HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Summit Park Townhomes CAE_v1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Summit Park Townhomes CAE_v1
PLANNING DIVISION
CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION
FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: July 12, 2021
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA21-000253, CAE
PROJECT NAME: Summit Park Townhomes Tree Removal
PROJECT MANAGER: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
APPLICANT/CONTACT: Jennifer Corp, Bell-Anderson & Associates
jcorp@bell-anderson.net
PROJECT LOCATION: Native Growth Protection Area (parcel no. 808335UINT)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Critical Areas Exemption for the removal of 8 trees
that have been identified as dead or dangerous within the Native Growth Protection Area (NGPA) adjacent to the
Summit Park Townhomes. An Arborist Report, prepared by Davey Resource Group, dated April 2021 was
submitted with the proposed application. According to the submitted report, of the 8 trees proposed for
removal, 4 are Red alders and the other 4 are big leaf maple trees. Two of the trees are dead, one is in fair
condition and five are dying. All trees are very close to adjacent fences, yards, houses and structures, having a
high probability of failing and striking these objects or injuring people. The City’s Arborist reviewed the
submitted report and concurred that trees requested for removal are indeed dead or dangerous and that the
trees should removed, provided they are cut to an appropriate height for wildlife snags and all tree debris is left
on site. In addition, site disturbance shall be limited to the minimum necessary to remove the dangerous trees.
CRITICAL AREA: Wetland and assoicated buffer
EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATION: RMC 4-3-050C.3.c.iii: Removal of Dangerous Trees: Limited to cutting of dangerous
trees; such hazardous trees shall be retained as large woody debris in critical areas and/or associated buffers,
where feasible.
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Summit Park Townhomes Tree Removal LUA21-000253, CAE
Permit Date: July 12, 2021 Page 2 of 3
D_Summit Park Townhomes CAE_v1
FINDINGS: The proposed development is consistent with the following findings pursuant to RMC section
4-3-050C.2.d:
i.The activity is not prohibited by this or any other provision of the Renton Municipal
Code or State or Federal law or regulation;
ii.The activity will be conducted using best management practices as specified by
industry standards or applicable Federal agencies or scientific principles;
iii.Impacts are minimized and, where applicable, disturbed areas are immediately
restored;
iv.Where water body or buffer disturbance has occurred in accordance with an
exemption during construction or other activities, revegetation with native vegetation
shall be required;
v.If a hazardous material, activity, and/or facility that is exempt pursuant to this Section
has a significant or substantial potential to degrade groundwater quality, then the
Administrator may require compliance with the Wellhead Protection Area
requirements of this Section otherwise relevant to that hazardous material, activity,
and/or facility. Such determinations will be based upon site and/or chemical-specific
data.
DECISION: An exemption from the Critical Areas Regulations is hereby Approved with Conditions*
and subject to the following conditions:
*CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The trees approved for removal shall be cut to wildlife snags and all tree debris shall be left on site within the
NGPA tract. Site disturbance shall be limited to the minimum necessary to remove the dangerous trees.
SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION:
________________________________________ ____________________________________
Vanessa Dolbee, 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 to 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.
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7/12/2021 | 11:37 AM PDT
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Summit Park Townhomes Tree Removal LUA21-000253, CAE
Permit Date: July 12, 2021 Page 3 of 3
D_Summit Park Townhomes CAE_v1
APPEALS: This administrative land use decision will become final if not appealed in writing to the Hearing Examiner
on or before 5:00 PM on July 26, 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 the ongoing state of emergency enacted by Governor’s
Proclamation 20-05, the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted
electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub only on
Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. 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. 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: Arborist Report
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Tree Risk Assessment Report
Renton Condominium Association
Prepared
For:
Bell-Anderson & Associates
℅ Jennifer Corp
General Manager
Kent, WA 98064
253.852.8195 ext. 205
jcorop@bell-anderson.net
Prepared
By:
Davey Resource Group Inc.
