision must be filed within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-
680). Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to
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3/4/2025 | 2:20 PM PST
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
York Tree Removal LUA24-000350, RVMP
Permit Date: March 4, 2025 Page 4 of 4
D_York Tree Removal_RVMP_Final
City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is
submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. The appeal submitted
in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are
governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from
the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
EXPIRATION: The Routine Vegetation Management Permit shall be valid for one year from the date of
issuance. An extension may be granted by the Planning Division for a period of one year upon application by
the property owner or manager. Application for such an extension must be made at least thirty (30) days in
advance of the expiration of the original permit and shall include a statement of justification for the
extension.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Project Narrative
Attachment B: Site photos
Attachment C: Tree Retention and Credit Worksheet, prepared by City Staff
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Reason for removal of maple tree
- May 2021: Very large branch fell on the roof of neighbor’s house, causing serious damages,
including a portion that punctured the roof and the kitchen ceiling.
o Afterward we hired a tree trimming company to trim the tree, including the
removal of several dead or at-risk branches.
- New growth on the tree was also unstable and resulted in another large branch falling on
the same neighbor’s property and damaging a shed.
The tree trimming service noted that the tree was unhealthy and recommended removal. The tree
was cut down, and disease was evident in the trunk (see attached pictures).
We love our tress, especially our old maples, and the decision to remove it was made reluctantly,
but it was apparent that it had become a hazard. We have planted several trees in the 20 years that
we’ve resided here. There are 4 recently planted evergreens growing in the same area as the maple
that was removed.
We were not aware of the need for a permit to remove a tree on our property.
ATTACHMENT A
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Brianna Burroughs
From:Brianna Burroughs
Sent:Wednesday, February 26, 2025 4:40 PM
To:Don York
Cc:Eric Petzold
Subject:RE: LUA24-000350 3628 SE 19th CT- Retroactive Tree Removal Request
(CODE24-000623)
Hi Don,
Thank you for this update. Very helpful! I will incorporate this information into the decision document.
Best,
BRIANNA BURROUGHS, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
OƯice (425) 430-7286 | bburroughs@rentonwa.gov
From: Don York <don.york@comcast.net>
Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2025 5:09 PM
To: Brianna Burroughs <BBurroughs@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Eric Petzold <EPetzold@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: LUA24-000350 3628 SE 19th CT- Retroactive Tree Removal Request (CODE24-000623)
Hello, Brianna.
Here is what I measured.
Lyland Cypress: 4 large ones (N side): 8.9" average
Western Hemlock - 2, front yard, large: 24.84", 20.06"
Dogwood - 1, front yard, medium(?): 15.29"
Japanese Cherry Blossom tree - 1, front yard, medium: 15.92"
Maple (Norway?), back yard, very large, 3 trunks that share the same base: 27.07", 26.43", 25.16"
Deodar cedar - 1, back yard, medium(?): 13.06"
On 02/19/2025 11:05 AM PST Brianna Burroughs <bburroughs@rentonwa.gov> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless
you know the content is safe.
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Hi Don,
Thank you for your payment of the application (LUA24-000350). I am trying to wrap up the staff
report for your retroactive tree removal, but I need the measurements of the trees that are currently
on site. This information is very important to help justify the tree’s removal and also to show that
you have fulfilled all the tree credits on your lot. This information will also show that you won’t have
to install additional plantings.
To find the diameter at breast height (DBH) of each tree, you would measure the circumference of
each tree at about 4 feet high, and then divide that number by 3.14. If there are any trees on the lot
that come out to less than 6 inches, please remove those trees from the list.
1. Current trees on the property:
1. Lyland Cypress: 4 large ones (N side), 3 Sm/Med ones
2. Emerald Green - 2
3. Skyscraper Juniper - 1
4. Western Hemlock - 2, front yard, large
5. Dogwood - 1, front yard, medium(?)
6. Japanese Cherry Blossom tree - 1, front yard, medium
7. Maple (Norway?)
1. 1, back yard, very large
2. 1, front yard, small
8. Deodar cedar - 1, back yard, medium(?)
9. Lace-leaf Japanese Maple (red) - 2, front, small
We are on the home stretch for this one! Thank you for your time and patience.
