HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_Report_RMC_Title_IV_Docket_UFMPDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ERC Report Urban Foresetry Management Plan
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC MEETING DATE: December 13, 2021
Project Name: Urban Forestry Management Plan
Project Number: LUA21-000418, ECF
Project Manager: Angie Mathias, Long Range Planning Manager
Owner: City of Renton
Applicant: City of Renton
Contact: Angie Mathias, 425-430-6576
Project Location: Citywide
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review to review for the following
non-project item: the adoption of the Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP).
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
N/A
Site Area: N/A Total Building Area GSF: N/A
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance (DNS).
PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
The City adopted its first urban forestry plan in 2009. The Urban & Community Forestry Development Plan
was created when the forestry program was new and it was developed with a Citywide task force and a
consultant who coordinated the project and produced a professional document. With new inventory and
canopy data, this update to the Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) emulates the format of the
2009 plan but has been expanded to incorporate recent tree ordinances, an annual tree planting initiative,
resiliency and preparedness planning, and a risk tree management plan. It also guides the program
towards a more proactive cyclical maintenance routine and regular periodic inspections for trees with
known higher risk levels.
The Plan establishes the long-term vision for urban forestry in the City of Renton. Like many plans the
UFMP identifies the baseline conditions and needs, then it details goals, objectives, and strategies to
accomplish the goals and objectives. The UFMP also includes an implementation schedule, an estimated
budget for the implementation, as well as, how to monitor and evaluate progress. The draft plan has
identified three goals:
•GOAL 1: Proactively manage public trees, continue to grow and expand a healthy canopy, maintain
public safety, and optimize urban forest benefits.
•GOAL 2: Achieve environmental justice through a partnership with the City and its residents to
improve well-being, human health, local economies, and urban forest sustainability.
•GOAL 3: Strengthen policies for preserving the environmental benefits, management, and the
character of Renton's urban forest.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 121B07C4-41E8-4D8B-8EFD-6E03881D837D
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
URBAN FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN LUA21-000418, ECF
Report of Monday, December 13, 2021 Page 2 of 2
The development of the plan included significant public outreach including a project website, interactive
mapping tool, and surveys. Additionally, the team coordinated a collaborative team and conducted
interviews with staff from many different departments. The plan also incorporates data collection and
analysis of tree canopy, types of trees, equity mapping, tree cover by Community Planning area and lots of
other analysis that informed the goals and objectives of the plan.
PART TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project
impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations.
A.Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials:
Issue a DNS with a 14-day Appeal Period.
B.Mitigation Measures
1.None
C.Exhibits
None
D.Environmental Impacts
There are no environmental impacts that are anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposal.
E.Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their
comments have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
✓Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14-day
appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680).
Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in
writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on December 27, 2021. Due to the ongoing state of emergency enacted by
Governor’s Proclamation 20-05, the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be
submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub
only on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. 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. 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.
ERC Report Urban Foresetry Management Plan
DocuSign Envelope ID: 121B07C4-41E8-4D8B-8EFD-6E03881D837D