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Home My WebLink AboutD_2000 Lake Washington Blvd RVMP_210723_v2DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT D_2000 Lake Washington Blvd RVMP_210723_v2 PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION: August 2, 2021 PROJECT NUMBER: LUA21-000232, RVMP PROJECT NAME: 2000 Lake Washington Apartments Tree Removal PROJECT MANAGER: Brittany Gillia, Assistant Planner APPLICANT/CONTACT: Amanda Pole, A Plus Tree 3490 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 OWNER: REEP-SP Marina Land LLC 1300 N 20th St, Renton, WA 98056 OWNER: Patricia Abbey 22015 98th Pl W, Edmonds, WA 98020 PROJECT LOCATION: 1300 N 20th St and APN 3344500290 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting approval of a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to allow the removal of one (1) significant tree on the project site that exceeds the threshold of Minor Tree Removal Activities related to the maximum number of significant trees allowed to be removed in any five (5) year period. The property is located at 1300 N 20th St (APN 3344500315) and is approximately 400,533 sq. ft. in size. The property is located within the Residential Multi-Family (RM-F) zone and has a Comprehensive Land Use designation of Residential High Density (RHD). The applicant is proposing to remove two trees as part of this project. The first tree proposed for removal is a dangerous tree, a half dead multistem (19” and 17”) diameter at breasat height (DBH) Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra) located on the north border of the property that is located within several critical areas. The removal of this dangerous tree has been evaluated in a Critical Areas Exemption File No. LUA21-000231 (Exhibit 2). The second tree is a significant tree, an 8.5” DBH purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasiferea) located near an apartment home, sidewalk, carport, and parking spaces that are within the dripline of the tree. There is a third tree mentioned in the arborist report, a 16” DBH red maple, that has been identified as a City-owned street tree and has been removed from the project scope. A significant tree is defined as a tree with a caliper of at least six inches (6"), DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit 2000 Lake Washington Apartments Tree Removal LUA21-000232, RVMP Permit Date: August 2, 2021 Page 2 of 4 D_2000 Lake Washington Blvd RVMP_210723_v2 or an alder or cottonwood tree with a caliper of at least eight inches (8") (RMC 4-11-200). According to the Arborist Report (Exhibit 3), the purple leaf plum has sap rot and a large Ganoderma fruiting body at the base of the trunk and is recommended for removal. The tree has signs of previous failures and if retained the tree is expected to either suffer whole-tree failure, trunk failure, and/or other individual tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large diameter branches are found within the canopy, and if the tree parts were to fail and contact a pedestrian or vehicle/driver, mild to severe consequences would be expected. CRITICAL AREA: Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2 (Wellfield WELL 5A), High Erosion Hazard, Regulated Slopes (>90%), Moderate Landslide Hazard EXPIRATION DATE: August 2, 2022 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: According to aerial photography, the north and east edges of the property are forested and the site appears to meet or exceed the minimum tree density of four (4) significant trees for every five thousand (5,000) sq ft. 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: See Exhibit 2. 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: None of the trees proposed for removal qualify as landmark trees. YES 4. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved unless otherwise approved by the Administrator. Staff Comments: One of the trees proposed for removal is located adjacent to a parking lot. Staff recommends as a condition of approval that a replacement tree shall be planted in place of the purple leaf plum that is being removed from the south parking lot. YES 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: There are no protected trees located on the project site. YES 6. The land clearing and tree removal shall maintain visual screening and buffering between land uses of differing intensity, consistent with applicable landscaping DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit 2000 Lake Washington Apartments Tree Removal LUA21-000232, RVMP Permit Date: August 2, 2021 Page 3 of 4 D_2000 Lake Washington Blvd RVMP_210723_v2 and setback provisions. Staff Comments: The proposed tree removal will not reduce visual screening or buffering between adjacent properties. 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 purple leaf plum tree is located between an apartment building and a carport for the parking lot. This tree is isolated from other trees and removal will not contibute to a hazardous condition. DECISION: The 2000 Lake Washington Apartments Tree Removal, LUA21-000232, RVMP is Approved with Conditions* and subject to the following conditions: *CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1. The applicant shall plant a two-inch (2”) DBH replacement tree suitable for parking lot landscaping in the same parking lot area that the purple leaf plum tree is being removed. 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 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 August 16, 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 8/2/2021 | 12:53 PM PDT City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit 2000 Lake Washington Apartments Tree Removal LUA21-000232, RVMP Permit Date: August 2, 2021 Page 4 of 4 D_2000 Lake Washington Blvd RVMP_210723_v2 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: Arborist Report and Site Plan cc: REEP-SP Marina Land LLC; Patricia Abbey DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 1 ARBORIST REPORT for - 2000 Lake Washington Apartments - Security Properties Parcel: 3344500315 1300 N 20th St, Renton, WA 98056 Friday, January 29th, 2021 (Site map on ﬁnal page of report) By Izzy Nosan | ISA Certiﬁed Arborist WE-11653A | izzy@aplustree.com 3490 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 | (206) 550-6679 | www.aplustree.com Attachment A DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 2 Background Information A Plus Tree, Inc. was contacted by 2000 Lake Washington apartments requesting a tree risk assessment of all trees on site. The assessment was regarding the present conditions, tree integrity, and future expectations of the trees. The trees were assessed with speciﬁc focus on the trees’ potential risk to the property, residents, and visitors. The trees included on this report were viewed as being