HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Ming_Index_Tree_Removal_RVMP_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Ming Index Tree Removal_RVMP_FINAL
PLANNING DIVISION
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: March 28, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000033, RVMP
PROJECT NAME: Ming Index Tree Removal
PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
APPLICANT/OWNER: Ming Yi Chen
459 Index Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056
PROJECT LOCATION: 459 Index Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056 (APN 7236500010)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting approval of a Routine Vegetation Management Permit
(RVMP) to remove three (3) high-risk Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) trees located at 459 Index Ave NE
(APN 7236500010). The 8,250 square foot (0.19 acre) property is situated within the Residential-8 (R-8) zone
and the Highlands Community Planning Area.
An Arborist Report, prepared by Jennings Tree, LLC, dated November 11, 2024 (Attachment A) was submitted
with the application. The report recommends removing three (3) landmark trees, which are the only trees on
site. According to the ISA Certified Arborist, James Jennings, the three (3) landmark trees range in diameter
at breast height (DBH) of 36 inches (36”) to 40 inches (40”) and range in heights from 90 feet (90’) to 95 feet
(95’).
The arborist report identifies these three (3) Douglas fir trees as high-risk due to a combination of factors
including root decay caused by pavement encroachment, wind exposure, codominant stems with decay,
unbalanced crowns weighted towards the house, and ivy infestation. These factors pose a significant risk of
whole or partial tree failure, potentially impacting a nearby house within the driplines of the trees. The
arborist recommends replanting in accordance with the city’s replanting ordinances. When the minimum
number of protected trees cannot be retained, replacement trees with at least a two-inch (2") caliper, or
evergreen trees at least six feet (6') tall, shall be planted based on the tree credit value of each protected tree
removed. The protected trees used for calculating required credit replacement shall be determined based
on the priority order of the trees proposed for removal on site. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the
site contains a regulated slope hazard (>15% & <=25%) through the center of the property.
CRITICAL AREA: Regulated Slope (>15% & <=25%)
GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D.4:
YES, IF
CONDITIONS
OF
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 4-4-130.H, compliance with tree credit
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Ming Index Tree Removal LUA25-000033, RVMP
Permit Date: March 28, 2025 Page 2 of 5
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APPROVAL
ARE MET
requirements necessitates a minimum of 30 tree credits per net acre. The subject
property, which is approximately 8,250 square feet (0.19 acres), is located at 459
Index Ave NE (APN 7236500010). Based on the property size, six (6) tree credits are
required to meet the minimum tree density requirement (30 tree credits/acre × 0.19
acres = 5.7 credits). Due to the proposed removal of three (3) trees, there would be
an insufficient number of trees retained. Therefore, a tree replacement plan is
necessary to fulfill the minimum tree credit requirement. As a result, the applicant
shall submit a detailed landscape plan and tree retention and credit worksheet
prior to any tree removal activity for review and approval by the Current Planning
Project Manager. In addition, the applicant shall plant three (3) new large tree
species for a total of six (6) tree credits on the subject property within six (6) months
of tree removal. The replacement trees shall be at least six feet (6’) tall and consist
of either Douglas fir, Western red cedar, Western hemlock or any combination of
these tree species as determined by the Current Planning Project Manager. Once
the replacement trees have been installed onsite, the applicant shall notify the
Current Planning Project Manager to complete a landscape inspection.
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: According to the city’s mapping system, portions of the subject
property contain regulated slopes (>15% & <=25%). Based on the existing
improvements and topography of the site, staff finds that removing the trees would
not impact slopes within the property. Therefore, the proposed action is consistent
with the critical areas regulations.
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.
i. The tree is determined to be a high-risk tree; or
ii. The tree is causing obvious physical damage to buildings (over 200 square
feet), driveways, parking lots, or utilities, and it can be demonstrated to the
Administrator’s satisfaction that no reasonable alternative to tree removal
exist, including tree root pruning, tree root barriers, tree cabling, or
preventative maintenance, such as cleaning leaf debris, deadwood
removal, or directional/clearance pruning; or
iii. Removal of tree(s) to provide solar access to buildings incorporating active
solar devices. Windows are solar devices only when they are south facing
and include special storage elements to distribute heat energy; or
iv. The Administrator determines the removal is necessary to achieve a
specific and articulable purpose or goal of this Title.
