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HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_SchallerAngulo_Tree_Removal_RVMP_FinalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT D_Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal_RVMP_Final PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION:October 2, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER:LUA24-000270, RVMP PROJECT NAME:Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal PROJECT MANAGER:Nichole Perry, Associate Planner APPLICANT/OWNER:René Schaller-Angulo 3509 Meadow Ave N, Renton, WA 98056 PROJECT LOCATION:3509 Meadow Ave N, Renton, WA 98056 (APN 3342103152) PROJECT DESCRIPTION:The applicant, René Schaller-Angulo, is requesting a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to remove one (1) Douglas fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and one (1) Western hemlock tree (Tsuga heterophylla) located at 3509 Meadow Ave N, Renton, WA (APN 3342103152) within the Residential-6 (R- 6) zone and the Kennydale Community Planning Area. The subject property is approximately 7,689 square feet (0.18 acres). An Arborist Report, prepared by Bruce MacCoy, dated June 26, 2024, was included with the application (Attachment A). The report proposes the removal of two (2) landmark trees due to their hazardous condition. Both trees show signs of decay, branch failure, and the potential for collapse. To differentiate between them, the arborist has labeled the tree in the backyard as “tree number one” (Tsuga heterophylla) and the tree in the front yard as “tree number two” (Pseudotsuga menziesii), as noted in the Tree Risk Assessment Form (Attachment B). Tree number one has a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 42 inches (42”) and a height of 63 feet (63’). Tree number two has a DBH of 42 inches (42”) and a height of 73 feet (73’). The project also includes removing invasive ivy as part of a broader landscape cleanup effort. The property would meet tree credit requirements due to the retention of seven (7) Cedars (Thuja plicata) on-site, which qualify for the required tree credits (Attachment C). CRITICAL AREA:Regulated slopes (>15% & <=25%) and Well 5A 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 RMC 4-4-130.H, compliance with tree credit requirements necessitates a minimum of 30 tree credits per net acre. The subject property, which is approximately 7,689 square feet (0.18 acres), is located at 3509 Meadow Ave N (APN 3342103152). Based on the property size, five (5) tree credits are         City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal LUA24-000270, RVMP Permit Date: October 2, 2024 Page 2 of 4 D_Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal_RVMP_Final required to meet the minimum tree density requirement (30 tree credits/acre × 0.18 acres = 5.4 credits). The Tree Risk Assessment Forms (Attachment B) indicate that two (2) hazardous trees— Tsuga heterophylla (tree number one) and Pseudotsuga menziesii (tree number two)— are proposed for removal. The removal of these trees would reduce the tree credits on the property. However, the retention of seven (7) mature Cedars (Thuja plicata) on the property, as documented in the arborist report and confirmed with photos in Attachment C, provides sufficient tree credits. Each Cedar has an approximate diameter of 15 inches (15”), which collectively exceeds the five (5) tree credit requirement. The retained Cedars ensure that the property continues to meet the minimum tree credit requirements after the removal of the hazardous trees, in compliance with RMC 4-4- 130.H. 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: According to the city’s mapping system, portions of the subject property may contain regulated slopes (>15% & <=25%) and is within a Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2, which is part of the aquifer protection area (APA) designated to safeguard groundwater resources. The City of Renton defines an Aquifer Protection Area (APA) as the portion of an aquifer within the zone of capture and recharge for a well or wellfield owned or operated by the City. While developments and land clearing activities within APA zones are subject to certain restrictions to protect groundwater from contamination, the proposed tree removal does not involve activities (such as storage or use of hazardous materials) that would pose a risk to the aquifer. Based on the existing improvements and topography of the site, staff finds that removing the trees would not impact slopes on the west and east ends of the property and no adverse impacts are anticipated to occur in the wellhead protection area or groundwater. Therefore, the proposed action is consistent with the critical areas and wellhead protection regulations. YES 3. Removal of a landmark tree shall meet the review criteria for removal of 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: The removal of the Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) meet the review criteria for high-risk tree removal under both criteria i and ii of City Code. Both trees have been determined to be high-risk by the         City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal LUA24-000270, RVMP Permit Date: October 2, 2024 Page 3 of 4 D_Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal_RVMP_Final Arborist Report (Attachment A) due to decay, branch failure, and the likelihood of collapse. Specifically, the Western hemlock exhibits sapwood damage, invasive ivy infestation, and vertical cracks, while the Douglas fir has been previously topped and shows signs of branch shedding, weak attachments, and vertical cracks. Additionally, the arborist notes that the Douglas fir is exposed to top-heavy wind conditions, contributing to its instability. In addition to being classified as high-risk, the Douglas fir tree is causing physical damage to the primary residence. Falling branches from the tree have caused damage to the flat-roofed house, meeting the requirement for removal based on physical damage to a structure over 200 square feet. The arborist recommends the removal of both trees to prevent further damage to the property and ensure safety, which satisfies both criteria i and ii for removal under RMC 4-4-130. Compliant if condition of approval is met 4. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved unless otherwise approved by the Administrator. Staff Comments: While the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in the front yard is not officially designated as a street frontage or parking lot tree, its removal will leave the front yard without any remaining trees. To maintain visual aesthetics and meet the landscaping requirements along public street frontage, staff recommends as a condition of approval, the applicant plant one (1) new tree in the front yard after removal of the Douglas fir. The replacement tree should be a species suitable for the site and in accordance with city regulations for street frontage trees. The tree shall be planted and inspected within six (6) months following removal of the Douglas fir unless determined otherwise by the Current Planning Project Manager. 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 seven (7) retained Cedars (Thuja plicata) on the property maintain sufficient visual screening and buffering. The removal of the two (2) hazardous trees would not significantly impact the property’s ability to provide visual screening between land uses of differing intensity, as the Cedars cover the majority of the property’s perimeter. Additionally, the property is adjacent to lots with detached dwellings, which are of equal intensity in land use. The removal of the trees would not affect visual screening or 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 removal of the hazardous trees, as recommended by the arborist, would not create a hazardous condition. Instead, it would mitigate the risk of tree collapse and damage to the property. In addition, the property owner plans to remove invasive ivy that has contributed to the trees' decline. The retained Cedars are healthy and do not         City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal LUA24-000270, RVMP Permit Date: October 2, 2024 Page 4 of 4 D_Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal_RVMP_Final DECISION: The Schaller-Angulo Tree Removal, LUA24-000270, RVMP is Approved with Conditions* Condition: The applicant shall plant one (1) new tree in the front yard after removal of the Douglas fir. The replacement tree should be a species suitable for the site and in accordance with city regulations for street frontage trees. The tree shall be planted and inspected within six (6) months following removal of the Douglas fir unless otherwise 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 October 16, 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 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 thirty (30) days in advance of the expiration of the original permit and shall include a statement of justification for the extension. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A: Arborist Report, prepared by Alan Haywood, dated July 29, 2024 Attachment B: ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form, dated June 28, 2024 Attachment C: Tree Photos, dated August 18, 2024 pose a threat to the surrounding environment or structures. 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.