high risk, given nearby targets and occupancy rates, and have been recommended for removal. The recommended removals are all within close proximity to critical targets such as the main entrance/road to the community, apartment homes, recreational area, and sidewalks. Assignment (and any limiting factors) A Plus was requested to assess the trees at 2000 Lake Washington Apartments and provide a report regarding recommendations for safety concerns and potential impact to the property, and to distinguish which, if any, trees posed a risk. 2000 Lake Washington management intends to reduce the risk of any tree failures and/or structural damage on site by acquiring arborist services for mitigation of high risk trees. This report discuses the assessment of each individual high risk tree encountered on site and being recommended for removal. If the City of Renton requires replacement trees to be planted, 2000 Lake Washington management intends to replant according to tree replacement regulations. No limiting factors were encountered during assessment. Report continues on following page DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 3 Observations 1)1 16” DBH red maple (Acer rubrum) •A Plus Tree ID# 1000430416 a.This tree is in decline with dieback in the upper canopy. The tree has signiﬁcant signs of basal decay with a fruiting body present at the base.The tree was originally planted in a poor manner and has since developed large girdling roots within the piled up soil around its base. The roadway and sidewalk are within the drip line of the tree. b.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole-tree failure, and/or other individual tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter tree pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact a pedestrian or vehicle, mild to severe consequences would be expected. c.This tree is being recommended for removal in order to minimize residual risk. 2)1 multistem (19” and 17”) DBH Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra) •A Plus Tree ID# 1001099785 a.This codominant tree is half dead. This tree has a species characteristic of having weak limbs/wood strength and very susceptible to failures. They are also rated as having very high root damage potential. Lombardy poplars are relatively fast- growing and short lived, growing very large, very fast. They are also very prone to stem canker diseases. An apartment home is within the drip line of the tree, and a recreational area within 1 X Height of the tree. b.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole-tree failure, trunk failure, and/or other individual tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large- diameter branches are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact the apartment home or recreational area-user, signiﬁcant to severe consequences would be expected. c.This tree is being recommended for removal in order to minimize residual risk. 3)1 8.5” DBH purple-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera) •A Plus Tree ID# 997701 a.This tree has sap rot and a large ganoderma fruiting body at the base of the trunk. An apartment home, sidewalk, carport, and parking spaces are within the drip line of the tree. b.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole-tree failure, trunk failure, and/or other individual tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large- diameter branches are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact a pedestrian or vehicle/ driver, mild to severe consequences would be expected. c.This tree is being recommended for removal in order to minimize residual risk. Report continues on following page DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 4 Testing and Analysis No soil assessment or advanced testing procedures were conducted. Discussion Upon inspection of the site, the 1 red maple, 1 Lombardy poplar, and 1 purple- leaf plum discussed in this report were viewed as high risk and likely to fail under normal conditions or a heavy loading event. Given the associated targets, occupancy rates, and signiﬁcant/severe consequences upon failure, the trees presented on this report were ranked as being high-risk to the 2000 Lake Washington apartment community and visitors. Given the very poor conditions and high-risk of the trees, they have exhausted their usefulness as landscape trees and have become liabilities; expected to fail towards critical target areas with occasional to constant occupancy. Future failures are expected to occur in a heavy-loading event, or under normal conditions, if these trees are retained as-is. Given that the associated targets are either within the dripline of the trees or within 1.5X the dripline, they are expected to cause future property or personal damage if retained. 2000 Lake Washington management intends to plant replacement trees if deemed necessary by the City of Renton. Recommendations Following the site visit to 2000 Lake Washington apartments, and the assessment of the trees included on this report, the following is recommended: •The 4 trees on this report should be removed to the ground, and stumps ground where accessible. •If required, replacement trees should be planted in a species-appropriate location with adequate access to essential resources. It is being recommended that Alaskan cedars (Cupressus nootkatensis) are utilized as replacement species. Other acceptable species would be: Paciﬁc dogwood, Japanese stewartia, Japanese maple, Persian ironwood. Alternative mitigation options were considered, but removal was deemed the preferred recommendation out of practicality and to minimize residual risk. PHOTOS ON FOLLOWING PAGES DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 5 Attachments: Photo 1a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: Declining red maple with signs of basal decay and girdling roots. Located near street, sidewalk, and main entrance to property. DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 6 Photo 1b: DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 7 Photo 1c: DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 8 Photo 2a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001099785 Codominant Lombardy poplar with 1 large dead leader. Overhanging apartment home. DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 9 Photo 2b: DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 10 Photo 3a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 997701 Purple leaf plum with sap rot and ganoderma. Sidewalk, carport, parking, apartment in drip zone. DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 11 Photo 3b: DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 12 Photo 3c: DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278 13 Site Map DocuSign Envelope ID: 8B6DCAF9-540A-44AD-A94D-F66371D9B278