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Home My WebLink AboutD_Valley_Springs_Tree_Replacement_20240711DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT D_Valley_Springs_Tree_Replacement_RVMP_240711_Final PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION: July 11, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: LUA24-000183, RVMP PROJECT NAME: Valley Springs Tree Replacement PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Assistant Planner CONTACT/APPLICANT: Laci Young 6412 S 900 E, Suite 200, Murray, UT 84121 OWNER: Shelter Holdings, LLC 11624 SE 5th St, Suite 210 Bellevue, WA 98005 PROJECT LOCATION: 15300 SE 155th Pl, Renton, WA 98058 (APN 2323059209) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant, A Plus Tree, LLC, is requesting a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to remove and replace five (5) western redcedar (Thuja Plicata) trees located at 15300 SE 155th Pl (APN: 2323059209). The subject property is approximately 162,388 square feet (3.73 acres) in area and is situated within the Residential-14 (R-14) zone and within the Cedar River Community Planning Area. An arborist report, prepared by A Plus Tree, dated May 14, 2024 (Attachment A) was submitted with the application. The report recommends removing five (5) western redcedar trees due to their potential interference with underground utilities. The report cites limited soil space and potential root intrusion under nearby sidewalks as additional reasons for removal. Root pruning is deemed infeasible due to the risk of destabilization and could lead to hazardous conditions. In addition, the arborist report also mentions future conflicts with landscaping on neighboring properties due to the trees’ mature crown spread. The applicant proposes tree removal and replacement to mitigate potential damage to infrastructure and utilities. The arborist, Daniel Potts, recommends grinding the trees and surface roots down to the stumps and replacing the five (5) western redcedar trees with five (5) deciduous trees with a narrower crown and root system that is less likely to create conflicts with hardscape. CRITICAL AREA: High Seismic Hazard Areas and Maplewood Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2 GENERAL 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 accordance with Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-4-130.H, compliance with tree credit requirements necessitates a minimum rate of 30 tree credits per net acre. Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Valley Springs Tree Replacement LUA24-000183, RVMP Permit Date: July 11, 2024 Page 2 of 4 D_Valley_Springs_Tree_Replacement_RVMP_240711_Final The tree risk assessment area, which covers 162,388 square feet (3.73 acres), was located on the subject property (APN 2323059209). As specified by the arborist report (Attachment A), the trees proposed for removal have a variety of sizes. According to the arborist report, A Plus Tree was able to evaluate and assess five (5) western redcedar (Thuja plicata) trees at Valley Springs Apartments. All five (5) trees were determined to be healthy with vigorous foliage and no observable defects or decay in the roots, trunk, or branches. Tree #2 is 13 inches (13”) in diameter at breast height (dbh) with a height of 20 feet (20’). Tree #3 has a DBH of 13.2 inches (13.2”) and a height of 20 feet (20’). Tree #5 has a DBH of 14 inches (14”) and a height of 25 feet (25’). Tree #7 has a DBH of 13 inches (13”) and a height of 25 feet (25’). Tree #9 has a DBH of 12 inches (12”) and a height of 20 feet (20’). Considering the site’s total area of approximately 3.73 acres and applying the rate of 30 tree credits per acre (30 credits x 3.73 acres = 112 credits), there is a requirement of one hundred and twelve (112) tree credits on the subject property. According to the arborist report the site would comply with the tree credit requirement of the code (Attachment B). Additionally, in line with the Arborist’s recommendations, the 499 tree credits proposed for retention within the parcel exceed the minimum tree credit requirements. This compliance is subject to the removal of the five (5) western redcedar trees, and the retention of the remaining 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: Per COR Maps, the tree proposed for removal is within a Seismic Hazard Area: High Classification and the Maplewood Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2. It is not anticipated that the proposed tree removal will have any impact on seismic hazards or on the Wellhead Protection Area Zone. N/A 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: Not applicable. The trees proposed for removal have a diameter at breast height (dbh) measurement of 12-14 inches (12-14"), which is less than a landmark tree DBH measurement of 24 inches (24"). YES 4. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved unless otherwise approved by the Administrator. Staff Comments: The trees are located along the property line as landscaping. According to the Arborist, the current placement of the five (5) western redcedar trees is a hazard to existing utilities and infrastructure. Staff concurs with the arborist report that tree removal with replacement of a narrower deciduous tree is preferred. See Review Criteria 5 for more information. YES 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: The applicant proposes to replace the western redcedar trees with five (5) columnar European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'fastigiata'). The proposal indicates the specific size of the trees for replacement are two inches (2") at caliper. The proposal does not indicate when the trees would be installed. Therefore, staff recommends as a condition of approval that five (5) narrower deciduous replacement trees be installed within six (6) months of permit issuance, or as determined by the Current Planning Project Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Valley Springs Tree Replacement LUA24-000183, RVMP Permit Date: July 11, 2024 Page 3 of 4 D_Valley_Springs_Tree_Replacement_RVMP_240711_Final Manager, and shall have a minimum caliper size of two inches (2”). The applicant shall notify the Current Planning Project Manager following tree replacement installation so an inspection can be completed. 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: Not applicable. The trees proposed for removal are all located on the southeast side of the subject property. Detached dwellings are adjacent to 15300 SE 155th Pl. The Arborist has proposed the installation of five (5) new trees around five (5) feet away from the trees to be removed which would provide both noise attenuation and a more robust visual buffer between the residential use and the sport court. 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: Provided documentation did not indicate that the removal and replacement of the trees would create or contribute to a hazardous condition, but instead indicated that it could cause greater damage in the future if retained. 