HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Lawrence_Silver_Fir_Tree_Removal_250814_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Lawrence_Silver_Fir_Tree_Removal_250814_FINAL
PLANNING DIVISION
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: August 15, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000233, RVMP
PROJECT NAME: Lawrence Silver Fir Tree Removal
PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
APPLICANT/CONTACT: Dana Ledford
3057 S 146th St, Seatac, WA 98168
OWNER: Rob Lawrence
12023 SE 169th Pl, Renton, WA 98058
PROJECT LOCATION: 12023 SE 169th Pl, Renton, WA 98058 (APN 1432400935)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting approval of a Routine Vegetation Management Permit
(RVMP) to remove one (1) high-risk Pacific Silver Fir (Abies amabilis) tree, assessed at 30 inches (30”) in
diameter at standard height (DSH) and the height is noted at 72 feet (72’). The subject property is located at
12023 SE 169th Pl, Renton, WA 98058 (APN 1432400935). The 7,560 square foot (0.17 acre) property is
situated within the Residential-6 (R-6) zone and the Benson Community Planning Area.
An Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment, prepared by Eric Ledford, dated July 1, 2025
(Attachment A) was submitted with the application. According to the ISA Certified Arborist, Eric Ledford, one
(1) tree was identified on the subject property. The tree is identified as a Pacific Silver Fir with a diameter at
standard height (DSH) of 30 inches (30”) and a height of 72 feet (72’). The report recommends removing the
landmark tree along with supplemental tree planting.
According to the arborist report, the landmark Pacific Silver Fir is considered high-risk. This determination is
based on the presence of hazardous deadwood, compromised structural stability, and an active pathogen.
The tree poses a threat to high-value targets including residences, backyard use areas, fences, sheds, and
adjacent properties (Attachment B). The arborist identified visual indicators consistent with Swiss Needle
Cast (Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii) or similar fungal pathogens, which include the upward
progression of interior needle loss from the lower crown, significant canopy thinning, and the retention of
new growth exclusively at the branch tips. City of Renton (COR) Maps confirm that there are no critical areas
on the property.
CRITICAL AREA: None
GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D.4:
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Lawrence Silver Fir Tree Removal LUA25-000233, RVMP
Permit Date: August 15, 2025 Page 2 of 5
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YES, IF
CONDITION
OF
APPROVAL
IS MET
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
requirements necessitates a minimum of 30 tree credits per net acre. The subject
property is approximately 7,560 square feet (0.17 acre). Based on the property size,
five (5) tree credits are required to meet the minimum tree density requirement (30
tree credits/acre × 0.17 acres = 5.1 credits). After the proposed removal of one (1)
tree, the remaining tree maintains zero tree credits for the subject property and there
would be an insufficient number of tree credits retained. As a result, the applicant is
proposing a tree replacement plan necessary to fulfill the minimum tree credit
requirement. The tree replacement plan includes one (1) new medium species tree
and two (2) new large species trees for a total of five (5) tree credits (Attachment C).
The owner intends to plant two (2) black cherry trees and one (1) dogwood in the rear
yard. The arborist is recommending species that align with site conditions and long-
term growth considerations, such as Western red cedar (Thuja plicata), vine maple
(acer circinatum), and Pacific dogwood (cornus nuttallii). Therefore, staff
recommends, as a condition of approval, that the applicant plant two (2) new
medium tree species and one (1) large tree species for a total of five (5) tree credits
on the subject property within six (6) months of tree removal. The large species
replacement tree shall be at least six feet (6’) tall and consist of either Douglas fir,
Western red cedar, or Western hemlock. The two (2) medium species trees shall
have a minimum caliper size of one and one-half inches (1.5"), with the combination
of species as determined by the Current Planning Project Manager. The applicant
shall notify the Current Planning Project Manager following tree replacement
installation so an inspection can be completed.
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, the subject property is
not within any critical areas. 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
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Lawrence Silver Fir Tree Removal LUA25-000233, RVMP
Permit Date: August 15, 2025 Page 3 of 5
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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 24 inches (24") or greater, except for big leaf maples, black cottonwoods,
and red alder trees, which qualify as landmark trees with a caliper of 30 inches (30")
or greater. The tree proposed for removal would be classified as a landmark tree due
to its diameter at breast height (DBH) and an RVMP is required for the removal of any
landmark trees.
According to RMC 4-4-130F.2.c.i, a landmark tree may be removed if it is determined
to be high-risk. RMC 4-11-200Y.1, 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. According to the arborist report,
Swiss Needle Cast reduces photosynthetic capacity, weakens structural integrity,
and leads to gradual canopy decline. The arborist report indicated the presence of
similar decline patterns in nearby trees and suggests that a broader, neighborhood
level environmental factor is contributing to the stress of mature Silver Firs in this
area. The arborist's report indicates the subject tree is suffering from advanced
canopy decline, likely due to Swiss Needle Cast (Nothophaeocryptopus
gaeumannii) or another similar fungal pathogen prevalent in Pacific Northwest fir
species. Observations included dead branches in the lower and mid-canopy,
limited new growth, significant thinning of inner foliage, and a reduced live crown
ratio. Swiss Needle Cast is known to decrease photosynthetic capacity,
compromise structural integrity, and cause progressive canopy deterioration.
Moreover, the report highlights similar decline in neighboring trees, suggesting a
wider environmental factor is contributing to the stress of mature Silver Firs in the
area. 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.
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 is 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
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.
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E8C9FDA-1E71-42E9-B91E-0DE696720E14
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Lawrence Silver Fir Tree Removal LUA25-000233, RVMP
Permit Date: August 15, 2025 Page 4 of 5
D_Lawrence_Silver_Fir_Tree_Removal_250814_FINAL
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 hazardous tree, as recommended by the
arborist, would not create hazardous conditions. Instead, it would mitigate potential
damage to property on the project site either through branch failure, tree failure, or
the spread of fungal pathogens affecting fir species.
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 Lawrence Silver Fir Tree Removal, LUA25-000233, RVMP is Approved with Conditions* .
*CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The applicant shall plant two (2) new medium tree species and one (1) large tree species for a total
of five (5) tree credits on the subject property within six (6) months of tree removal. The large species
replacement tree shall be at least six feet (6’) tall and consist of either Douglas fir, Western red cedar,
or Western hemlock. The two (2) medium species trees shall have a minimum caliper size of one and
one-half inches (1.5"), with the combination of species as determined by the Current Planning
Project Manager. The applicant shall notify the Current Planning Project Manager following tree
replacement installation so an inspection can be completed.
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 August 29, 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 submitted
in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
Lawrence Silver Fir Tree Removal LUA25-000233, RVMP
Permit Date: August 15, 2025 Page 5 of 5
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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: Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment, prepared by Eric Ledford, dated July
1, 2025
Attachment B: Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form, dated June 28, 2025
Attachment C: Tree Retention and Credit Worksheet
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