HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_LUA24-000101_2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE_FinalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_LUA24-000101_2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE_Final
PLANNING DIVISION
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT
AND CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM CRITICAL
AREA REGULATIONS
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: April 8, 2024
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA24-000101, RVMP, CAE
PROJECT NAME: 2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE
PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Assistant Planner
APPLICANT/CONTACT: Anne Morey
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058
OWNER: Melanie Jordan c/o Phyllis LaRue
2505 Maple Valley Hwy, Renton, WA 98058
PROJECT LOCATION: 2447 Maple Valley Hwy, Renton, WA 98057 (APN 1723059101)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) and an
exemption from critical areas regulations (CAE) to remove two (2) Black Cottonwood
(Populus Trichocarpa) trees located at 2447 Maple Valley Hwy (APN 1723059101).
According to the Arborist Report, Tree #1 is 30’ in diameter at breast height (dbh) with
a height of 120 feet. Tree #2 has a DBH of 30 inches (30”) and a height of 120 feet. The
subject property is approximately 39,750 square feet (0.91 acres) in area and is situated
within the Commercial Office Residential (COR) zone and within the Cedar River
community planning area. The landmark trees are situated in the northwestern portion
of the property near the Maple Valley Highway (SR 169). 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 is
proposing maintenance work on these two (2) Black Cottonwood (Populus
Trichocarpa) landmark trees, aiming to mitigate the risk of complete tree failure by
reducing the trees to a safe height and leaving them as habitat snags.
According to City of Renton (COR) maps, there is a moderate coalmine hazard,
regulated shoreline with an environment designation Shoreline High Intensity,
floodway and special flood hazard area (FEMA Zone – AE), Downtown Wellhead
Protection Area Zone 1, and seismic hazard areas mapped on the property.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE LUA24-000101, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: April 8, 2024 Page 2 of 6
D_LUA24-000101_2447 Maple Valley Hwy Cottonwood RVMP and CAE_Final
Additionally, COR maps indicates that the property includes sensitive (>15% & <=25%)
and protective slopes (>40% & <=90%) and a classified Type S - Shoreline water feature
which is the Cedar River.
CRITICAL AREA: Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year flood) and Floodway: FEMA Zone AE, Regulated
Shoreline CR-C: Cedar River Reaches, Sensitive and Protected Slopes, Moderate Coalmine
Hazard, High Seismic Hazard Areas, and Downtown Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1.
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.
RMC 4-3-050.C.3.c.iii EXEMPT, PROHIBITED AND NONCONFORMING ACTIVITIES: Activities taking place in critical
areas and their associated buffers and listed in the "Exempt Activities – Permitted Within Critical Areas and
Associated Buffers" table are exempt from the applicable provisions of Section 4-3-050, provided this letter of
exemption has been issued.
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D.4:
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. All the trees that are 12 inches (12”) in DBH
and above on the property underwent evaluation and inventory, revealing a total of 122
tree credits, as confirmed by the Arborist Report (Attachment A). Following the removal of
two (2) trees, resulting in a loss of 22 credits, the site would then have 100 tree credits
remaining. Considering the site’s total area (39,750 square feet), with approximately 11,195
square feet designated as an erosion hazard zone, is approximately 0.66 net acres and
applying the rate of 30 credits per acre (30 credits x 0.66 acres = 19.8 credits), the site would
comply with the tree credit requirement of the code (Attachment B). This compliance is
contingent on the removal of the two (2) Black Cottonwood trees and the retention of the
remaining preserved trees.
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 high seismic hazard, flood
hazard areas, floodway, moderate coalmine hazard, sensitive and protected slopes,
Downtown Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1, and a regulated shoreline on the property.