18809 10th Ave NE
Shoreline, WA, 98155
Contact: Todd Beals
todd.beals@davey.com
Local Office: 253.656.1650
Corporate Office: 800.966.2021
Notice of Disclaimer
Assessment data provided by Davey Resource Group is based on visual recording at the time of inspection.Visual records do not
include testing or analysis and do not include aerial or subterranean inspection unless indicated. Davey Resource Group is not
responsible for discovery or identification of hidden or otherwise non-observable risks. Records may not remain accurate after
inspection due to variable deterioration of surveyed material. Risk ratings are based on observable defects and mitigation
recommendations do not reduce potential liability to the owner. Davey Resource Group provides no warranty with respect to the
fitness of the trees for any use or purpose whatsoever.
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Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Methods 3
Limits of the Assignment 4
Risk Assessment Methodology 5
Tree Risk Assessments 7
Tree #3695 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)7
Risk Categorization 7
Mitigation Options 7
Tree #3696 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)8
Risk Categorization 8
Mitigation Options 8
Tree #3697 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)9
Risk Categorization 9
Mitigation Options 9
Tree #3698 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)10
Risk Categorization 10
Mitigation Options 10
Tree #3699 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)11
Risk Categorization 11
Mitigation Options 11
Tree #3700 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)12
Risk Categorization 12
Mitigation Options 12
Tree #3701 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)13
Risk Categorization 13
Mitigation Options 13
Tree #3702 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)14
Risk Categorization 14
Mitigation Options 14
Concluding Remarks 15
Appendix A: Maps 16
Appendix B: Risk Rating & Likelihood 17
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Introduction
Davey Resource Group Inc. (DRG) was contracted to perform a Level 2 Tree Risk Assessment on eight
(8) trees to the east of South 51st Court in Renton Washington. The trees were growing on the western
edge of a Native Growth Protection Area (NGPA),Parcel Identification Number 808335TRCT. On April
1, 2021 an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist (NE-6913A) and Qualified Tree
Risk Assessor from DRG conducted an assessment of the trees.
The trees were assessed by their location, size, current condition, and overall health. The data was then
used to determine a risk rating. The current edition of the Tree Risk Assessment Manual (ISA, 2013) was
used to guide the risk rating of the trees as well as the potential strategies for care and risk abatement.
There are many factors that can limit specific and accurate data when performing evaluations of trees,
their conditions, and values. The determinations and recommendations presented here are based on
current data and conditions that existed at the time of the evaluation and cannot be a predictor of the
ultimate outcomes for the trees.
The purpose of this report is to provide the details of the risk assessment of the tree, including an
assessment of the current condition, health, and recommendations for maintenance. The findings in this
report can be used to make decisions on whether the trees may need to be removed, or can be retained
with restorative pruning and plant health care.
Methods
Data was collected by an ISA Certified Arborist (Todd Beals - NE-6913A) on April 1, 2021. A visual
inspection was used to develop the findings, conclusions,and recommendations found in this report. No
physical inspection of the upper canopy, root crown excavation, resistograph or other technologies were
used in the evaluation of the trees.
The following attributes were collected for each site:
Condition:Condition ratings were based on but not limited to:(1) the condition and environment of the
tree’s root crown; (2) the condition of the trunk,including decay, injury, callusing or presence of fungus
sporophore; (3) the condition of the limbs, including strength of crotches, amount of dead wood, hollow
areas, and whether there was excessive weight borne by them; (4) the condition and growth rate history
of the twigs, including pest damage and diseases;(5) the leaf appearance, including abnormal size and
density as well as pest and disease damage. Using an average of the above factors together with the
arborist’s best judgment, the general condition of each tree was recorded in one of the following
categories adapted from the rating system established by the International Society of Arboriculture:
●Good:A fully branched and leafed canopy; branches over 2 inches in diameter exhibit little to no
dieback; little to no epicormic growth (i.e., sprouting from the trunk, limbs, or roots); and little to no
aesthetic damage from insects or disease. The tree displays a growth habit characteristic of the
species. The wood has no major structural problems and no significant mechanical damage. The
tree exhibits good overall vigor.
