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Home My WebLink AboutD_Randy Bowen RVMP_v2DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT D_Randy Bowen RVMP_v2 PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION: PROJECT NUMBER: PROJECT NAME: PROJECT MANAGER: APPLICANT/CONTACT: OWNER: PROJECT LOCATION: June 16, 2021 LUA21-000174, RVMP Randy Bowden Tree Removal Jill Ding, Senior Planner Amanda Bliggenstorfer, Devoted Tree Solutions 8716 30th St. Ct. E, Graham, WA 98338 Jonell Bitney and Randy Bowden 805 Newport Ct NE, Renton, WA 98056 805 Newport Ct NE, Renton, WA 98056 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) for the removal of one 42.5” landmark pine tree. The tree roots of the existing pine tree are causing damage to their existing driveway and walkway, which are proposed to be replaced once the tree is removed. CRITICAL AREA: None Mapped EXPIRATION DATE: Not Applicable GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D4: 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: The existing lot is 6,163 sq. ft. in area, and requires a minimum of 2 trees to maintain minimum tree density. A total of 3 significant trees would remain on the property, which would maintain the required minimum tree density. 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, no critical areas are mapped on the project site. No 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Randy Bowden Tree Removal LUA21-000174, RVMP Permit Date: June 16, 2021 Page 2 of 3 D_Randy Bowen RVMP_v2 Regulations. Staff Comments: The requested tree removal does not meet the criteria required for the removal of a landmark tree pursuant to RMC 4-4-130. The existing tree is healthy as identified by the City Arborist (Exhibit 3) and therefore does not meet the definition of a dangerous tree in accordance with RMC 4-11-200. The applicant cites root damage to the existing driveway and walkway as justification for the removal of the pine tree, however the report does not demonstrate that there is not a reasonable alternative to removing the tree, such as a moderate realignment of the driveway. The realignment could include a meander to curve around the basal root flare or humping to bridge over the roots. As the proposal does not meet the criteria for removal of a landmark tree this criterion is not met. No 4.Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved unless otherwise approved by the Administrator. Staff Comments: This request includes the removal of a landmark tree along the project site’s NE 8th St frontage as discussed above the proposed tree removal does not meet the criteria for the removal of a landmark tree; therefore this criterion is not met. No 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 existing landmark tree provides a visual screen between the existing residence and NE 8th St, as discussed above the proposed tree removal does not meet the criteria for the removal of a landmark tree; therefore this criterion is not met. 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 requested tree removal would not contribute to a hazardous situation, however as discussed above the proposed tree removal does not meeting the criteria for the removal of a landmark tree. DECISION: The Randy Bowden Tree Removal, LUA21-000174, RVMP is Denied. SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION: ________________________________________ ____________________________________ Vanessa Dolbee, Planning Director Date DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 6/16/2021 | 10:39 AM PDT City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit Randy Bowden Tree Removal LUA21-000174, RVMP Permit Date: June 16, 2021 Page 3 of 3 D_Randy Bowen RVMP_v2 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 June 30, 2021. An appeal of the decision must be filed within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Due to Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 (“Stay Home, Stay Healthy”), the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date. 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. If the situation changes such that the City Clerk’s Office is open when you file your appeal, you have the option of filing the appeal in person. 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: Arborist Report, Arborist Comments DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Arborist Report Location: 805 Newport Ct NE, Renton 98056 Parcel #: 0424500090 Lot Area: 6,163 Sq Ft Re: Removal of 1 Landmark Tree: Pine Project Arborist: Brad Case, ISA Certified Arborist #PN-7332A Cell (253) 850-7677 | Email brad@devotedgroup.com Assignment and Scope of Report This report outlines the site inspection completed by Brad Case of Devoted Tree Solutions during April 2021. Below is a full arborist report to document my findings and management recommendations. Randy Bowden, owner of the property, requested these services to assist with permitting. Observations and Discussion The Site and History According the King County iMap there are no critical areas on this site. The site is zoned as R-4 and is required to maintain a minimum density of two trees per 5,000 square feet. Using the formula provided on RentonGov.Wa ((LotArea/5,000sq.ft.)x2)), this property is to maintain a minimum density of 2 Significant Trees. After removal of the Landmark Pine, this lot will have three (3) significant trees: 14” DBH Cherry, 16” DBH Cherry, and 24” Quince. In additional to the replanting plan, this site meets the minimum density required for this property. The Tree(s) I examined Pine, which is measured at 42.5” DBH. This classifies as a Landmark tree. DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 