20140717_TalbotCutting_InfoRequest#2.pdf`/)c. 1 S9
July 17, 2014
1215 1h Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
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Pane: 425.771.0220 Fax: 425.771.0221 Web: -F.. ....
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT o PLANNING DIVISION
Chris Schuetz
8124 Talbot Road
Edmonds, WA 98026
Edmonds Tree Service
Steve Schlecht
7427 — 201St PL SW
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Subject: Request for Information Regarding Tree Cutting at 8001 Talbot Road
Ms. Schuetz and Mr. Schlecht:
Thank for responding to the City's April 7, 2014 letter requesting information on the tree cutting
that occurred on the property located at 8001 Talbot Road. Three items were request in the
April 7, 2014 letter: an arborist report detailing the activity, a geotechnical report evaluating the
impact of the tree cut on the slope, and a mitigation plan consistent with ECDC 23.40.240.C. An
arborist report and geotechnical report have been submitted, but a mitigation plan consistent with
ECDC 23.40.240.0 has yet to be submitted.
For unauthorized alterations of critical areas, ECDC 23.40.240 proscribes the following:
B. Requirement for Restoration Plan. All development work shall remain stopped until a
restoration plan is prepared and approved by the director. Such a plan shall be prepared
by a qualified professional using the best available science and shall describe how the
actions proposed meet the minimum requirements described in subsection C of this
section. The director shall, at the violator's expense, seek expert advice in determining
the adequacy of the plan. Inadequate plans shall be returned to the applicant or violator
for revision and resubmittal.
C. Minimum Performance Standards for Restoration.
1. For alterations to frequently flooded areas, wetlands, and,fish and wildlife habitat
conservation areas, the following minimum performance standards shall be metfor
the restoration of a critical area; provided, that if the violator can demonstrate that
greater functional and habitat values can be obtained, these standards may be
modified;
a. The historic structural and,functional values shall be restored, including water
quality and habitat functions;
b. The historic soil types and configuration shall be replicated;
c. The critical area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation that
replicates the vegetation historically found on the site in species types, sizes, and
densities. The historic functions and values should be replicated at the location of
the alteration; and
d. Information demonstrating compliance with ,the requirements in ECDC
23.40.130, Mitigation plan requirements, shall be submitted to the city planning
division.
2. For alterations to flood and geological hazards, the following minimum performance
standards shall be met for the restoration of a critical area; provided, that if the
violator can demonstrate that greater safely can be obtained, these standards may be
modified. -
a. The hazard shall be reduced to a level equal to, or less than, the predevelopment
hazard,-
b.
azard;
b. Any risk of personal injury resulting fi,om the alteration shall be eliminated or
minimized; and
c. The hazard area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation sufficient to
minimize the hazard.
Pursuant to ECDC 23.40.320 (Qualified professional definition), the qualified professional who
prepares the restoration plan shall be a specialist in botany, fisheries, wetland biology, and/or
hydrology with a minimum of two years' field experience with wetlands and/or streams in the
Pacific Northwest.
Additionally, the geotechnical report recommended that the small cut branches be removed from
the site to allow the vegetation on the branches the ability to thrive and minimize impact to slope
stability. This recommendation should be carried out immediately.
Please submit the requested information to the City of Edmonds and have the small debris
removed from the site by July 31, 2014. Feel free to contact me at 425-771-0220 or
if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Kernen Lien
Senior Planner
Cc: Mike Thies, Code Enforcement Officer
Anita Lee, Property owner 8001 Talbot Road