HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement_Final_20241119DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement_Final
PLANNING DIVISION
ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: November 19, 2024
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA24-000331, RVMP
PROJECT NAME: 6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement
PROJECT MANAGER: Ashley Wragge, Assistant Planner
APPLICANT/OWNER: Mark and April Bennett
6717 SE 4th St
Renton, WA 98059
CONTACT: April Bennett
6717 SE 4th St
Renton, WA 98059
PROJECT LOCATION: 6717 SE 4th St, Renton, WA 98059 (APN 2407900230)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to
remove one (1) red maple (acer rubrum) located at 6717 SE 4th St (APN 2407900230). The subject property is within
the Residential-4 (R-4) zone and the East Plateau Community Planning Area and is approximately 3,977 square feet
(0.09 acres).
An arborist report, prepared by Jennings Tree, LLC, dated September 16, 2024 (Attachment A) was submitted with
the application. In the report, the arborist proposes the removal of one (1) significant tree, a red maple (acer
rubrum) that is twelve inches (12”) in diameter at breast height (dbh) and approximately forty-five feet (45’) in
height, due to its hazardous condition. The report describes the tree as infected and having cracks throughout
large branches which poses threats to significant structures. The tree’s critical root zone is also occupied by utilities
and covered with concrete, which has led to lifting of the driveway and threatens the underground utilities. The
tree proposed for removal is the only significant tree on the lot.
CRITICAL AREA: None
GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D.4:
YES, IF
CONDITIONS
OF
APPROVAL
ARE MET
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 3,977 square feet (0.09 acres), is located at 6717 SE 4th
St (APN 2407900230). Based on the property size, three (3) tree credits are required to
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit 6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement LUA24-000331, RVMP
Permit Date: November 19, 2024 Page 2 of 5
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meet the minimum tree density requirement (30 tree credits/acre × 0.09 acres = 2.7
credits).
The Tree Retention and Credit Worksheet (Attachment B) indicates that one (1)
hazardous tree is proposed for removal; it is the only tree on the parcel. This means that
the removal would reduce the property to having no tree credits. Per RMC 4-4-130F.2.b,
trees removed in excess of the maximum amount allowed shall be subject to replacement
requirements.
The applicant proposes to replace one (1) tree credit by planting one (1) medium species
tree and provided justification as to why replacing three (3) tree credits is infeasible
(Attachment C). According to the applicant, replanting the minimum tree credits would
diminish the usability of the property given their desire to have a small play area for
children, a garden, and an unsuitable location in the front yard due to utilities. Per RMC
4-4-130H.1.e.i, the code states that replacement planting may be granted if the strict
application of the code would prevent reasonable use and staff concurs that replanting
three (3) tree credits on the lot would be unreasonable as it would impact the current
limited outdoor space on the property. Since replacement of all tree credits is not feasible,
a fee in lieu may be approved in the amount of money approximating the current market
value of the replacement tree and the labor to install them. The city determines the value
of replacement tree(s) per RMC 4-4-130H.1.f. According to the current fee schedule, a
$225 tree fee in lieu (per diameter inch measured at 4.5 feet above grade) and a $500
labor cost for each two-inch (2”) caliper (or 6-foot tall) tree to be planted would be
applied for credit supplement. Thus, to reach the required three (3) tree credits, the tree
replacement plan would involve planting a two-inch (2”) diameter tree and the tree fee
in lieu cost would be $950 ($225 x 2 + $500 = $950.00 tree fee in lieu of credit
replacement). Therefore, in order to meet compliance with minimum tree density and
tree retention criterion and as a condition of approval, one (1) new medium species tree
(or the equivalent of one (1) tree credit) shall be planted in the front yard 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. In addition, the applicant shall make
a payment into the City’s Urban Forestry Program fund in the amount of $950.00
(equivalent to the 2024 tree fee in lieu replacement cost) within 90 days of the date of
decision.
N/A 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: Not applicable. Per City of Renton (COR) Maps, the property is not
encumbered with critical areas or critical area buffers.
YES 3. Removal of a landmark tree shall meet the review criteria for removal off landmark tree,
pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations.