This Pine is currently causing damage to the walkway and driveway. The owner would like to remove this pine and replace it with a smaller, more appropriately sized tree for the lot. After tree removal, the owner plans to replace the walkway and driveway. Replanting Plan The overall lot size of this property is very small. I recommend a replanting of 1 Excelsa Cedars (Thuja Plicata Excelsa). The existing trees on property (Cherry (2 qty) and Quince), along with the replanting plan, will maintain the minimum density required on the property. Tree Removal Inventory Tree Species Height / DBH Health Notes 1 Pine 80’ Height / 42.5” DBH Damage to surrounding areas. Tree roots are causing damage to walkway and driveway. Owner wants to replace walkway and driveway once tree is removed. DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Site Map DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Photographs Photo 1: Looking from front of property. Roots are lifting driveway. Owner wants to repair/replace damage. Tree will be replaced. Roots lifting driveway DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Photo 2: Looking from driveway. Roots lifting driveway DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Photo 3: Close up of driveway. Roots causing damage. Owner wants to repair/replace damage. DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 8716 304th Ave Ct E Graham, WA 98338 Photo 4: Driveway damage. Lifting of driveway. DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 From: Ian Gray Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 10:58 AM To: Jill Ding Subject: RE: 805 Newport Ct NE RVMP Land Mark Tree Removal Hi Jill, I’m inclined to keep the tree regardless, but If you want to go another direction and give them a second chance to argue their case that’s up to you. A better report would still be unlikely to change my mind. On the basis of the information provided I would reject the request. The report does not speak to any hazards, the presence of which would be a requisite minimum starting point for a solid argument to remove a landmark sized tree. The tree is healthy, despite some structural flaws, and they can work around it if all they are concerned about is replacing the driveway. Best, Ian Gray Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Manager Phone: 425-430-6601 Email: IGray@RentonWA.gov From: Jill Ding <JDing@Rentonwa.gov> Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 10:36 AM To: Ian Gray <IGray@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: RE: 805 Newport Ct NE RVMP Land Mark Tree Removal Hi Ian, Just to clarify, it sounds like you would like more information before a formal decision can be issued, correct? Thanks, Jill From: Ian Gray <IGray@Rentonwa.gov> Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 11:29 AM To: Jill Ding <JDing@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: RE: 805 Newport Ct NE RVMP Land Mark Tree Removal Hi Jill, DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 I have had a look at the tree and the report and after some deliberation I recommend rejecting the request. There are a number of issues, not the least of which is that the tree is landmark size and as such gets extra consideration for retention in the landscape, if merited. The first problem with the report is that it doesn’t address any hazards – this is perhaps the most important consideration for removing a larger tree. Not only is there no discussion of structural defects but there is no assessment of the likelihood of failure and the resulting risk level. This is a required part the arborist report for consideration of the removal request. The second problem is that the report does not offer mitigation option to reduce damage to a possible replacement driveway, such as moderate realignment, meandering to curve around the basal root flare or humping to bridge over the roots. Furthermore, the report fails to acknowledge the age of the concrete of the existing driveway – the deterioration of the cement is pronounced, contributing to the problem. Because the report does not address structural issues with the tree, mitigation options are not even discussed. Cabling and bracing would greatly extend the lifespan of the tree and substantially reduce the likelihood of failure of the codominant stems. Feel free to call if you have further questions. Best, Ian Gray Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Manager Phone: 425-430-6601 Email: IGray@RentonWA.gov From: Jill Ding <JDing@Rentonwa.gov> Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 8:17 AM To: Ian Gray <IGray@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: 805 Newport Ct NE RVMP Land Mark Tree Removal Hi Ian, Could you take a look at this request and let me know if you concur with the proposed removal of this landmark tree? Thanks! DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4 Jill Ding Senior Planner City of Renton Community and Economic Development 6th floor 1055 S Grady Way Renton, WA 98057 425-430-6598 jding@rentonwa.gov COVID-19 UPDATE City Hall is currently closed to the public but we are still available to assist you. · Pay Invoice and Apply for Over-the-Counter Permit: Permitting Portal · Schedule an Inspection: Permitting Portal -OR- Building: 425-430-7202; Civil/Site: 425-430-7203 · Contact Staff: o Building or General Permitting: permittech@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-7200 o Planning: planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-7294 o Public Works Permitting: pwpermitting@rentonwa.gov or 206-402-8626 o Code Compliance: Renton Responds or 425-430-7373. DocuSign Envelope ID: BA793BBE-EDA9-4FDD-B629-ED527C36B5B4