HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_3613 SE 6th St_LUA24-000060_RVMP_CAE_240226DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal-FIN
PLANNING DIVISION
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT
AND CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM CRITICAL
AREA REGULATIONS
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: February 26, 2024
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA24-000060, RVMP, CAE
PROJECT NAME: 3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal
PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Assistant Planner
APPLICANT/CONTACT: Chris Powell
PO Box 529, Maple Valley, WA 98038
OWNER: Elizabeth Christie
PO Box 1111, Mercer Island, WA 98040
PROJECT LOCATION: 3613 SE 6th St, Renton, WA (APN 5126900485)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting approval of a Routine Vegetation Management Permit
(RVMP) and Critical Area Exemption (CAE) to remove a Lombardy Poplar (Populas
Nigra) measuring 63 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and standing at a height
of 110 feet. A RVMP is necessary for the removal or pruning of any hazardous trees
within a shoreline vegetation conservation buffer. The property is approximately 7,200
square feet (0.17 acres) in area and is situated within the Residential-4 (R-4) zone and
the Residential Low Density (RLD) Comprehensive Land Use designation. The landmark
tree in question is situated in the southern portion of the property. This property falls
under the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Shoreline High Intensity designation and
Cedar River Reach C Jurisdiction. Vegetation management activities are not classified
as development within Shoreline Management Program (SMP) overlays. The applicant
proposes maintenance work on a single Lombardy Poplar landmark tree, aiming to
mitigate the risk of complete tree failure.
CRITICAL AREA: High Seismic Hazard Area; Maplewood Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1 Modified;
Shoreline High Intensity designation; and Cedar River Reach C Jurisdiction.
EXPIRATION DATE: One (1) year from issuance.
DocuSign Envelope ID: EFC73E4B-3125-4AEB-B487-7B36A627D81D
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal LUA24-000060, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: February 26, 2024 Page 2 of 5
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal-FIN
EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATION: Renton Municipal Code, Section 4-3-050C.3.c.iii Dangerous Trees: Removal of non-
native invasive ground cover or weeds listed by King County Noxious Weed Board
or other government agency or dangerous trees, as defined in Chapter 4-11 RMC
which have been approved by the City and certified dangerous by a licensed
landscape architect, or certified arborist, selection of whom to be approved by the
City based on the type of information required. Limited to cutting of dangerous
trees; such hazardous trees shall be retained as large woody debris in critical areas
and/or associated buffers, where feasible.
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 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: 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 25 tree credits, as confirmed by the arborist.
Following the removal of one (1) tree, resulting in a loss of 13 credits, the site would then
have 12 tree credits remaining. Considering the site's total area, approximately 0.17 net
acres, and applying the rate of 30 credits per acre (30 credits x 0.17 acres = 5.1 credits), the
site would comply with the tree credit requirement of the code. This compliance is
contingent on the removal of the one (1) Lombardy Poplar tree and the retention of the
preserved trees, a 16.5” DBH Tulip (Liriodendron tulipifera) and a 12” DBH Thundercloud
Plum Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’) 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: City of Renton (COR) maps has identified a seismic hazard zone,
regulated shoreline, and wellhead protection area on the property. According to the
Arborist Report (Attachment 1), prepared by Daniel Maple, Consulting Arborist, the
Lombardy Popular tree is exhibiting various health concerns, including leaning, significant
portion failure, and a dead southern trunk. To mitigate the risk of the entire tree failing
towards existing development to the north and south, maintenance work is necessary.
Shoreline regulations are applicable to all use and development activities within the
shoreline. The trees are situated within the Shoreline High Intensity/Cedar River Reaches
C designation and fall within the 100-foot (100’) vegetation conservation buffer.
Maintenance of a tree does not meet the definition of development within shorelines;
hence, shoreline regulations do not apply. However, a Routine Vegetation Management
Permit is necessary for tree maintenance within the vegetation conservation buffer if the
work is not part of another land use permitting process. Refer to the Critical Area
Exemption Findings below for additional exemption information. Maintenance of the trees
aligns with the restrictions for critical areas, as outlined in RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention
and Land Clearing Regulations and RMC 4-3-050, Critical Area Regulations.
