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Home My WebLink AboutRVMP DECISION_Wahlman Tree RemovalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE: January 24, 2018 PROJECT NAME: Wahlman Tree Removal PROJECT NUMBER: LUA17-000858, RVMP PROJECT MANAGER: Angelea Weihs, Associate Planner OWNER/APPLICANT: Evan Wahlman 2533 NE 20th St Renton, WA 98056 PROJECT LOCATION: 2533 NE 20TH ST PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to remove seven Douglas fir trees and one Madrone tree located at 2533 NE 20th ST (PID# 3542300045). The property is located within the Residential-8 (R-8) zone designation, is approximately 13,125 square feet in size, and has an existing single family residence. The site is surrounded by single family residential homes. The applicant is proposing tree removal due to safety concerns. The subject trees proposed for removal range in size from 20 caliper inches to 36 caliper inches (See Exhibit 1). City arborist, Terry Flatley, and Contract Arborist Inspector, Anne Thayer, both inspected the 8 trees and evaluated their condition. Based on the decision criteria below, City staff recommend approving tree removal for trees numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, and staff recommend denying tree removal for trees numbered 5, 6, and 7 as depicted in Exhibit 1. DATE OF EXPIRATION: January 23, 2019 GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA (4-9-195D4): City of Renton Community and Economic Development Department Routine Vegetation Management Permit Wahlman Tree Removal LUA17-000858, RVMP DATE OF PERMIT: January 24, 2018 Page 2 of 4 Yes No N/A a. The lot shall comply with minimum tree density requirements pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations. Comments: A lot size of 13,125 square feet requires a total of 5 trees to meet tree density. The lot has 2 existing ornamental trees in the front yard proposed to be retained. Provided trees numbered 5, 6, and 7 are retained, the proposal will comply with tree density regulations. b. 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. Comments: Not applicable. Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2 is mapped on the project site; however, no other critical areas are mapped on site. c. 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. Comments: Pursuant to Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-11-200 'Definition of Tree', a tree 30 caliper inches or greater is considered a 'Landmark Tree'. Per RMC 4-4-130F.2.d, removal of a landmark tree may be granted for situations where: the tree is determined to be a dangerous tree; or the tree is causing obvious physical damage to structures including but not limited to building foundations, driveways or parking lots, and for which no reasonable alternative to tree removal exists; or removal of tree(s) to provide solar access to buildings incorporating active solar devices; or the Administrator determines the removal is necessary to achieve a specific and articulable purpose or goal of this Title. Both Terry Flatley and Anne Thayer concluded that trees numbered 1 (31 caliper inches), 2 (36 caliper inches), 3 (23 caliper inches), and 8 (20 caliper inches) are in poor condition and potentially hazardous due to reasons that include broken tops, insect infestation, limited space, and extensive dieback (See Exhibit 2). Both Terry Flatley and Anne Thayer recommend removal for these four trees. Trees numbered 1 and 2 meet the definition of a landmark tree. These trees meet the criteria for removal of a landmark tree since they are determined to be potentially dangerous due to declining health. Dangerous trees that are less than 30 caliper inches (trees numbered 3 and 8)are allowed to be removed without a permit per RMC 4-4-130C.2. Both Terry Flatley and Anne Thayer agree that trees numbered 4, 5, 6, and 7 are in fair to good condition. Tree number 6 (36 caliper inches) and 7 (33 caliper inches) are also landmark trees. Based on City Arborist City of Renton Community and Economic Development Department Routine Vegetation Management Permit Wahlman Tree Removal LUA17-000858, RVMP DATE OF PERMIT: January 24, 2018 Page 3 of 4 Yes No N/A evaluation, these trees are not in poor health and the removal of these trees would not comply with the criteria for removal of a landmark tree. Terry Flatley and Anne Thayer do recommend pruning the broken/dead branches within tree number 7, in addition to monitoring