Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Ceybom RVMP_210512DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT D_Ceybom RVMP (002) PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION: May 12, 2021 PROJECT NUMBER: LUA21-000134, RVMP PROJECT NAME: Ceybom Newton Tree Removal PROJECT MANAGER: Jill Ding, Senior Planner OWNER: Ceybom Newton 214 Ilwaco Pl SE Renton, WA 98058 CONTACT: Tamera Bassett, Devoted Tree Solutions 8716 304th St Ct E, Graham, WA 98338 PROJECT LOCATION: 214 Ilwaco Pl SE, Renton, WA 98058 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Routine Vegetation Management Permit for the removal of 5 Douglas fir trees. The applicant’s Arborist Report, prepared by Devoted Tree Solutions, state three trees contain extremely tall co-dominant stems and oversized branches due to a previous topping estimated 35 to 40 years ago. These three trees exhibit a high risk of failure due to weak attachments and included bark in addition to the extreme height. Due to the high risk and high consequences of failure standards for three of the five Douglas Firs, removing only these three would create a much higher risk of failure and impact for the remaining two. It is therefore recommended by the applicant’s report to remove all five Douglas Firs in this row and to replant with a more suitable species to comply with the minimum tree density requirements. The City’s Arborist reviewed the request and conducted an inspection on May 10, 2021 and concurs that the 5 requested trees should be removed. Three replacement trees are required to maintain minimum tree density on the project site. CRITICAL AREA: None Mapped EXPIRATION DATE: May 12, 2022 GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D4: 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: Based on a lot area of 8,299 square feet, the project site would be required to maintain a tree density of three trees on the project site. The applicant’s arborist report proposes to plant Excelsea Cedars as replacement DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Ceybom Newton Tree Removal LUA21-000134, RVMP Permit Date: May 12, 2021 Page 2 of 3 D_Ceybom RVMP (002) trees, these are not acceptable as replacement trees as these are trees that remain fairly small at maturity in comparison to the trees that are being removed. Staff recommends that large stature trees (i.e. Western Red Cedar or Douglas Fir) be provided as replacement trees for minimum tree density compliance. 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: No critical areas are mapped on the project site. 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: None of the trees proposed for removal are landmark trees. YES 4. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved unless otherwise approved by the Administrator. Staff Comments: A Right-of-Way Permit is required to access the trees for removal from SE 2nd Pl. Staff recommends that existing City street trees be protected during the approved tree removal activities. 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: Existing and surrounding uses consist of detached single family residences, additional screening and landscaping buffers between uses are not required. 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 all five requested trees would not contribute to or create a hazardous condition. DECISION: The Ceybom Newton Tree Removal, LUA21-000134, RVMP is Approved with Conditions* and subject to the following conditions: *CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1. The project site would be required to maintain a tree density of three trees on the project site. Large stature trees (i.e. Western Red Cedar or Douglas Fir) shall be provided as replacement trees for minimum tree density compliance. Replacement trees shall be installed within 30 days of tree removal unless otherwise approved by the Current Planning project manager. 2. A Right-of-Way Permit is required to access the trees for removal from SE 2nd Pl. Existing City street trees shall be protected with fencing or other protection measures as approved by the DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Ceybom Newton Tree Removal LUA21-000134, RVMP Permit Date: May 12, 2021 Page 3 of 3 D_Ceybom RVMP (002) Current Planning Project Manager during the approved tree removal activities. SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION: ________________________________________ ____________________________________ Vanessa Dolbee, 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 May 26, 2021. An appeal of the decision must be filed within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197- 11-680). Due to Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 (“Stay Home, Stay Healthy”), the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date. 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. If the situation changes such that the City Clerk’s Office is open when you file your appeal, you have the option of filing the appeal in person. 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: Arborist Report cc: Owner DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 5/12/2021 | 10:31 AM PDT 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Arborist Report Location: 214 Ilwaco Place SE, Renton 98058 Parcel #: 7787050090 Lot Area: 8,299 Sq Ft Re: Removal of 5 Significant Trees, Species: Douglas Fir Project Arborist: Brad Case, ISA Certified Arborist #PN-7332A Cell (253) 850-7677 | Email brad@devotedgroup.com Assignment and Scope of Report This report outlines the site inspection completed by Brad Case of Devoted Tree Solutions during February 2021. Below is a full arborist report to document my findings and management recommendations. Ceybom Newton, owner of the property, requested these services to assist with permitting. Observations and Discussion The Site and History According the King County iMap there are no critical areas on this site. The site is zoned as R-4 and is required to maintain a minimum density of two trees per 5,000 square feet. Using the formula provided on RentonGov.Wa ((LotArea/5,000sq.ft.)x2)), this property is to maintain a minimum density of 4 Significant Trees. In conjunction with the replanting plan provided below, this site will exceed the minimum density required for this property. The Trees I examined a row of 5 Douglas fir. The trees have 12”, 18”, 23” 24”, and 28” DBH respectively, which classifies each tree as Significant. RECEIVED 05/07/2021 jding PLANNING DIVISION DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Three trees contain extremely tall co-dominant stems and oversized branches due to a previous topping estimated 35 to 40 years ago. These three trees exhibit a high risk of failure due to weak attachments and included bark in addition to the extreme height. The trees are located in a fairly new development and are open to wind forces from all directions. Due to the high risk and high consequences of failure standards for three of the five Douglas Firs, removing only these three would create a much higher risk of failure and impact for the remaining two. It is therefore recommended to remove all five Douglas Firs in this row and to replant with a more suitable species given the constraints of the space available (see Replanting Plan below). Replanting Plan The overall lot size of this property is very small with roughly 40 linear feet in the specific area in which the Douglas Firs are currently. I recommend a replanting of three Excelsa Cedars (Thuja Plicata Excelsa). There are existing Excelsa Cedars on either side of the row of Firs to be removed. These existing Cedars, along with the replanting plan, will maintain the minimum density required on the property. Tree Removal Inventory Tree Species Height / DBH Health Notes 1 Douglas Fir 80’ Height / 28” DBH High Risk of Failure Trees occupy roughly 40 linear feet on rear property line. Three of the five trees contain extremely tall co-dominant stems (upwards of 50’) and oversized branches due to a previous topping estimated 35 to 40 years ago. 2 Douglas Fir 65’ Height / 12” DBH 3 Douglas Fir 80’ Height / 18” DBH 4 Douglas Fir 80’ Height / 25” DBH High Risk of Failure 5 Douglas Fir 80’ Height / 28” DBH High Risk of Failure DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Site Map SE 2nd Place N DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Photographs Photo 1: Looking from SE 2nd Place (behind property). Five Douglas Fir trees with co- dominate stems and large branches overhanging house, sidewalk, and street. 5 4 3 2 1 Crotch of co-dominate stem, #5 on Tree Removal Inventory. DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Photo 2: Looking from SE 2nd Place (behind property). Five Douglas Fir trees in proximity to house (~20 feet from base of tree to back of house) and distance from each other (~40 linear feet total). Photo 3: Looking up from ground level. Distress occurring within the 5 Douglas Fir trees: deadwood, overcrowding, long/oversized branches due to topping. DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Photo 4: Douglas Fir #1 on Tree Removal Inventory. Crotch of co-dominate stem DocuSign Envelope ID: 3B2ED2D4-8EC4-4997-95D1-029BA84E2A25