Staff Comments: According to RMC 4-11-200Y.2, a landmark tree is a tree 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. If the three (3) trees were not certified as high-risk, the
trees proposed for removal would be classified as landmark trees due to the
diameter at breast height (DBH). An RVMP is required for the removal of any
landmark trees.
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Ming Index Tree Removal LUA25-000033, RVMP
Permit Date: March 28, 2025 Page 3 of 5
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According to RMC 4-4-130F.2.c.i, a landmark tree may be removed if it is
determined to be high-risk. Within RMC 4-11-200Y.1, it classifies a high-risk tree as
having a probable or imminent likelihood of failure, a medium or high likelihood of
impact, and significant or severe consequences in the event of failure. The trees
proposed for removal exhibit various risk factors. According to the arborist, Tree #1
is a 90-foot (90’) Douglas fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii) with an estimated
diameter at breast height (DBH) of 40-inches (40”). This tree is fully exposed to
wind and the critical root zone is fully covered by pavement, creating an anaerobic
environment in the soil. This condition has initiated root decay which will likely
destabilize the tree’s structure and can increase the likelihood of complete failure.
The arborist report indicates that Tree #2 is a 90-foot (90’) Douglas fir tree
(Pseudotsuga menziesii) with an estimated diameter at breast height (DBH) of 36
inches (36”). This tree has partial wind exposure; however, the critical root zone is
40% covered by pavement, creating an anaerobic environment in the soil on one
side of the tree. Additionally, Tree #2 has codominant stems originating at its base,
with bark between the stems including decay at the junction, as detailed in the
Arborist Report (Attachment A). This tree poses a high risk to the nearby house due
to its proximity within the tree’s dripline, should it fail. The third tree (Tree #3) is a
95-foot (95’) Douglas fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii) with an estimated diameter
at breast height (DBH) of 36 inches (36”). This tree, also proposed for removal,
presents multiple defects including an unbalanced crown leaning towards the
house. The tree’s trunk is covered in ivy, which may eventually impede nutrient
flow, and the critical root zone of this tree is affected by the presence of another
high-risk tree (Tree #2). In conclusion, the arborist has determined that all three (3)
trees pose a high risk to the house within their driplines and are therefore within
striking distance in the event of whole or partial failure.
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 trees are not street frontage trees
nor parking lot trees. 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
trees required as part of a land development permit.
Staff Comments: Not applicable. The tree removal would not be removing
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 would not impact visual screening nor be
removing applicable 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
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Ming Index Tree Removal LUA25-000033, RVMP
Permit Date: March 28, 2025 Page 4 of 5
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vegetation from a lot.
Staff Comments: The removal of the hazardous trees, as recommended by the
arborist, would not create hazardous conditions. Instead, it would mitigate
potential damage to property and remove diseased trees from the project site.
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 Ming Index Tree Removal, LUA25-000033, RVMP is Approved with Conditions* .
*CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The applicant shall submit a detailed landscape plan and tree retention and credit worksheet prior
to any tree removal activity for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager.
2. The applicant shall plant three (3) new large tree species for a total of six (6) tree credits on the
subject property within six (6) months of tree removal. The replacement trees shall be at least six feet
(6’) tall and consist of either Douglas fir, Western red cedar, Western hemlock or any combination of
these tree species as determined by the Current Planning Project Manager. Once the replacement
trees have been installed onsite, the applicant shall notify the Current Planning Project Manager to
complete a landscape inspection.
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 April 11, 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 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
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Ming Index Tree Removal LUA25-000033, RVMP
Permit Date: March 28, 2025 Page 5 of 5
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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.
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A: Arborist Report, prepared by Jennings Tree, LLC, dated November 11, 2024
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