the condition of all the remaining trees following tree removal. Both Terry Flatley and Anne Thayer have evaluated the impacts of removing tree 5 (non-landmark tree) on trees 6 (landmark tree) and agree that removal of tree number 5 would cause decline to tree number 6 due to tree proximity, which could potentially result in a hazardous tree. Removal of landmark trees is not permitted as a minor tree removal activity, nor does landmark tree removal due to proximity to other tree removal, meet the criteria for removal of a landmark tree; therefore, staff recommends retaining tree number 5 due to the potential of adverse effects to a landmark tree if removed. d. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved, unless otherwise approved by the Administrator. Comments: Not applicable. e. The land clearing and tree removal shall not remove any landscaping or protected trees required as part of a land development permit. Comments: Two existing ornamental trees will remain in the front yard, consistent with landscaping regulations for single family homes. The proposal does not include removal of any landscaping or protected trees required as part of a land development permit. f. 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. Comments: Not applicable. g. 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. Comments: As stated previously, tree number 5 is in close proximity to tree number 6, which is a landmark tree in fair condition. The proposal does not meet approval criteria for removal of a landmark tree as noted above under criterion c.; therefore, tree number 6 is required to be retained. City Arborists Terry Flatley and Anne Thayer concluded that the removal of tree number 5 has a high possibility of negatively impacting the health and stability of tree number 6. Therefore, removal of tree number 5 could potentially contribute to a hazardous condition CityofRentonCommunityandEconomicDevelopmentDepartmentRoutineVegetationManagementPermitWahlmanTreeRemovalLUAI7-000858,RVMPDATEOFPERMIT:January24,2018Page4of4YesNoN/Athatmayresultfromselectivelyremovingtreesincloseproximitytothelandmarktree.Therefore,staffrecommendsretainingtreesnumbered5and6.DECISIONCRITERIACOMMENTS:DECISION:TheWahlmanTreeRemovalRoutineVegetationManagementPermitisPartiallyApproved.Thispermitapprovesremovalfortreesnumbered1,2,3,4,and8,anddeniesremovalfortreesnumbered5,6,and7asdepictedinExhibit1.DATEOFDECISIONONLANDUSEACTION:SIGNATURE:t04ianun24,2018JenniferHenning,AICP,PlanningDirectorDateDepartmentofCommunity&EconomicDevelopmentAPPEAI.S:AppealsofpermitissuancemustbefiledinwritingwiththeCityofRentonHearingExaminerby5:00p.m.onFebruary7,2018,togetherwiththerequiredfeetotheCityofRentonHearingExaminer,CityofRenton,1055SouthGradyWay,Renton,WA98057.CityofRentonMunicipalCodeSection4-8-110governsappealstotheHearingExaminerandadditionalinformationregardingtheappealprocessmaybeobtainedfromtheRentonCityClerk’sOffice,(425)430-6510.RECONSIDERATION:Within14daysofthedecisiondate,anypartymayrequestthatthedecisionbereopenedbytheapprovalbody.Theapprovalbodymaymodifyhisdecisionifmaterialevidencenotreadilydiscoverablepriortotheoriginaldecisionisfoundorifhefindstherewasmisrepresentationoffact.Afterreviewofthereconsiderationrequest,iftheapprovalbodyfindssufficientevidencetoamendtheoriginaldecision,therewillbenofurtherextensionoftheappealperiod.Anypersonwishingtotakefurtheractionmustfileaformalappealwithinthe14-dayappealtimeframe.EXPIRATION:TheRoutineVegetationManagementPermitshallbevalidforoneyearfromthedateofissuance.AnextensionmaybegrantedbythePlanningDivisionforaperiodofoneyearuponapplicationbythepropertyownerormanager.Applicationforsuchanextensionmustbemadeatleastthirty(30)daysinadvanceoftheexpirationoftheoriginalpermitandshallincludeastatementofjustificationfortheextension. 564 47 2533 NE 20th St This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. Map of 8 tree locations. 