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HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Gregorios_300MillAve_RVMP_20240130_FINDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT D_Gregorios_300MillAve_RVMP_20240130_FIN PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION: January 30, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: LUA24-000023, RVMP PROJECT NAME: Gregorios Mill Ave RVMP PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Assistant Planner APPLICANT: George and Glenda Gregorios 3001 Mill Ave S, Renton WA OWNER: Same as Applicant CONTACT: Glenda Gregorios 3001 Mill Ave S, Renton WA PROJECT LOCATION: 3001 Mill Ave S (APN 8898700050) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is seeking approval for a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to remove one high-risk Bigleaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum) tree with a 40-inch (40”) DBH at the property located at 3001 Mill Ave S, Renton, WA, with a lot size of 0.22 acres (9,604 square feet). According to the arborist report, the roots and trunk have extensive disease and decay from the ground to a 10-foot height and three (3) feet wide on the North face. The identified disease is Kretzschmaria deutsa, and ivy roots have penetrated nine (9) inches into the trunk. On the East face, there is a large wound adjacent to a substantial hollow on the South face. The West face shows sloughing bark. After review, the arborist stated that 50% of the crown is dead, and live branches attached to the trunk are in diseased, decayed, and hollow locations. The arborist report notes that the tree was previously topped, and some branches originated from sprouts. Live twig growth is less than one- quarter inch, with the tree's condition stated as 0% in the latest report. The property requires a minimum of seven (7) tree credits (30 x 0.22 = 7 tree credits). After removing 13 tree credits, 30.5 tree credits would remain. Supported by arborist reports from ISA Certified Arborist Terrence Flatley and ISA Certified Arborist Alan Haywood, a comprehensive tree survey outlines the risk to targets, including two (2) houses and a driveway. CRITICAL AREA: Mapped Landslide hazard, Regulated Slope EXPIRATION DATE: One (1) year from issuance GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D4: DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Gregorios Mill Ave RVMP LUA24-000023, RVMP Permit Date: January 30, 2024 Page 2 of 4 D_Gregorios_300MillAve_RVMP_20240130_FIN 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: In compliance with RMC 4-4-130.H, tree credit requirements must meet a minimum rate of 30 tree credits per net acre. The trees on the property underwent evaluation and inventory, revealing a total of 43.50 tree credits, as confirmed by the arborist. Following the removal of one (1) tree, resulting in a loss of thirteen (13) credits, the site would then have 30.5 tree credits. Considering the site's total area, approximately 0.22 net acres, and applying the rate of 30 credits per acre (30 credits x 0.22 acres = 7 credits), the site would comply with the tree credit requirement. This compliance is contingent on the removal of the one (1) Bigleaf Maple tree and the retention of the preserved trees on the property. 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: COR maps has identified a landslide hazard and regulated slope area on the property. The designation was likely made prior to the area being developed based on the improvements made to the neighborhood and current topography. 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: Criterion i has been met. The applicant is requesting the removal of one (1) landmark tree—a Bigleaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum) tree with a 40-inch (40”) DBH. A Routine Vegetation Management Permit is mandatory for the removal of any landmark tree, not associated with a land development permit. A certified arborist's written report (refer to Attachment 2) identified evidence of disease (Kretzschmaria deutsa) in the trunk and roots of the Bigleaf Maple tree, along with ivy roots penetrating nine (9) inches into the trunk. On the East face of the tree, there is a large wound adjacent to a substantial hollow on the South face. This tree poses multiple risks, including two (2) houses and their driveways, meeting the criteria for removal. The arborist assessing the tree identified it as posing a high risk and recommends its removal. 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 tree is not a part of street frontage, parking lot or DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Gregorios Mill Ave RVMP LUA24-000023, RVMP Permit Date: January 30, 2024 Page 3 of 4 D_Gregorios_300MillAve_RVMP_20240130_FIN landscaping trees. 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 was not required as part of a land development permit for landscaping or tree requirements. Neither street frontage nor parking landscaping is proposed to be removed. 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 is adjacent to a lot with a detached dwelling and is a use of equal intensity. Removal of the tree would not remove required visual screening and buffering between land uses of differing 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: Provided documentation did not indicate that the removal of the tree would create or contribute to a hazardous condition. 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 Gregorios Mill Ave RVMP, LUA24-000023, RVMP is Approved . 