According to the Arborist Report (Attachment A), prepared by Anne Morey, ISA Certified
Arborist, the Black Cottonwood trees are exhibiting various health concerns, including
severe sap sucker damage along with fruiting bodies on the lower 15 feet of the trunk on
Tree #2 and the trees are located in a vegetative buffer covered in Himalayan Blackberry
and English Ivy. Tree #1 may be sharing part of the root crown and system with Tree #2
and the tree leans towards Hwy 169. To mitigate the risk of the entire tree failing towards
existing development to the north and west, maintenance work is necessary. Shoreline
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE LUA24-000101, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: April 8, 2024 Page 3 of 6
D_LUA24-000101_2447 Maple Valley Hwy Cottonwood RVMP and CAE_Final
regulations are applicable to all use and development activities within the shoreline. The
trees are situated within 200 feet of the Shoreline High Intensity/Cedar River Reaches C
designation. 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),
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 two (2)
landmark trees, specifically two (2) Black Cottonwood (Populus Trichocarpa) trees both
with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 30 inches (30”). 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 arborist report by a certified
arborist (Attachment A) revealed evidence indicating that the end weight is causing trunk
failure below the canopy for Tree #1 and crown failure for Trees #1 and #2. The arborist
observed crown failure in both Black Cottonwood (Populus Trichocarpa) trees
(Attachments A and C). Additionally, the arborist noted suspected Armillaria present on
both Tree #1 and #2. Mitigation options include reducing the trees to a safe height and left
as environmental habitat snags. These habitat snags include a nesting box on tree #1 and
cuts above the area of sap sucker activity on Tree #2. The two (2) trees pose risks to
pedestrians, nearby homes, occupants, utility power lines, vehicles, and the highway itself,
thereby meeting the criteria for removal. The arborist assessing the tree classified 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
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE LUA24-000101, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: April 8, 2024 Page 4 of 6
D_LUA24-000101_2447 Maple Valley Hwy Cottonwood RVMP and CAE_Final
permit for landscaping or tree requirements.
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 attached dwellings and another lot
with commercial retail use 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: 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 removal of the two (2) trees.
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, utilities
and pedestrians. No other vegetation is proposed for removal.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE LUA24-000101, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: April 8, 2024 Page 5 of 6
D_LUA24-000101_2447 Maple Valley Hwy Cottonwood RVMP and CAE_Final
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 two (2) Black Cottonwood trees are
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,
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 2447 Maple Valley Hwy Cottonwood RVMP and CAE, LUA24-000101, RVMP, CAE is
Approved with Conditions* and subject to the following conditions:
*CONDITION OF APPROVAL:
1. As recommended in the Arborist Report, prepared by the applicant (Attachment A), the applicant shall
reduce the height of the two (2) cottonwood trees (Tree #1 and #2) within the subject property to a safe
height and both trees shall be left as environmental habitat snags, as determined by the Current Planning
Project Manager.
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 April 22, 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
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
4/8/2024 | 11:51 AM PDT
for
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit
2447 Maple Valley RVMP and CAE LUA24-000101, RVMP, CAE
Permit Date: April 8, 2024 Page 6 of 6
D_LUA24-000101_2447 Maple Valley Hwy Cottonwood RVMP and CAE_Final
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: Five (5) years from the date of decision (date signed).
Attachments:
Attachment A: Arborist Report, prepared A&M Tree Service NW, Inc dated March 5, 2024
Attachment B: Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet
Attachment C: ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form dated February 2, 2024
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
Page 1 of 7
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Lic# MTREEMT870DO
March 5, 2024
Client: Phyllis LaRue c/o
Melanie Jordan
Location: 2447 Maple Valley Hwy
Renton, WA 98055
Parcel # 172305-9101
Project Arborist: Anne M Morey
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9302A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Scope of Work:
To complete a Level 2 hazard assessment to comply with City of Renton Municipal Codes for hazard
tree removal.
Personal qualifications and levels of assessment:
I have worked in the tree industry for over 20 years and have obtained my ISA Certifications for
Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor. I used my experience in the field and preparing reports for
municipalities throughout King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties to create this report/letter.
There are three (3) levels of tree risk assessment
Level 1: Visual Assessment; distant assessment of 1 or a group of trees to determine any
obvious hazards and determine if other levels of assessment are necessary.
Level 2: Basic Assessment; detailed visual inspection of a tree and its surrounding site using
simple tools to acquire more information about the tree and any potential defects.
Level 3: Advanced Assessment; these assessments are used to provide more detailed I
information about specific tree parts, defects, targets, or site conditions.
RECEIVED
PLANNING DIVISION
03/21/2024
mkerrihard
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
Page 2 of 7
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Lic# MTREEMT870DO
Site Observations:
This is a 39750 SQFT lot located on the east side of the cedar river near the Renton Community
Center. The house was originally built in 1944 and has been kept in average condition over the
years. The property is surrounded by vegetation including but not limited to black cottonwood,
bigleaf maples and red alders. The trees are approximately 300 feet from cedar river located on the
northwest corner of the lot indicated with the red dots on the map below.