Staff Comments: According to RMC 4-11-200Y.2, a landmark tree is a tree with a caliper
of twenty-four inches (24") or greater, except for big leaf maples, black cottonwoods, and
red alder trees, which qualify as landmark trees with a caliper of thirty inches (30") or
greater. If it were not certified as high-risk, the tree proposed for removal would be
classified as a significant tree due to its twelve-inch (12") diameter at breast height (dbh).
An RVMP is required for the removal of this tree because removing it would be in excess
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit 6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement LUA24-000331, RVMP
Permit Date: November 19, 2024 Page 3 of 5
D_6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement_Final_EDITED BY MS
of the maximum allowance for the property since it is the only significant tree on the lot.
The proposed removal would be through the lens of tree removal parameters for
landmark trees due to the red maple (acer rubrum) being the only tree on the lot.
According to RMC 4-4-130F.2.c.i, a landmark tree may be removed if it is determined to
be high-risk. In RMC 4-11-200Y.1, a high-risk tree is classified as such if it has a probable
or imminent likelihood of failure; and a medium or high likelihood of impact; and the
consequences of failure for the tree are significant or severe. The tree being proposed for
removal has signs of infection and resinosis and has signs of visible decay from a
noticeable infection and cracks in the branches as seen in the arborist report (Attachment
A). The tree root zone is also limited due to concrete coverage and the trunk also shows
signs of infection. The infection and cracks show the tree is likely to fail. The tree poses
moderate risk to the house due to the proximity in the event of failure and the tree poses
a high risk to the underground utilities since they are in the critical root zone of the tree.
Per RMC 4-4-130F.2.c.ii, a tree may be removed if it is causing obvious damage to
driveways and utilities. Due to the tree root zone being paved over, it is beginning to lift
the driveway and cause minor damage. The tree is also located right over multiple utilities
as seen in the site plan (Attachment D) and photos provided by the ISA Certified Arborist
(Attachment A).
The existing significant tree is in decay, as seen by its infection and cracked branches. It
is likely to fail and cause damage to the house and/or utilities. It is also threatening
damage to the driveway and utilities since they are located right under the roots of the
tree. This leads staff to concur that the tree should be removed due to criteria i and ii in
RMC 4-4-130F.2.c being satisfied.
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 subject tree is not a street frontage tree nor a
parking lot tree. Neither street frontage nor parking landscape is proposed to be
removed.
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 removal would not be removing landscaping
or protected trees required as part of a land development permit.
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 removal would not impact visual screening nor be removing
applicable landscaping. The zoning intensity of all surrounding properties are also single-
family residential in the Residential-4 (R-4) zone so there is no disruption between use
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.
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit 6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement LUA24-000331, RVMP
Permit Date: November 19, 2024 Page 4 of 5
D_6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement_Final_EDITED BY MS
Staff Comments: The removal of the hazardous tree, as recommended by the arborist,
would not create a hazardous condition. Instead, it would mitigate potential damage to
property and remove a diseased tree.
N/A 8. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with the requirement of the
Shoreline Master Program, pursuant to RMC 4-3-090F.1, 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 6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement, LUA24-000331, RVMP is Approved with
Conditions*.
*CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The applicant shall plant one (1) new medium species tree (or the equivalent of one (1) tree credit) in the
front yard within six (6) months of the date of decision. 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.
2. The applicant shall make a payment into the City’s Urban Forestry Program fund in the amount of $950.00
(equivalent to the 2024 tree fee in lieu replacement cost) within 90 days of the date of decision.
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 December 3, 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.
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11/19/2024 | 2:58 PM PST
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit 6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement LUA24-000331, RVMP
Permit Date: November 19, 2024 Page 5 of 5
D_6717 SE 4th St Tree Removal and Replacement_Final_EDITED BY MS
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 Jennings Tree, LLC, dated September 16, 2024
Attachment B: Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet
Attachment C: Tree Replacement Justification
Attachment D: Site Plan for 6717 SE 4th St
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JENNINGS TREE PRESERVATION,LLC
JENNITP806DZ Certified Arborist Report
James L.Jennings
ISA Certified Arborist #PN-8541A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Site Location:
6717 SE 4th St
Renton,WA
Prepared For:
April Bennett
Aprilbennett2008@gmail.com
Date of Inspection:10:00am September 16th 2024
Tools Used:Tape measure,visual
The site location at 6717 SE 4th St is a residential home.The soil is sandy loam
with adequate drainage.Weather conditions at the time of inspection were slightly cloudy
and a cool moderate temperature,with a slight SSW prevailing wind.