12/8/2017 Legend 32016 THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION Feet Notes 32 WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere Information Technology - GIS RentonMapSupport@Rentonwa.gov American Elm American Holly American Hornbeam Autumn Olive Baldcypress Balsam Fir MAP CREATED BY STAFF FOR REFERENCE UNHEALTHY TREE HEALTHY LANDMARK TREE HEALTHY TREE UNDER 30 CALIPER INCHES DF 31" DF 36" DF 36" DF 28" DF 36" DF 28" DF 33" madrone 20" EXHIBIT 1 City of Renton - Community Services Department - Parks Planning & Natural Resources Tree Work Request & Work Order Form Please Complete This Section Only Office Use Only Date of Request:Inspected By Received By: Inspection Date Name of Caller:Completed By Phone Number:Email:Completion Date Location:Inventoried By Reason For Call:Inventory Update Office Use Only Below This Line Tree No.Private Park ROW Species DBH Condition Location Problems Treatment Priority Referral Notes Problem Codes Treatment Codes 1 Broken branches 15 Insects 1 Add mulch 11 Pruning - roots 2 Clearance - street/sidewalk 16 Leaning tree 2 Chemical treatment 12 Pruning - sprouts 3 Clearance - structures 17 Limited planting space 3 Grate widening 13 Pruning - structural 4 Damage by equipment 18 Overhead wires 4 Grind stumped roots 14 Remove stakes/wires 5 Damage by grate 19 Vacant planting space 5 Inspect/monitor 15 Repair damage 6 Damage by storm 20 Street light blocked 6 Repair tree grate/frame 16 Stake tree 7 Damage by vandals 21 Sidewalk/curb heaved-roots 7 Plant tree 17 Tree removal 8 Damage by vehicle 22 Structural problems 8 Pruning - clearance 18 Water tree 9 Deadwood - branches 23 Stump 19 Widen planting space 10 Dead tree 24 Sprouts 10 Pruning - thinning 20 11 Decay/hollows 25 Traffic sign/signal blocked 12 Dieback 26 Topped 1 Immediately 13 Disease 27 Tree staking 2 Within 5 days 14 Girdling roots 28 3 When in area Priority Code 9 Pruning - dead/broken/hanging Comments EXHIBIT 2 From: Terrence J. Flatley Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 2:48 PM To: Angelea Weihs Cc: Anne Thayer Subject: RE: 2533 NE 20th St Hi Angelea, This seems like a reasonable approach that we can agree to. Terry Flatley, Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager Community Services Department – 6th Floor 1055 South Grady Way Renton, WA 98057 425-430-6601 ISA Certified Arborist - Municipal Specialist From: Angelea Weihs Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 1:57 PM To: Terrence J. Flatley <Tflatley@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: FW: 2533 NE 20th St Hey Terry, See my email to Anne below. I forgot to cc you. If you can confirm our verbal discuss just in case Anne can’t get to it today that would be fantastic. Thank you! Angelea Weihs Associate Planner, City of Renton 1055 S. Grady Way Renton, WA 98057 (425) 430-7312 From: Angelea Weihs Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 1:50 PM To: Anne Thayer <AThayer@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: RE: 2533 NE 20th St Hello Anne, EXHIBIT 3 I know that you inspected the site noted below nearly 2 months ago (I revised some of the numbers below because they were later updated by Terry Flatley), however can you confirm our verbal discussion that removal of tree number 5 has potential impacts on tree number 6 due to proximity? I know that both your and Terry did not recommend removal of tree 5 if they intent of the code is to preserve the abutting landmark tree, but I need some written verification in my file. See attached for clarification. Thank you! Angelea Weihs Associate Planner, City of Renton 1055 S. Grady Way Renton, WA 98057 (425) 430-7312 From: Anne Thayer Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 8:54 AM To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov> Cc: Terrence J. Flatley <Tflatley@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: 2533 NE 20th St Hi Angelea, Evan Wahlman contacted the City to review 8 trees on his property that he would like to remove. We inspected 8 trees altogether. 1. Douglas fir, 31” dbh. Tree’s top has broken out. 2. Douglas fir 36” dbh. Tree is in decline due to insects and limited space. The top of the tree has broken out. 3. Douglas fir, 23” dbh. Tree top has broken out. 4. Douglas fir, 28” dbh. Tree is in fair condition. There are broken, dead branches within the tree. 5. Douglas fir, 28” dbh. Tree is in good condition. 6. Douglas fir, 36” dbh. Tree is in fair condition. There is old hardware along the trunk (old power insulators and metal brackets). 7. Douglas fir, 33’ dbh. Tree is in good condition. There are broken, dead branches within the tree. 8. Madrone, 20” dbh, 3 stems. Tree condition is poor. The central stem was previously removed at the fence line. The stem to the west has extensive dieback. Would you contact Evan (206-255-2701) regarding tree removals for his property? Thank you, Anne Thayer Consulting Arborist Inspector 1055 S. Grady Way Renton, WA 98057 425-430-6698 athayer@rentonwa.gov