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 Valley Springs Tree Replacement, LUA24-000183, RVMP is Approved with Conditions* . *CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1. The applicant shall plant five (5) medium size deciduous replacement trees within six (6) months of permit issuance. The replacement trees shall be a minimum two-inch (2”) caliper in size. Once installed, the applicant shall notify the Current Planning Project Manager to complete a final landscape inspection. 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 7/11/2024 | 11:12 AM PDT City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Valley Springs Tree Replacement LUA24-000183, RVMP Permit Date: July 11, 2024 Page 4 of 4 D_Valley_Springs_Tree_Replacement_RVMP_240711_Final 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 July 25, 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: Five (5) years from the date of decision (date signed). Attachments: Attachment A: Arborist Report, prepared by A Plus Tree, dated May 14, 2024 Attachment B: Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/24/2023 Page 1 of 3 CITY OF RENTON PERMIT SERVICES 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 ATTACHMENT B RECEIVED 05/17/2024 mkerrihard PLANNING DIVISION 111.6 3.72 162388 162388 118 40 111.6 0 0 123 123 0 0 Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/24/2023 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: 352 5 499 5 162 12621 88 Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/24/2024 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: Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 Arborist Report For Cushman & Wakefield Residential Valley Springs Apartments 15300 Southeast 155 th Place, Renton, WA 98058 Parcel number 232305 -9209 (Proposal # 313474) Prepared by Daniel Potts – ISA Certified Arborist WE-11354A May 14 th, 2024 Background Information A Plus Tree was asked to evaluate and to assess 5 western redcedar trees at Valley Springs Apartments , at 15300 Southeast 155 th Place, Renton, WA 98058. Assignment and any limiting factors The assignment was to evaluate the health and risk factors of the trees to be removed, and this assessment was done using a Level 1 – limited Visual inspection. There was no soil or tree sampling taken for examinations or any other physical testing. Discussion All of these trees are healthy, with vigorous foliage and no observable defects or decay in the roots, trunk, or branches of these trees. However, they are planted over the top of underground utilities, and any conflict with these utilities will necessitate the removal of these trees. In addition, these trees are planted in limited soil space and root intrusion underneath the nearby sidewalks is likely. Root pruning is not feasible, as the distance from the trunk to roots needing to be pruned would likely destabilize the tree and lead to hazardous conditions. Furthermore, branches will continue to create conflicts with landscaping on the neighboring property as the mature crown spread of these trees is wider than the space allotted between the neighboring property and the building. Recommendation The most appropriate course of action for these trees would be to remove them and grind down the stumps and any surface roots as well. One deciduous tree with a narrower crown and root system less likely to create conflicts with hardscape will be planted for every tree removed. ATTACHMENT A RECEIVED 05/30/2024 mkerrihard PLANNING DIVISIONDocusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 Western redcedar (tree 2 on the site map) Thuja plicata DBH- 13 inches Height – 20 feet Crown spread – 15 feet Health Rating – 4 (fair) Tree has good vigor and is free of defects on the trunk, roots, or branches. Mature crown spread is much wider than the space allotted for the tree, tree will need regular maintenance to keep it off the building. Western redcedar (tree 3 on the site map) Thuja plicata DBH – 13.2 inches Height – 20 feet Crown spread – 15 feet Health rating – 4 (fair) Tree has good vigor and is free of defects on the trunk, roots, or branches. Mature crown spread is much wider than the space allotted for the tree, tree will need regular maintenance to keep it off the building. Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 Western redcedar (tree 5 on the site map) DBH – 14 inches Height – 25 feet Crown spread – 20 feet Health rating – 4 (fair) Tree has good vigor and is free of defects on the trunk, roots, or branches. Mature crown spread is much wider than the space allotted for the tree, tree will need regular maintenance to keep it off the building. Western redcedar (tree 7 on the site map) Thuja plicata DBH – 13 inches Height – 25 feet Crown spread – 20 feet Health rating – 4 (fair) Tree has good vigor and is free of defects on the trunk, roots, or branches. Mature crown spread is much wider than the space allotted for the tree, tree will need regular maintenance to keep it off the building. Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 Western redcedar (tree 9 on the site map) Thuja plicata DBH – 12 inches Height – 20 feet Crown spread – 15 feet Health rating – 4 (fair) Tree has good vigor and is free of defects on the trunk, roots, or branches. Mature crown spread is much wider than the space allotted for the tree, tree will need regular maintenance to keep it off the building. Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 Site Map of Removals N Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 Replanting Plan All trees that will be removed will be replaced at a 1:1 ratio, with one replacement tree for every tree to be removed. The replacement trees will be replaced around 5 feet away from the trees to be removed, or in the same location with topsoil filling the hole where the stump would be. The trees will all be 15 to 20 -gallon containerized stock, and the species and approximate size of the trees at caliper can be found in the below table, with location numbers corresponding to the numbers of the location pins on the replacement site map below the table: Table 1.1: Location numbers, species, and size of proposed replacement trees Location number Species Approximate size at caliper 1 Columnar European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘fastigiata’) 2” 4 Columnar European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘fastigiata’) 2” 6 Columnar European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘fastigiata’) 2” 8 Columnar European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘fastigiata’) 2” 10 Columnar European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘fastigiata’) 2” Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9 Replanting map N Docusign Envelope ID: 7D562413-B407-440F-A2A4-D49B9A0259C9