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 February 13, 2024. 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 1/30/2024 | 3:05 PM PST City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Gregorios Mill Ave RVMP LUA24-000023, RVMP Permit Date: January 30, 2024 Page 4 of 4 D_Gregorios_300MillAve_RVMP_20240130_FIN 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 (1) 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 30 days in advance of the expiration of the original permit and shall include a statement of justification for the extension. Attachments: Attachment 1: Master Application Attachment 2: Arborist Report DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 JANUARY 8, 2024 ARBORIST REPORT GEORGE AND GLENDA GREGORIOS 3001 MILL AVENUE SOUTH, RENTON, WA 98055 Prepared By: Terry Flatley, Certified Arborist Alan Haywood, Certified Arborist DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 Arborist Report George and Glenda Gregorios 3001 Mill Avenue South Renton, Washington 98055 I ntroduction George and Glenda Gregorios live at 3001 Mill Avenue South in the Victoria Hills Neighborhood, Renton, Washington. The parcel Identification number (PID) 8898700050 is situated in the Northwest Quarter Section 29, Township 23 North and Range 5 East of King County. Along the south property line is a bigleaf maple tree in very poor condition. The Gregorios are seeking to remove the tree because of its failing condition. The tree was visually inspected from the ground, data collected and is presented below. Figure 1. Neighborhood Map and 3001 Mill Avenue South Location DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 ARBORIST REPORT Data Collection Methods The tree was located along the south side of the front yard. It was inspected by viewing any surface roots, the root collar, trunk flare, trunk and branches. Targets included two front yards, an adjacent driveway with 3 vehicles, and two houses. Tools used to inspect the tree included pruning equipment, probe, mallet, steel diameter tape and a cell phone for photographs. The tree is heavily infested with ivy which had to be cut-back to inspect the tree. Tree diameter was measured at 4.5 feet from the ground commonly referred as diameter at breast height (DBH). In addition, Alan Haywood, Certified Arborist worked on this project to provide a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) form required by some communities. That form is included as part of this report. Gregorios Arborist Report Page of 2 9 Figure 2. Property and Tree Location Map DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 ARBORIST REPORT Tree Information Species: Bigleaf maple, Acer macrophyllum Diameter: 40 inches Height: 35 feet Live Crown Spread: 20 feet in diameter Discussion Roots: Diseased, extensively decayed. Trunk. Diseased, decayed, hollow over 70% of trunk diameter. 10 degree lean to west. North face: Extensive disease and decay from ground to ten foot height and 3 feet wide, Kretzschmaria deutsa present, ivy roots penetrated 9 inches into trunk. East face: Large wound adjacent to large hollow on south face. West face: bark sloughing. Probe penetrated trunk as much as 90% of trunk diameter. See photos. Branches: 50% of crown is dead. Live branches attached to trunk at diseased, decayed and hollow locations. Previously topped and some branches are of sprout origin. Live twig growth less than one-quarter inch. Condition. Very poor condition. On a scale of 0% to 100%, this tree’s current condition is 0%. By contrast a tree in excellent condition would be rated at 100%. Risk Rating: A severe rating for this tree indicates serious personal injury or death, high value property damage, or major disruption of important activities. Timeframe This report is valid for a twelve month period under normal weather conditions. More frequent inspections might be warranted following severe weather. Conclusions The information in this report uses a basic level assessment at ground level and considers tree conditions under normal weather conditions. Periodic inspections should be considered as site conditions will change over time. Property owners should consider the facts presented in this report and decide what actions to pursue. Because no one person can predict when trees will fail there is no warranty or guarantee that trees will not fail. Gregorios Arborist Report Page of 3 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 ARBORIST REPORT For further information please contact Terry Flatley, 425-891-2625, tjflyfishing@me.com . Gregorios Arborist Report Page of 4 9 Figure 3. 40-inch diameter bigleaf maple DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 ARBORIST REPORT Gregorios Arborist Report Page of 5 9 Figure 4. North Face with extensive decay and hollow. Note ivy. DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 ARBORIST REPORT Gregorios Arborist Report Page of 6 9 Figure 5. East and South Faces showing large wounds and large hollow. DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 ARBORIST REPORT Gregorios Arborist Report Page of 7 9 Figure 6. 10 degree lean to west. DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 ARBORIST REPORT Gregorios Arborist Report Page of 8 9 Figure 7. West Face with bark sloughing, extensive decay and hollow. DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 Glenda/George Gregorios DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683 DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A9AB9A-FFD0-47DB-9C58-1D73D3651683