YES 3. Removal of a landmark tree shall meet the review criteria for the removal off a 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),
DocuSign Envelope ID: EFC73E4B-3125-4AEB-B487-7B36A627D81D
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal LUA24-000060, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: February 26, 2024 Page 3 of 5
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal-FIN
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 satisfied. The applicant seeks the removal of a single
landmark tree, specifically a Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra) with a diameter at breast
height (DBH) of 63 inches (63”). A Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) is
required for the removal of any a high-risk landmark tree not associated with a land
development permit. The written report by a certified arborist (Attachment 1) revealed
evidence indicating that half of the crown is dying while the other half is in decline. The
arborist observed dead or missing bark on the trunk, along with signs of decay in both the
trunk and roots of the Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra) tree (Attachment 2). Additionally,
the arborist noted poor annual growth on the north trunk, which, according to historical
imagery, showed signs of moderate decline. On the south face of the tree, the lower part
of the south trunk is beginning to interfere with a concrete sound barrier wall. Mitigation
options include tree removal and stump grinding to prevent sprouting. A significant portion
of the Lombardy Poplar tree recently fell across Maple Valley Highway (SR-169 located to
the south), posing risks to pedestrians, nearby homes, occupants, vehicles, and the
highway itself, thereby meeting the criteria for removal. The arborist assessing the tree
classified it as posing a high to extreme 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
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: EFC73E4B-3125-4AEB-B487-7B36A627D81D
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal LUA24-000060, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: February 26, 2024 Page 4 of 5
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal-FIN
Staff Comments: The RVMP is being requested to prevent whole tree failure. Provided
documentation did not indicate that the removal of the tree would create or contribute to
a hazardous condition, but instead indicated that tree presents risks to human life and
property if no work was to occur.
YES 8. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with the requirement of the
Shoreline Master Program, pursuant to RMC 4-3-090F.1, Vegetation Conservation and
RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations.
Staff Comments: Removal of the tree does not meet the definition of development within
shorelines, and therefore shoreline regulations do not apply. A Routine Vegetation
Management Permit is required for the maintenance of any trees within the vegetation
conservation buffer if the work is not included in another land use permitting process. See
Routine Vegetation Management Findings above for additional information.
CRITICAL AREA EXEMPTION FINDINGS:
The proposed development is consistent with the following findings pursuant to RMC section
4-3-050C.2.d:
i. The activity is not prohibited by this or any other provision of the Renton Municipal
Code or State or Federal law or regulation;
Staff Comment: Removal of the tree is not prohibited by this or any other provision of
the Renton Municipal Code or State or Federal law or regulations. Approval of this
exemption will act as written permission to allow the maintenance of the one (1) tree.
ii. The activity will be conducted using best management practices as specified by
industry standards or applicable Federal agencies or scientific principles;
Staff Comment: According to the provided arborist report, it is recommended that tree
removal occur to prevent future damage to existing infrastructure.
iii. Impacts are minimized and, where applicable, disturbed areas are immediately
restored;
Staff Comment: Tree Removal will minimize impacts to neighboring structures and
pedestrians. No other vegetation is proposed for removal.
iv. Where water body or buffer disturbance has occurred in accordance with an
exemption during construction or other activities, revegetation with native vegetation
shall be required;
Staff Comment: No other vegetation besides the Lombardy Poplar is proposed for
removal. See Critical Area Exemption Criterion iii for additional information.
v. If a hazardous material, activity, and/or facility that is exempt pursuant to this Section
has a significant or substantial potential to degrade groundwater quality, then the
Administrator may require compliance with the Wellhead Protection Area
requirements of this Section otherwise relevant to that hazardous material, activity,
DocuSign Envelope ID: EFC73E4B-3125-4AEB-B487-7B36A627D81D
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal LUA24-000060, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: February 26, 2024 Page 5 of 5
3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal-FIN
and/or facility. Such determinations will be based upon site and/or chemical-specific
data.
Staff Comment: Not applicable. A hazardous material, activity and/or facility is not a
part of the project.
DECISION: The 3613 SE 6th St Tree Removal project, LUA24-000060, RVMP, CAE is Approved with Conditions*
and subject to the following conditions:
*CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The applicant shall retain the tree, or portions of the tree as determined by the Current Planning Project
Manager, as a habitat snag within the critical areas and the shoreline vegetation conservation buffer.
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 March 11, 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
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: Arborist Report, prepared by A.B.C Consulting Arborists LLC, dated February 7, 2024
Attachment 2: ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form
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ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form
Client ______________________________ Date _________ Time _______ _
Address/Tree location ___________________________ Tree no. ______ Sheet of
Tree species ____________________ dbh ______ He ig ht _____ Cro w n spread dia. _____ _
Assessor(s) Time frame Tools used _____________ _
Target Assessment
Target zone
Occupancy r,. •
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Site Factors
History of failures __________________________ _ Topography Fl atD SlopeD ____ % Aspect __
Site changes None D Grade chan ge D Site cle aring D Cha n ged so il hydrology D Root cuts D De scribe ________________ _
Soil conditions Limited volume D Saturated D Shallow D Compacted D Pav em ent ove r roots D ___ % Describe ___________ _
Prevailing wind direction ___ Common weather St ron g wind s D Ic e D Sno w D Heavy rain D Describe _____________ _
Tree Health and Species Profile
Vigor Low D Normal D High D Foliage None (seasonal) D None (dead) D Normal % Ch lorotic % Necrotic %
Pests________________________ Abiotic ________________________ _
Species failure profile Branc hes D Tru nk D Root s D Desc ribe ______________________________ _
Load Factors
Wind exposure Prote cted D Partial D Full D Wind funn elin g D ___________ Relative crown size Sm all D Medium D Larg e D
Crown density Sparse D No rma l D Dens e D Interior branches Few D Normal D De nse D Vines/Mistletoe/Moss D ________ _
Recent or planned change in load factors---------------------------------------
Tree Defects and Conditions Affecting the Likelihood of Fa ilure
-Crown and Branches -
Unbalanced crown D LCR ___ %
Dead t wigs/branches D __ % overall Max. dia.
