1.19.18 - Tree Rem.Response Letter.pdft; RAVE FABLING
CITY OF EDMONDS
f MAYOR
121 5r" AVENUE NORTH • EDMONDS, WA 9BO20 • 425-771-0220 • FAX 425-672-5750
Website: www edmondswa gov
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Engineering Division
January 19, 2018
Arlys Loomis
1134 C Ave S.
Edmonds, WA98020
Missi Huff
Real Estate Broker
Coldwell Banker Bain
108 51h Ave S.
Edmonds, WA 98020
SUBJECT: ENG20170073 — Proposed Tree Removal at 1134 C Ave. S.
Dear Applicants,
This letter is being sent per your request to move forward with the city's review
of the submitted evaluation for proposed removal of the cedar tree within the right of way
adjacent to 1134 C Ave S., permit application ENG20170073 (created 3/1/17). A tree
evaluation provided by Zsofia Pasztor (dated 1/14/17), was received addressing the status
of the tree in question as well as the surrounding infrastructure.
It is important to note that while a permit application was created and the tree
evaluation was reviewed staff completed onsite inspections of the tree and surrounding
infrastructure, comments were provided and a determination had been generated, it was
discovered in the process that permit fees had not been paid. The permit application fees
should have been collected at the receipt of the initial submittal.
Due to the fact that a determination had been made and it was not in favor of the
applicant, staff found it difficult to request that the applicant pay the fees while knowing
that the permit would be denied. Staff discussed the next step, and two options were
provided to Mrs. Huff. First was an option to withdraw the permit (no fees collected) and
second was an option to move forward with review of the permit (fees to be paid). At
time of the phone conversation Mrs. Huff was informed of the restoration requirements
that would be required associated/combined with the removal of the cedar tree (i.e
curb/gutter repair replacement and asphalt work). Mrs. Huff was also informed of the tree
policy requiring the replanting of 4 replacement trees within the right of way. Mrs. Huff
was not sure whether she wanted to withdraw or move forward with the review and she
was left with the option to follow up with the city once a decision was made. Permit fees
were paid in late August allowing the city to move forward with review of the right-of-
way permit and issuance of a decision.
_. CITY OF EDMONDS DAVE EARLING
i. MAYOR
121 5T" AVENUE NORTH • EDMONDS, WA 98020 • 425-771-0220 • FAX 425-672-5750
Websi[e: www edmondswa gov
��o PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
00 i
Engineering Division
In review of the right-of-way application, the city provides the following:
The evaluation of the subject tree at 1134 C Ave. S., provides information for the
concern of city's infrastructure (curb/gutter and paved street). City Public works
staff has determined that the curb and street damage is not significant and would
not be reason to approve removal of the subject tree. Per the report provided it
appears the trees health is normal and the concern of failure of the tree itself is not
an issue. However, comments regarding the health of the tree have been provided
by city staff which does raise the concern of several health issues (please find
attached email correspondence dated 3/28/17). Though there may be some health
concerns raised by city staff they were not addressed within the provided report,
nor do they give sufficient reason to remove the tree (please find attached email
correspondence dated 3/30/17).
Review was performed consistent with the city tree policy and it was found the requested
tree removal did not meet the criteria for approval. The proposed tree removal has been
denied.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at
cliris.rivera@edi-nondswa.gov or by phone (425) 771-0220 ext. 1339.
Chris Rivera
Engineering Technician
Rivera, Chris
From: Dill, Debra
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 2:21 PM
To: Rivera, Chris
Subject: RE: Tree in Right of Way - 1134 C Ave S.
Hi Chris,
I've had a chance to look at the tree and review the report. I agree with the report that the tree is under some stress.
-The tree was topped at some point in its history. It is hard to see, so I'm not sure if this was done because it interfered
with someone's view or if it was storm damage.
-1 also agree that the tree has a poor growth pattern and there are a lot of wounds due to poor pruning practices in the
past. Most of the wounds on the trunk are flush cuts, which prevent the tree from sealing effectively, opening it up to
potential diseases.
-There are also a lot of woodpecker holes indicating that there may be insects under the bark affecting the health of the
tree.
-One main root that runs along the curb has been heavily damaged by either foot traffic or lawn mower.
-I'm not an expert about curbing or asphalt, so I'm not sure what would be considered 'severe damage', but the roots
are damaging the roadway/parking area.
-I'm also not sure about the view restrictions unless it is from the neighbors to the east.
I know Zsofia Pasztor and would trust her judgment about the tree overall.
Hope this was helpful,
Debra Dill
City of Edmonds
Horticulturist, Arborist, and Beautification Program Lead
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department
Debra.Dill@edmondswa.gov
(206) 771-0230 ext 1383 greenhouse
From: Rivera, Chris
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2017 9:23 AM
To: Hiatt, Chuck; Dill, Debra
Subject: Tree in Right of Way - 1134 C Ave S.
Hello,
Attached is an arborist report on a tree located at 1134 C Ave S. In reviewing the submitted report, it seems there
reason for removing the tree is because it is damaging city's infrastructure. The curb has some lifting, as well as some of
the asphalt (untraveled asphalt, please see image from google). It's also noted that there are some view restrictions (?).
Chuck,
Rivera, Chris
From: McConnell, Jeanie
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 11:09 AM
To: Dill, Debra
Cc: Rivera, Chris; English, Robert
Subject: RE: Tree on 1134 C Ave S.
Thank you!
From: Dill, Debra
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 1:22 PM
To: McConnell, Jeanie
Subject: Tree on 1134 C Ave S.
Good afternoon Jeanie,
To clarify my earlier observations and judgements about the deodar cedar located on 1134 C Ave. S.:
I would monitor this tree rather than have it removed at this time.
Even though the cedar has some observable defects, I do not believe it poses a hazard at this point in time.
I will continue to monitor this tree on a regular basis and update you if I see any changes.
Sincerely,
Debra Dill
City of Edmonds
Horticulturist, Arborist, and Beautification Program Lead
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department
Debra.Dill@edmondswa.gov
(206) 771-0230 ext 1383 greenhouse