Hazard Tree Removal STF20190018.pdfCITY OF EDMONDS
121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.Rov
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
/0C. 199"
July 16, 2019
Marvin Dyson
15610 - 72"d Avenue West
Edmonds, WA 98026
Subject: Hazard Tree Removal
Dear Mr. Dyson,
I visited your property at 15610 — 72"d Avenue West on July 15, 2019 due to a report of some tree
cutting activity in the area. The tree cutting west of your property at 15712 — 72"d Avenue West was
approved via a development permit (BLD2018101). There was also some tree cutting activity on your
property, which primarily consisted of topping of previously topped maple trees.
Portions of your property are considered critical areas. Some of the slopes on your property are
considered potential landslide hazards because the slopes exceed 40% over a 10-foot change in
elevation. These locations are primarily along the street frontages of 156th Street SW and 72"d Avenue
W. Generally the removal of trees, or any vegetation, within a critical area or critical area buffer is not
an allowed activity, unless, pursuant to ECDC 23.40.220.C.8, it involves the removal of invasive species
or hazard trees or if it is ordinary maintenance which includes retopping of previously topped trees (see
definition of "normal maintenance of vegetation" in ECDC 23.40.005).
The topping of the previously topped trees is considered normal maintenance and no permit is required
for that activity. New topping or removal of trees within 50 feet of the steep slope would require a tree
cutting permit unless the trees are determined to be a hazard tree. We discussed the potential removal
of two trees on the slope along 156th Street. One tree was a willow tree that was obviously rotted
through and the second tree was a maple tree with a severe lean. Both these trees appeared to be
hazard trees. Pursuant to ECDC 23.40.220.C.8.b.iv each hazard tree removed within a critical area or
critical area buffer must be replaced with new trees at a ratio of two to one. We discussed potentially
replacing the trees with vine maple trees.
An exemption for the tree cutting is granted with the following conditions:
1. This approval only pertains to the willow tree and maple trees we discussed and noted in your
July 15, 2019 email.
2. A minimum of four replacement trees must be planted in the general vicinity of the trees
removed. The replacement trees must be native and indigenous in accordance with ECDC
23.40.220.C.8.b.iv. Evergreen replacement trees must be at least six feet in height as measured
from the top of the root ball and deciduous trees must be a minimum of one — two inches
diameter at breast height. The replacement trees must be planted within one year of tree the
tree cutting activity.
If you are considering replanting with a species other the vine maple (Acer circinatum) please let
the City know which species you are proposing so the City can verify the replacement species is
native and indigenous.
3. Stumps of the tree cut must be left in place to provide slope stability and prevent erosion.
4. Replacement trees must be planted within one year of removal of the hazard trees. Please
notify the City once the replacement trees have been replanted for an inspection.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at kernen.lien @edmondswa.gov, or 425-771-0220.
i ccrely,
ernen Lien
Environmental Programs Manager