Broken/Hangers Number ____ Max. dia .
Over-extended branches D
Pruning history
Crown cl eaned D
Reduced D
Flush cuts D
Thinned D
Topp ed D
Raise d D
Lion-ta il ed D
Other _________ _
Crack s D _______________ Li ghtn ing damage D
Codominant D _______________ Includ ed bark D
Weak attachm ents D ________ Cavity/Nest hole __ % ci rc.
Previou s branch failures O ______ Similar branches pres ent 0
De ad/Missing bark D Cankers /Gall s/Burl s O Sapw ood damage /decay D
Conks O Heartw ood deca y O _________ _
Response gro wth---------------------
M ai n conc ern(s) --------------------------------------------
Load on defect N/A D Minor O Moderat e O Si gnifica nt O ___________________ _
Likelihood of failure Improba bl e O Po ssi bl e O Prob ab le O Imminent O --------------------
-Trunk-
Dead/Missing ba rk O Abnormal bark texture/color 0
Codominant stems D Includ ed bark D Cra cks D
Sapwood dama ge/decay D Can kers/Galls/BurlsD Sap ooze 0
Lightning dama ge D Hea rtw ood decay O Conks /Mushrooms 0
Cavity/Ne st hole __ % circ. Depth ___ Poor taper 0
Lean __ ° Co rrected? _____________ _
Re sponse growth ________________ _
Main con cern(s) ________________ _
Load on defect N/A O Minor O Moderate D Si gnificant D
Likelihood of failure
Improba ble O Possi bl e D Probab le 0 Imminent D
-Roots and Root Collar -
Co llar buried/Not visible D Depth___ Stem girdlin g D
Dead O De cay O Conks/Mushrooms 0
Ooze O Cav ity D __ % circ.
Cra cks O Cut /Dama ged roots O Distance from trunk __ _
Root plate lifting 0 Soil weakness D
Response growth _______________ _
Main concern(s) -----------------
Load on defect N/A D Minor O Moderate D Significant 0
Likelihood of failure
lmprobableD Possible 0 Probable 0 lmm ine ntO
Page I of 2
Daniel J Maple BL23-5-years
1 2
S/SW x x TLPS
X X
X
Dying
X
X
Dead-Decays fast
X
XX
X
1/2 IS DEAD OTHER 1/2 DECLINING
1
50
X x
x
50
x
yes
nn4xHwy, vehicles, pedestrians, homes, occupants and visitors.
33110Lombardy Popular 63
13613 SE 6th Street, Renton, WA
Elizabeth Christie
DocuSign Envelope ID: EFC73E4B-3125-4AEB-B487-7B36A627D81D
Risk Categorization
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Matrix I . Likelihood matrix.
Likelihood Likelihood of Impacting Target
of Failure Very low Low Medium High
Imminent Unlike ly Somewhat like ly Li kely Ve ry likely
Probable Unlike ly Unlikel y Somew hat like ly Lik el y
Possible Unlikel y Unlike ly Unlikely Som ewhat likely
Improbable Unlikely Unlike ly Unl i ke l y Unli ke ly
Matrix 2. Ri sk rating mat rix.
Likelihood of Consequences of Failure
Failure & Impact Negligible Minor Significant Severe
Very likely Low Moderate High Extreme
Likely Low Moderat e Hi gh Hig h
Somewhat likely Low Lo w Mod erate Moderate
Unlikely Low Lo w Low Low
Notes, explanations, descriptions ______________ _
Mitigation options
Overall tree risk rating
Overall residual risk
Low O Moderat e O High O Extreme 0
Lo w O Moderate O Hig h O Extreme 0
Failure
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Residual risk
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Residual risk
Residual risk
Work priority 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0
Recommended inspection interval ________ _
Data O Final O Preliminary Advanced assessment needed ONo DYes-Type/Reason ______________________ _
Inspection limitations ONone OVisibility DAccess O V ines DRoot collar buried Des cribe ___________________ _
1 h is datasheet was produced by the International Society of Arboric ulture (ISA) -2013
Page 2 of 2
X
XX
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low Remove tree, Grind or poison stump to prevent stump sprouts.
High to
Severe
XXXXXXX30 100 1-7 NO
Dead - Decay Trunk
Crown
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