Tree #1
Tree #2
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ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Lic# MTREEMT870DO
Discussion:
I’ve monitored this property for several years and have watched these two cottonwood trees decline
over that time. Upon further inspection this year I discovered that tree #2 now has several fruiting
bodies on the lower 15 feet of the trunk along with severe sap sucker damage in this area. Last
summer the canopy was completely dead and bare. It appears that tree #1 may share part of the
root crown and system of Tree #2 and leans considerably towards Hwy 169. The trees sit in a
vegetative buffer covered in blackberry vines and ivy and tree 2 actually leans towards tree 1 so if
failure were to occur chances are good that there would be a domino type effect with both trees
falling towards Hwy 169.
This area has been maintained as natural as possible which helps with privacy and noise for the
current resident. There are other large cottonwood trees and bigleaf maples throughout this area,
most are in decline and are often left to naturally fail as targets are minimal to none. These
particular cottonwood trees have been trimmed in the past to help with end weight and removal of
dead and hazardous limbs/scaffolds due to the lean and targets over Hwy 169 and the storefront
parking and access.
To comply with RMC 4-9-195 Routine Vegetation Management Permit Process, I completed the ISA
Basic Tree Risk Assessment form for both trees resulting in high-risk ratings. I’ve also completed
the Tree Retention and Credit Worksheet showing that for this property a total of 20 tree credits are
required based off 39,750 sqft loss less approximately 11,195 sqft designated as a hazard erosion
zone. Not all trees were inventoried, all trees 12” in DBH and above were noted with 4 of those trees
located within the erosion hazard area near cedar river. There are more trees between 6 & 11
inches on the property, mostly alders and maples that border property lines and some new growth
which was inaccessible due to blackberry and other restricting vegetation. After completing this
worksheet and based off the inventory of trees 12” DBH and larger there are currently a total of 122
tree credits and no replacement trees required.
The Trees:
Tree 1
Tree 2
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ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Lic# MTREEMT870DO
Tree #2, on the west facing side of the tree there are obvious older
fungi and some newer conks growing. Without testing there is no
way to state if these are fungi associated with a root disease, they
appear to be saprotrophic but again, testing would need to be done
to correctly identify the fungi.
This tree leans directly into tree #1 which already has a lean over
the main entrance to these homes and store as well as Hwy 169.
Reducing these trees to shorter habitat snags, preferably just above
the area compromised on tree 2 in hopes to retain the habitat
utilizing it currently and eliminate the hazards to targets.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
Page 5 of 7
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Lic# MTREEMT870DO
Recommendation:
Due to the targets described in this report and the declining health, it is my professional opinion that
these 2 cottonwood trees should be reduced to a safe height and left as environmental habitat snags.
These snags shall include a nesting box on tree 1 and cuts above the area of sap sucker activity on
tree 2. Material smaller than 12” in diameter should be put back into the buffer to help with
saturation and the base of tree 1 should be girdled to eliminate further sprout growth in the canopy.
Thank you for the opportunity to help with your trees, please contact me if you have any further
questions on this letter.
Anne Marie Morey
A & M Tree Service NW, Inc.
President/Owner
ISA Certified Arborist #PN-9302A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Office Voice Mail: 425-867-2307
Cell: 425-260-4293
Member of PNW and Western Chapters ISA
It was hard to determine if these trees are
sharing the same root crown due to the
overgrown blackberry and ivy. Therefore,
these trees were assessed individually. If
either tree is removed there would be
negative impact to the other. I also believe
that if one of them failed it would cause the
other to fail as well, likely at the same time.
As we have been doing some structural
reduction and end weight removal to help
alleviate the chance of failure, it now
appears time to snag each tree to a safe
height and allow some new understory to
gain sunlight and grow.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
Page 6 of 7
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Lic# MTREEMT870DO
Assumptions and Limiting Conditions
1) Any legal description provided to the A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. is assumed to be correct. Any titles and
ownerships to any property are assumed to be good and marketable. No responsibility is assumed for matters
legal in character. Any and all property is appraised or evaluated as though free and clear, under re sponsible
ownership and competent management.
2) It is assumed that any property is not in violation of any applicable codes, ordinances, statutes, or other
governmental regulations, unless otherwise stated.
3) Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as
possible; however, A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the accuracy of
information.
4) A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of this
report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made, including payment of an additional fee for such
services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engage ment.
5) Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidated the entire report.
6) Possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by any
other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior expressed written or verbal consent of A & M
Tree Service NW, Inc.