Best,
BRIANNA BURROUGHS, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
OƯice (425) 430-7286 | bburroughs@rentonwa.gov
From: Brianna Burroughs
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 10:53 AM
To: Don York <don.york@comcast.net>
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3
Cc: Eric Petzold <EPetzold@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: LUA24-000350 3628 SE 19th CT- Retroactive Tree Removal Request (CODE24-000623)
Hi Don,
Thank you for this information, it is really helpful. We will continue processing the permit and an
invoice will be sent to you shortly.
Please keep in mind that because this application is retroactive, due to the a work without permit
code case (CODE24-000623), the fees will be double the regular permit cost.
BRIANNA BURROUGHS, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
OƯice (425) 430-7286 | bburroughs@rentonwa.gov
From: Don York <don.york@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 9:57 PM
To: Brianna Burroughs <BBurroughs@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Eric Petzold <EPetzold@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: Re: LUA24-000350 3628 SE 19th CT- Retroactive Tree Removal Request (CODE24-000623)
Hello, Brianna.
I apologize for the delay in responding.
1. The stump has a diameter of about 32".
2. The tree was on the North side of the house. (See attached map.) There
were/are 3 younger Douglas Fir trees w/in 10'-15' of it.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless
you know the content is safe.
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3. Current trees on the property:
1. Lyland Cypress: 4 large ones (N side), 3 Sm/Med ones
2. Emerald Green - 2
3. Skyscraper Juniper - 1
4. Western Hemlock - 2, front yard, large
5. Dogwood - 1, front yard, medium(?)
6. Japanese Cherry Blossom tree - 1, front yard, medium
7. Maple (Norway?)
1. 1, back yard, very large
2. 1, front yard, small
8. Deodar cedar - 1, back yard, medium(?)
9. Lace-leaf Japanese Maple (red) - 2, front, small
4. I have not been able to obtain a cost estimate of the damage to the neighbor's
property. The property in question is: 3605 SE 18th Ct.
5. We do not have a written assessment. We've used them a few times. They came
out, gave us a verbal assessment, we agreed to a price, and they did the work.
Map showing the original tree.
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Newer map showing the tree after it was heavily pruned, prior to being cut down
completely.
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Please let me know if you have any more questions.
- Don York
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425-417-8465
On 12/09/2024 2:35 PM PST Brianna Burroughs
<bburroughs@rentonwa.gov> wrote:
Hi Don,
I have been assigned your tree removal application and there are a few items
that need to be provided before I can finish the review of this application.
Please provide the following information:
1) The tree’s approximate size- We understand that the tree has already been
removed. Can you measure the stump diameter (circumference of the tree
divided by 3.14)?
2) Location of the tree on the site. Was the tree located in the front or rear
yard, near any other trees? (it would be best if you can show on a map the
exact location)
3) How many other trees are on site? What are the approximate size and
species of these trees?
4) The application states that there was damage done to property. Do you
have an estimated cost of the damage?
5) The application mentions that there was a tree service that came out to
perform the work. Do you have anything in writing from them assessing the
tree?
All of these items will be very helpful in reviewing the justification for the tree
removal.
Once you have responded to these questions, I can continue with the review
of the application.
Thanks,
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Planning Customer Service
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division | BB
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Schedule a Virtual 15-minute Meeting
(425) 430-7294 | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov
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3628 SE 19th CT- York Project, tree removal photos
ATTACHMENT B
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CITY OF RENTON Ι PERMIT SERVICES
TREE RETENTION AND CREDIT WORKSHEET
TREE RETENTION REQUIREMENTS
A minimum retention of thirty percent (30%) of all significant trees (as defined in RMC 4-11-200) is required on site.
Please complete the form below to verify compliance with minimum tree retention requirements.
