The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutD_Stenger_Leyland_Cypress_Tree_Removal_250909_FinalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT D_Stenger_Leyland_Cypress_Tree_Removal_250909_Final PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION: September 9, 2025 PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000260, RVMP PROJECT NAME: Stenger Leyland Cypress Tree Removal PROJECT MANAGER: Ian Harris, Associate Planner APPLICANT/CONTACT: Kevin Moen, Evergreen Tree Care 17829 SE 146th St, Renton, WA 98059 OWNER: Jingqian Yuan and Evan Stenger 2508 Kennewick Pl NE, Renton, WA 98056 PROJECT LOCATION: 2508 Kennewick Pl NE, Renton, WA 98056 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting approval of a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to remove fourteen (14) Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) trees, assessed at 12-to-20- inch (12”-22”) diameter at breast height (DBH) and the height is noted at approximately 80 feet (80’). The subject property is located at 2508 Kennewick Pl NE (APN 8132100170) (Attachment A). The 9,512 square foot (0.22 acre) property is situated within the Residential-8 (R-8) zone and the Kennydale Community Planning Area. An Arborist Report, prepared by Evergreen Tree Experts, dated July 15, 2025 (Attachment B) was submitted with the application. Mr. Erickson identified nineteen (19) trees on the subject property, including one (1) significant Mountain Ash with a DBH of 8”, one (1) significant Hinoki Cypress with a DBH of 6”, two (2) significant and one (1) landmark Douglas Fir trees with a DBH ranging from 20”-24”, and fourteen (14) significant Leyland Cypress trees with a DBH of 12”-22”. The report recommends removal of the fourteen (14) Leyland Cypress trees due to outgrowing the location and creating a loss of use and undergrowth for the subject property and adjoining properties. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the rear yard of the property is partially within a Moderate Landslide Hazard, Regulated Slopes (>15% & <=25%) area, and Well 5A Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1 Modified area. CRITICAL AREAS: Moderate Landslide Hazard, Regulated Slopes (>15% & <=25%), and Well 5A Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1 Modified Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Stenger Leyland Removal LUA25-000260, RVMP Permit Date: September 9, 2025 Page 2 of 4 D_Stenger_Leyland_Cypress_Tree_Removal_250909_Final GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D.4: 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 4-4-130H, compliance with tree credit requirements necessitates a minimum of 30 tree credits per net acre. The subject property is approximately 9,512 square foot (0.22 acre). Based on the property size, seven (7) tree credits are required to meet the minimum tree density requirement (30 tree credits/acre × 0.22 acres = 6.6 credits). After the proposed removal of fourteen (14) trees, the remaining five (5) trees maintain thirty-nine (39) tree credits for the subject property and there would be a sufficient number of tree credits retained (Attachment C). However, RMC 4-4-130H also requires that 30% of trees on site be retained. This would require six (6) trees to be retained or replaced on the property out of the existing nineteen (19). The applicant is proposing to remove fourteen (14) trees, leaving five (5) trees to remain, which is one (1) tree shy of the required 30% tree retention. To meet this code requirement, the applicant would need to plant one (1) new tree or preserve one (1) more existing tree onsite. Therefore, staff recommends as a condition of approval that the applicant retain six (6) of the existing trees onsite or retain five (5) existing trees onsite and plant one (1) new replacement tree for a total of six (6) onsite trees. If the applicant elects to plant one (1) new tree, the tree shall have a minimum caliper size of one-and-one-half-inches (1.5") and the applicant shall notify the Current Planning Project Manager following tree replacement installation so an inspection can be completed within six (6) months of tree installation. YES 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 (COR Maps), the subject property is partially within a moderate landslide hazard area, contains regulated slopes (>15% & <=25%), and is within the Well 5A Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1 (Modified). Based on the existing improvements and topography of the site, it is not anticipated that removing the Leyland Cypress trees would impact the critical areas within the property. Therefore, the proposed action is consistent with the critical area regulations. N/A 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Stenger Leyland Removal LUA25-000260, RVMP Permit Date: September 9, 2025 Page 3 of 4 D_Stenger_Leyland_Cypress_Tree_Removal_250909_Final 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: Not applicable. 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. The subject trees proposed for removal are not considered landmark trees. 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. 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 Leyland Cypress trees, as recommended by the arborist, would not create hazardous conditions. Instead, it would mitigate potential damage to property on 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 Stenger Leyland Cypress Tree Removal, LUA25-000260, RVMP is Approved with Conditions*. Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Stenger Leyland Removal LUA25-000260, RVMP Permit Date: September 9, 2025 Page 4 of 4 D_Stenger_Leyland_Cypress_Tree_Removal_250909_Final *CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1. The applicant shall retain six (6) of the existing trees onsite or retain five (5) existing trees onsite and plant one (1) new replacement tree for a total of six (6) onsite trees. If the applicant elects to plant one (1) new tree, the tree shall have a minimum caliper size of one-and-one-half-inches (1.5") and the applicant shall notify the Current Planning Project Manager following tree replacement installation so an inspection can be completed within six (6) months of tree installation. 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 September 23, 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 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: Site Plan Attachment B: Arborist Report, prepared by Evergreen Tree Experts, dated July 15, 2025 Attachment C: Tree Retention and Credit Worksheet Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 9/9/2025 | 12:00 PM PDT Stenger Leland Removal - Site Plan 7/14/2025 N Kennewick PL NE To b e r e m o v e d ATTACHMENT A RECEIVED August 7, 2025 PLANNING DIVISIONDocusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd PMB#503 Sammamish, Wa 98075 Date:: 7/15/2025Customer and Location: Judy Yuan2508 Kennewick Place NE Renton, WA 98056 Species:: •(14) Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) 17"-20" DBH and a Height of 80+/- ft. •The Cypress Trees are out growing the location and encroaching on homeowners and two adjoining neighbors properties. Creating a loss of use to properties(this can be reviewed on King County Imap) Lack of sun is also killing all undergrowth. Arborist recommendation: Recommend removal and replanting if required a more viable species of trees for location. See pictures. H Brian Erickson briane@evergreentlc.com (206)-713-1576 Certified Arborist PN-6223A Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Limiting conditions: Unless expressed otherwise: information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection; and the inspection is limited to a visual examination of the items without dissection, excavation, probing or coring. There is not a warranty guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the plants or property in question may not arise in the future. ATTACHMENT B RECEIVED August 7, 2025 PLANNING DIVISION Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 RECEIVED August 7, 2025 PLANNING DIVISION Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 RECEIVED August 7, 2025 PLANNING DIVISION Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/24/2023 Page 1 of 3 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 RECEIVED August 7, 2025 PLANNING DIVISION 19 0 0 0 19 5.7 5 0.7000000000000002 9512 0 0 0 9512 0.22 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/24/2023 Page 2 of 3 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: RECEIVED August 7, 2025 PLANNING DIVISION 2 2 1 39 8 0 0 0 0 0 20 11 0 0 0 0 0 Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/24/2024 Page 3 of 3 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: RECEIVED August 7, 2025 PLANNING DIVISION 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Docusign Envelope ID: 726AD6AB-7A3A-4F40-8E20-3FAD32147903