●Fair:The canopy is thinning and there is less than average new growth present; or there is
noticeable dead wood over 2” diameter or dieback throughout the majority of the crown; or there
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is significant mechanical damage to the trunk or root system; or the tree is otherwise exhibiting
significant signs of stress and potential decline.The following signs or symptoms may be present
in the tree: significant damage from non-fatal or disfiguring diseases, minor crown imbalance or
thin crown, and/or stunted growth compared to adjacent trees. This condition also includes trees
that have been topped but show reasonable vitality and no obvious signs of decay.
●Poor: The tree is in obvious decline or poses significant risk which requires immediate mitigation.
There are significant amounts of dieback or dead/dying limbs greater than 2” diameter; there is
minimal to no growth; or there is extensive decay to the trunk or root system, raising concerns of
structural integrity. A tree in this category may also have severe mechanical damage or poor vigor
threatening its ability to thrive.
●Critical: The tree is dying and/or presents an unacceptable risk which necessitates immediate
removal.
●Dead
Tree Number:Tree ID number was assigned and a numbered aluminum tag affixed to the tree.
Stems:The number of stems was recorded.
Location and Unique ID: An X and Y coordinate was generated for each tree site.
Species: Trees were identified by genus and species,cultivar if evident, and by common name.
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): Trunk diameter was recorded to the nearest inch at 4.5 feet (standard
height) above grade except where noted. When limbs or deformities occurred at standard height,
measurement was taken below 4.5 ft. The DBH of multi-trunk trees was recorded for each stem
Height:Tree Height estimated to the nearest <5ft.
Avg. Canopy Radius:Average dripline distance was measured.
Limits of the Assignment
There are many factors that can limit specific and accurate data when performing evaluations of trees,
their conditions, and values. The determinations and recommendations presented here are based on
current data and conditions that existed at the time of the evaluation and cannot be a predictor of the
ultimate outcomes for the trees. A visual inspection was used to develop the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations found in this report. Values were assigned to grade the attributes of the trees, including
structure and canopy health, and to obtain an overall condition rating. No physical inspection of the upper
canopy, root crown excavation, and resistograph or other technologies were used in the evaluation of the
trees.
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Risk Assessment Methodology
This evaluation follows the tree risk assessment methods developed by the International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA). It consists of an inspection of the visible tree parts including surface roots,trunk,
scaffold limbs, and canopy. The hazard and risk assessment results in a risk rating for the tree to help
quantify the level of risk accepted by the tree’s owner. To summarize the information about the trees that
received a hazard evaluation, an overall hazard rating is obtained by assessing and assigning a value to
the failure potential, identifying the size of the tree part most likely to fail (e.g., branch, one stem, or whole
tree) and determining site use around the affected tree. Each of these three characteristics is assessed
as follows:
Condition of Concern – Describes the part most likely to fail. The larger the tree part, the greater the
potential for damage; therefore, the size of the failure part affects the overall hazard potential, and is
described according to:
●Part Size - Typically the diameter of the limb or tree part
●Fall Distance - The distance of the part from the ground
●Target - The presence of any target(s) that could be impacted by failure
Likelihood of Failure – Identifies the most likely point of failure and rates the likelihood that the observed
defect(s) will result in part failure within the next 3 years.Failure potential is rated as:
●Improbable (defects are minor and unlikely to result in failure)
●Possible (defects are present and of concern)
●Probable (compounding and/or significant defects present)
●Imminent (defects are serious and imminent failure is likely)
Likelihood of Impact – Identifies the most likely point of failure and rates the likelihood that the structural
defect(s) will impact the potential targets. Likelihood of impact is rated as:
●Very Low (Occasional use, as in a forest landscape)
●Low (e.g., tree lawn, sidewalk, park path)
●Medium (buildings or people within striking range more than 50% of the time)
●High (Constant and frequent use of the area within striking distance)
Consequences of Failure – Rates the level of damage caused by the defective part in the event of
failure. The consequences of failure are rated as:
●Negligible (typically small branches <1” diameter,unlikely to cause damage)
●Minor (branches 1-2” diameter, may cause damage)
●Significant (damage would occur)
●Severe (failure would result in major damage)
Overall Risk Rating - The values assigned to condition,likelihood and consequences are summarized
into an overall risk rating of Low to Extreme for each tree:
●Low (risk is present, mitigation measures may not be required)
●Moderate (mitigation advised within normal maintenance cycle)
●High (mitigation advised within the year)
●Extreme (mitigation necessary as soon as practical)
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In addition to a risk rating, the trees were also prescribed maintenance recommendations based on
general tree health and visual observations. A high-risk rating alone does not necessarily result in a
removal recommendation. Conversely, trees with a lower rating may be prescribed for removal based on
other factors such as location and species compatibility and/or the severity of specific defects. Whenever
recommended tree maintenance would mitigate risk,the residual risk was also noted.