• Identify total number of trees 6-inch caliper or greater (or alder or
cottonwood trees 8-inch caliper or greater) on site: Trees
Trees
Trees
Trees
Trees
Trees Required
Trees Proposed
•Deductions – Certain trees are excluded from the retention calculation:
o Trees that are high-risk, as defined in RMC 4-11-200:
o Trees within existing and proposed public right-of-way:
o Trees within wetlands, streams, very high landslide hazards,
protected slopes, and associated buffers:
•Total remaining trees after deductions:
•Required tree retention (30%):
•Identify number of trees proposed for retention:
•Identify number of trees requested for replacement in lieu of retention
(skip page 3 if no tree replacement is requested):Trees
TREE CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
Tree credit requirements apply at a minimum rate of thirty (30) credits per net acre. Complete the form below to
determine minimum tree credit requirements.
•Gross area of property in square feet: Square Feet
•Deductions: Certain areas are excluded from tree credit calculation:
o Existing and proposed public right-of-way: Square Feet
o Wetlands, streams, very high landslide hazards, protected slopes,
and associated buffers: Square Feet
•Total excluded area:Square Feet
•Net land area (after deductions) in square feet:Square Feet
•Net land area (after deductions) in acres:Acres
•Required tree credits:Tree Credits Required
ATTACHMENT C
13
13
3.9
12
-8.1
9000
0
9000
0.21
6
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TREE RETENTION AND CREDIT WORKSHEET
PROPOSED TREE CREDITS
Please complete the table below to calculate the total tree credits proposed for your project. Identify the quantity of trees
for each tree category, after deducting trees within excluded areas, as shown in the previous section.
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS TREE QUANTITY TOTAL TREE CREDITS
RETAINED TREES
Preserved tree 6 – 9” caliper 4
Preserved tree 10 – 12” caliper 5
Preserved tree 12 – 15” caliper 6
Preserved tree 16 – 18” caliper 7
Preserved tree 19 – 21” caliper 8
Preserved tree 22 – 24” caliper 9
Preserved tree 25 – 28” caliper 10
Preserved tree 29 – 32” caliper 11
Preserved tree 33 – 36” caliper 12
Preserved tree 37” caliper and greater 13
NEW TREES
New small species tree (30' or less at maturity) 0.25
New medium species tree (30' to 50' at maturity) 1
New large species tree (50' or more at maturity) 2
TREE CREDITS PROPOSED:
4
3
1
1
3
81
16
0
18
0
8
9
30
0
0
0
0
0
0
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TREE RETENTION AND CREDIT WORKSHEET
TREE REPLACEMENT JUSTIFICATION
Replacement may be authorized as an alternative to 30% retention provided the removal is the minimum necessary to
accomplish the desired purpose and provided the proposal meets one of the following options:
a.There are special circumstances related to the size, shape, topography, location, or surroundings of the subject
property; or
b.The strict application of the code would prevent reasonable use of property; or
c.The strict application of the code would prevent compliance with minimum density requirements of the zone; or
d.The project is a short plat with four (4) or fewer lots.
Please attach a written justification demonstrating compliance with the requirements and criteria as descripted above.
TREE REPLACEMENT QUANTITY
Tree replacement quantity is determined based on the credit value of the trees proposed for removal. Larger, higher
priority trees shall be used for calculation of tree replacement. Identify the quantity of each tree requested to be removed
in lieu of 30% retention, based on tree size. List the identification number of each tree, as indicated in the arborist report.
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS TREE QUANTITY TREE INDENTIFICATION # TOTAL TREE CREDITS
Tree 37” caliper + 13
Tree 33 – 36” caliper 12
Tree 29 – 32” caliper 11
Tree 25 – 28” caliper 10
Tree 22 – 24” caliper 9
Tree 19 – 21” caliper 8
Tree 16 – 18” caliper 7
Tree 12 – 15” caliper 6
Tree 10 – 12” caliper 5
Tree 6 – 9” caliper 4
REPLACEMENT CREDITS REQUIRED:
TREE REPLACEMENT PLANTING
Identify the quantity of proposed new replacement trees (minimum size of 2-inch caliper). The total replacement credits
proposed should be equal to or greater than the replacement credits required, as shown in the previous section.
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS TREE QUANTITY TOTAL TREE CREDITS
New small species tree (30' or less at maturity) 0.25
New medium species tree (30' to 50' at maturity) 1
New large species tree (50' or more at maturity) 2
REPLACEMENT CREDITS PROPOSED:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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