7) Neither all or any part of the contents of this report, nor copy thereof, shall be conveyed by anyone,
including the client, to the public through advertising, public relations, news, sales or other media, without the
prior expressed written or verbal consent of A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. -- particularly as to value
conclusions, identity of A & M Tree Service NW, Inc., or any reference to any professional society or to any
initialed designation conferred upon A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. as stated in its qualifications.
8) This report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of A & M Tree Service NW, Inc., and the
fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value, a stipulated result, the occurrence neither
of a subsequent event, nor upon any finding in to reported.
9) Sketches, diagrams, graphs, and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aids, are not
necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or surveys.
10) Unless expressed otherwise: 1) 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 2) the inspection is limited to
visual examination of accessible items without dissection, excavation, probing, or coring. There is no warranty
or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the tree or other plant or property in
question may not arise in the future.
Note: Even healthy trees can fail under normal or storm conditions. The only way to eliminate all risk is to
remove all trees within reach of all targets. Annual monitoring by an ISA Certified Arborist or Certified
Forester will reduce the potential of tree failures. It is impossible to predict with certainty that a tree will
stand or fail, or the timing of the failure. It is considered an ‘Act of God’ when a tree fails, unless it is
directly felled or pushed over by man’s actions.
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ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Lic# MTREEMT870DO
Methods
Measuring
We measured the diameter of each tree at 54 inches above grade, diameter at standard height (DSH). If
a tree had multiple stems. We measured each stem individually at standard height and determined a
single‐stem equivalent diameter by using the method outlined in the city of Seattle Director’s Rule 16‐
2008 or the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition Second Printing published by the Council of Tree and
Landscape Appraisers. A tree is regulated based on this single‐stem equivalent diameter value.
Evaluating
We evaluated tree health and structure utilizing visual tree assessment (VTA) methods. The basis behind
VTA is the identification of symptoms, which the tree produces in reaction to a weak spot or area of
mechanical stress. A tree reacts to mechanical and physiological stresses by growing more vigorously to
re‐enforce weak areas, while depriving less stressed parts. An understanding of the uniform stress
allows the arborist to make informed judgments about the condition of a tree.
Rating
When rating tree health, we took into consideration crown indicators such as foliar density, size, color,
stem and shoot extensions. When rating tree structure, we evaluated the tree for form and structural
defects, including past damage and decay. A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. has adapted our ratings based on the
Purdue University Extension formula values for health condition (Purdue University Extension bulletin FNR‐
473‐W ‐ Tree Appraisal). These values are a general representation used to assist arborists in assigning
ratings.
Excellent ‐ Perfect specimen with excellent form and vigor, well‐balanced crown. Normal to
exceeding shoot length on new growth. Leaf size and color normal. Trunk is sound and solid. Root
zone undisturbed. No apparent pest problems. Long safe useful life expectancy for the species.
Good ‐ Imperfect canopy density in few parts of the tree, up to 10% of the canopy. Normal to less
than ¾ typical growth rate of shoots and minor deficiency in typical leaf development. Few pest
issues or damage, and if they exist, they are controllable, or tree is reacting appropriately. Normal
branch and stem development with healthy growth. Safe useful life expectancy typical for the
species.
Fair ‐ Crown decline and dieback up to 30% of the canopy. Leaf color is somewhat
chlorotic/necrotic with smaller leaves and “off” coloration. Shoot extensions indicate some
stunting and stressed growing conditions. Stress cone crop clearly visible. Obvious signs of pest
problems contributing to lesser condition, control might be possible. Some decay areas found in
main stem and branches. Below average safe useful life expectancy
Poor ‐ Lacking full crown, more than 50% decline and dieback, especially affecting larger branches.
Stunting of shoots is obvious with little evidence of growth on smaller stems. Leaf size and color
reveals overall stress in the plant. Insect or disease infestation may be severe and uncontrollable.
Extensive decay or hollows in branches and trunk. Short safe useful life expectancy
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
rentonwa.gov/permitcenter | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/6/2022 Page 1 of 3
CITY OF RENTON Ι PERMIT CENTER
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
RECEIVED
PLANNING DIVISION
03/21/2024
mkerrihard
20
2
4
14
4.2
14
-9.8
39750
11195
11195
28555
0.66
20
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
rentonwa.gov/permitcenter | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/6/2022 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:
2
2
3
2
2
2
1
122
0
0
12
14
24
18
20
22
12
0
0
0
0
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
rentonwa.gov/permitcenter | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/6/2022 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:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
RECEIVED
PLANNING DIVISION
03/21/2024
mkerrihard
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590
DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB6E898-FAC7-47B7-8634-D9677FE39590