A visual inspection and mallet soundings from groundline to 8 feet on the trunk were the primary methods
used to develop the findings, conclusions, and recommendations found in this report. Data collection
included measuring the diameter of the tree at 4.5 feet above grade, height estimation, canopy radius
estimation, a visual assessment of tree condition,structure and health, and a photographic record.Mallet
sounding was used to determine the soundness of accessible roots, trunk and branches. Qualitative value
assessments grade the attributes of the tree, including structure and canopy health, and to obtain an
overall condition rating. No physical inspection of the upper canopy, root crown excavation, and
resistograph or other technologies were used in the evaluation of the tree.
Example Illustration: Tree defects and conditions affecting the likelihood of failure were assessed
around the Root Collar, the Trunk and the Crown
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Tree Risk Assessments
Tree #3695 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
12 60 10 Dead
Crown and Branches - Dead
Trunk - Located 35ft away and uphill of the nearby
home.
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is imminent with a
medium risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is likely and the consequences of impact
are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
HIGH
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag.
Residual Risk:
NONE
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Tree #3696 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
20 65 15 Fair
Crown and Branches - The canopy is one-sided
towards the east and the nearby homes. There is
minimal growth on the west side of the tree. There
was <5% small diameter deadwood throughout
the canopy. There was no foliage due to seasonal
senescence.
Trunk - Located 45ft away and uphill of the nearby
home. The trunk was leaning >30 degrees to the
east and the nearby home. The is likely due to
phototropism and not a structural defect in the
trunk.
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects. The
soil in the area is seasonally saturated.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is possible with a
high risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is somewhat likely and the consequences
of impact are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
MODERATE
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag.
Residual Risk:
LOW
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Tree #3697 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
10,11 55 20 Dying
Crown and Branches - The canopy of one stem
was dead. There was no foliage due to seasonal
senescence.
Trunk - Located 30ft away and uphill of the nearby
home. There were two stems joined near the base
where a bark inclusion was present. One stem
was dead.
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects. The
soil in the area is seasonally saturated.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is imminent with a
medium risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is likely and the consequences of impact
are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
HIGH
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag. Removing only
the dead stem would likely lead to basal decay in
the remaining stem from the large would.
Residual Risk:
NONE
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Tree #3698 - Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
10,4 60 10 Dead
Crown and Branches - Dead
Trunk - Located 35ft away and uphill of the nearby
home.
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is imminent with a
medium risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is likely and the consequences of impact
are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
HIGH
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag.
Residual Risk:
NONE
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Tree #3699 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
12 60 10 Dying
Crown and Branches - There were 4 large (>4”
diameter) dead branches in the upper canopy and
similarly sized hanging branches. The east side of
the tree is exposed to wind and there were dead
branches in the understory trees ~15ft away.
Trunk - Located 60ft away and uphill of the nearby
home. There were areas of necrotic flaking bark
on the lower trunk.