Acer rubrum
Description:This is a 45’Red maple (Acer rubrum)with a diameter at breast height
(DBH)of roughly 12 inches.The maple has a 32’crown and is in the front yard on a flat
lot.
Targets:,House and underground utilities
Defect Conditions:Multiple defect conditions present.
Wind Exposure-Fully exposed to wind.
Crown and Branches-The maple has multiple tops,with included bark between the two
main tops at the main stalk.The branch unions also show signs of decay,and there is
Jennings Tree Preservation LLC 1
Attachment A
RECEIVED
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PLANNING DIVISION
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097
evidence of a bacterial infection.
Trunk and Collar-Trunk has a limited root zone.Root zone is covered in concrete on
two sides.There are also multiple utilities,including the main water line in the critical
root zone of the tree.All utilities are underground and could be damaged by the tree
roots.
The main trunk of the tree also has signs of infection and resinosis.
Tree Risk Rating:
High;the utility and water line are all underground in the critical root zone of the tree
Moderate;the house is within a half of the total height of the tree,and is therefore well
within striking distance in the event of whole or partial failure.The likelihood of whole
or partial failure of this tree is probable.It is very likely that the failed tree would strike
this house,causing minor damage to the structure.
Overall risk rating High
Mitigation Options:Removal,with no residual risk.No other mitigation options
available,because it wouldn't change the risk rating.It is recommended that the
homeowner plants two trees of similar species to retain canopy cover.
Please note tree risk increases with time.Do not hesitate to contact me via phone
or email should you have any additional questions or to schedule an appointment for
removal.
James Jennings
ISA Certified Arborist,TRAQ Qualified
Phone:(425)622-5403
Email:jenningstreepreservation@gmail.com
Website:www.jenningstreepreservation.com
Jennings Tree Preservation LLC 2
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site map
Jennings Tree Preservation LLC 3
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uderground utilities and water line in critical root zone
large branch/codominant top,with crack ,leaning towards house
Jennings Tree Preservation LLC 4
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097
Codominant tops with signs of a bacterial infection/decay between stems
pavement over critical root zone.Roots are lifting the driveway
Jennings Tree Preservation LLC 5
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097
Main stem with included bark,sings of decay and bacterial infection
View of tree from the road and proximity to house
Jennings Tree Preservation LLC 6
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097
Sings of bacterial infection and resinosis on main trunk
Jennings Tree Preservation LLC 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097
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CITY OF RENTON Ι 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
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PLANNING DIVISION
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
3900
0
0
0
3900
0.09
3
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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:
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
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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
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
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Tree Replacement Justification
Lot Description:
· Attached a lot description for 6717 SE 4th St, Renton, WA, 98059.
Issue:
The current Red Mape tree was planted by the developer over existing utility service, and the
tree has become unhealthy and is an AT-RISK tree. It needs to be removed before it causes
property damage.
A new tree cannot be planned in the same location for two reasons. First, the location is
over all subdivision power and gas utility lines. Second, because the existing stump cannot
be ground completely due to the danger of hitting a utility line during griding.
The lot is too small to plant large trees, or more than one tree without eliminating usable
yard space for a garden.
Cause:
The City of Renton allowed the builder to build on a lot that was too small to meet the
current city tree requirements of 3 trees per lot.
Proposal:
There is just enough room to plant one small to medium size tree on the west side of the
front yard. The proposed tree would be a dogwood or cherry tree. See the attached lot
description.
There is no suitable location to plant other trees on the property as this would eliminate our
only useful garden area, or would be unacceptably close to property lines.
Attachment C
RECEIVED
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PLANNING DIVISION
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097
Water Drainage
Garage, 2nd Floor
6717 SE 4th St
Driveway
Sidewalk
Yellow = GAS
Blue = WATER
RED = Electric
Gray = Sewer
Green = Cable/Internet
Patio
Kid’s play area
Garden
Current Tree Location
Power
Trans
Water
Main
Sewer
Main
SE 4th
St
GAS
Main
Cable
Fence Line
Trash/Recycle
Flower BedNew
Tree
Water Drainage
Attachment D
RECEIVED
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PLANNING DIVISION
Docusign Envelope ID: 503201DE-16E6-4EA4-A319-40D4A2DF4097