Incomplete email 11_17_09.pdf
Clugston, Michael
Clugston, Michael
From:
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:33 PM
Sent:
'yaoyutian@gmail.com'
To:
Tree cutting permit - incomplete application
Subject:
Good afternoon Mr. Yao,
I was looking through your tree cutting application (PLN-2009-0054) and I had a few questions. I see three hazard
assessments for the larger trees that are proposed to be cut but I didn't see one for the smaller evergreen near the
southeast corner of your house (see attached photo). That tree also needs a hazard assessment.
Also, I have some concern about your "next year plan" and the future retaining walls. It looks like there are a number of
other trees and landscaping in the space between the walkway and Olympic View Drive where the future retaining walls
are planned (see photo). If additional trees and vegetation need to be removed in order to install the retaining walls,
another tree cutting permit would be necessary. If additional removal is anticipated, it may be better to consider that with
this permit than doing this all over again next year.
That said, the four trees that are proposed to be removed now must be replaced 2:1 with native species somewhere on
site and I am not sure where these are going. There is a row of trees shown along Olympic View Drive on the "next year
plan" and I believe these are proposed but I don't know what kind of trees they are and whether they would fit with the rest
of the existing vegetation.
Here is the specific code that must be complied with regarding removal and replacement in critical areas (ECDC
23.40.220.C.7.b):
b. The removal of trees from critical areas and buffers that are hazardous, posing a threat to public safety, or
posing an imminent risk of damage to private property; provided, that:
i. The applicant submits a report from an ISA- or ASCA-certified arborist or registered landscape architect that
documents the hazard and provides a replanting schedule for the replacement trees;
ii. Tree cutting shall be limited to pruning and crown thinning, unless otherwise justified by a qualified
professional. Where pruning or crown thinning is not sufficient to address the hazard, trees should be removed
or converted to wildlife snags;
iii. All vegetation cut (tree stems, branches, etc.) shall be left within the critical area or buffer unless removal is
warranted due to the potential for disease or pest transmittal to other healthy vegetation or unless removal is
warranted to improve slope stability;
iv. The land owner shall replace any trees that are removed with new trees at a ratio of two replacement trees for
each tree removed (two to one) within one year in accordance with an approved restoration plan. Replacement
trees may be planted at a different, nearby location if it can be determined that planting in the same location
would create a new hazard or potentially damage the critical area. Replacement trees shall be species that are
native and indigenous to the site and a minimum of one inch in diameter at breast height (dbh) for deciduous
trees and a minimum of six feet in height for evergreen trees as measured from the top of the root ball;
v. If a tree to be removed provides critical habitat, such as an eagle perch, a qualified wildlife biologist shall be
consulted to determine timing and methods of removal that will minimize impacts; and
vi. Hazard trees determined to pose an imminent threat or danger to public health or safety, to public or private
property, or of serious environmental degradation may be removed or pruned by the land owner prior to
receiving written approval from the city; provided, that within 14 days following such action, the land owner
shall submit a restoration plan that demonstrates compliance with the provisions of this title;
Because of the missing hazard assessment for tree #4 and lack of a proper restoration plan, your application is currently
incomplete. Once these items are submitted, I will continue with the review of the application.
If you have any questions, please contact me at your convenience.
Mike Clugston, AICP
Planner
City of Edmonds
Development Services Department
P: 425-771-0220 | F: 425-771-0221
michael.clugston@ci.edmonds.wa.us