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is imminent with a
medium risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is likely and the consequences of impact
are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
HIGH
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag.
Residual Risk:
NONE
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Tree #3700 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
9.4 60 25 Dying
Crown and Branches - The canopy was mostly
dead and there was only one main branch. The
east side of the tree is exposed to wind and there
were dead branches in the understory trees ~15ft
away.
Trunk - Located 60ft away and uphill of the nearby
home. There were large cracks in each stem
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is imminent with a
medium risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is likely and the consequences of impact
are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
HIGH
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag.
Residual Risk:
NONE
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Tree #3701 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
10 60 25 Dying
Crown and Branches - There were multiple large
(>4” diameter) dead branches in the upper canopy
and similarly sized hanging branches. The east
side of the tree is exposed to wind and there were
dead branches in the understory trees ~15ft away.
Trunk - Located 60ft away and uphill of the nearby
home. There were areas of necrotic flaking bark
on the lower trunk.
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is imminent with a
medium risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is likely and the consequences of impact
are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
HIGH
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag.
Residual Risk:
NONE
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Tree #3702 - Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
DBH (in)Height (ft)Avg. Canopy Diameter (ft)Condition
26 90 25 Dying
Crown and Branches - Dead branches made up a
majority of the canopy. The east side of the tree is
exposed to wind and there were dead branches in
the understory trees ~15ft away.
Trunk - Located 70ft away and uphill of the nearby
home. There were areas of necrotic flaking bark
on the lower trunk. There were small nesting holes
visible along the trunk. The tree split into
codominant stems at 15ft above ground level.
Roots and Root Collar - No visible defects.
Risk Categorization
The likelihood of stem failure is imminent with a
medium risk of impacting the nearby home. This
event is likely and the consequences of impact
are significant.
Overall Tree Risk Rating:
HIGH
Mitigation Options
Tree removal is recommended or topping at a safe
height to leave as a habitat snag.
Residual Risk:
NONE
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Concluding Remarks
The trees were growing in a seasonally saturated area uphill from the homes. All of the inspected trees
were within striking distance of the homes to the west if whole tree failure was to occur. Weak soil
attachment due to seasonal saturation can increase the likelihood of tree failure especially in trees that
are leaning or have one-sided canopies, which is a typical characteristic of trees growing on the
wildland-urban interface. There were trees in the area that had failed at the root plate.
Trees to be removed at the project site may be reduced to a safe height and left as habitat snags for
wildlife food, nesting, or shelter. Standing or downed deadwood plays an important role in the landscape.
Tree removals at the site present an opportunity for designers to promote and increase wildlife activity
and diversity at the site. The arborist performing the removals will be consulted to decide the potential for
and height of a habitat snag designation on a tree by tree basis. In some cases, guy wires may be
attached to the tree and anchored in the ground to create a safe snag out of a taller tree. All pruned tree
parts should remain at the site to biodegrade naturally which can promote beneficial decay organisms
Image 1. An example image of habitat snag life stages and wildlife potential.
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Appendix A: Maps
Map 1. Site map showing tree id number. Aerial photos are only used for reference. Map
projections can distort tree canopy size and locations.
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Appendix B: Risk Rating & Likelihood
The technique used to define the risk of failure and the likelihood of failure involves a determination within
two matrices. These matrices are reproduced here from the International Society of Arboriculture
datasheets for Tree Risk Assessment, 2013.Appendix 1 Using the ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment
Form
Matrix I. Likelihood Matrix
Likelihood Of
Failure
Likelihood of Impacting Target
Very Low Low Medium High
Imminent Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely
Probable Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely
Possible Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely
Improbable Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely
Matrix II. Risk Rating Matrix
Likelihood Of
Failure & Impact
Consequences of Failure
Negligible Minor Significant Severe
Very likely Low Moderate High Extreme
Likely Low Moderate High High
Somewhat likely Low Low Moderate Moderate
Unlikely Low Low Low Low
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