STF20170006 approval letter.pdf`0C. 18y -
March 30, 2017
CITY OF EDMONDS
1215 th Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 . Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa. ov
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
Maja Knighton
1830976 th Ave. W
Edmonds, WA 98026
Subject: Hazard Tree Removal (STF20170006)
Dear Maja,
You have contacted the City of Edmonds regarding the removal of several alder trees located
on your property at 18309 76th Ave. W. You had previously received approval to remove hazard
trees in 2015 (STF20150028) and are intending to complete the work that began at that time.
The additional trees are located on a steep slope east of the house. The slope is classified as a
critical area pursuant to Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) 23.40 and 23.80.
Generally, the removal of trees or vegetation within a critical area or critical area buffer is not
an allowed activity unless it involves the removal of invasive species or hazard trees pursuant to
ECDC 23.40.220.C.8. Normal maintenance of vegetation is now also an allowed activity in
critical areas. "Normal maintenance of vegetation" is defined as "removal of shrubs/nonwoody
vegetation and trees (less than four -inch diameter at breast height) that occurs at least every
other year. Maintenance also may include tree topping that has been previously approved by
the city in the past five years." In this case, the trees are larger than 4" in a critical area so tree
hazard evaluation is still required.
A report prepared by certified arborist Mathew Brenan was submitted which evaluated the risk
of each tree. According to the report, these trees have been stressed, poorly maintained, and
so have become a higher risk for failure and thus are candidates for removal.
ECDC 23.40.220.C.8.b.iv requires that hazard trees be replaced with new trees at a ratio of two
to one. It is understood that you have been installing lower growing native species after your
hazard tree request was approved in 2015. Please continue to the same as part of this permit.
An exemption for the proposed tree cutting is granted with the following conditions:
Only the trees identified in the report by certified arborist Mathew Brenan received on
March 23, 2017 may be removed.
2. Six replacement trees of a native species you have been previously using must be
planted to replace the three trees being removed within one year of the tree cutting
activity. Evergreen species must be a minimum of 6 -feet in height while deciduous
species must be a minimum of one to two inches diameter at breast height consistent
with ECDC 23.40.220.C.8.b.iv. Replacement trees should be planted in the general
vicinity of the trees being removed.
3. The downed wood may be left onsite or removed and the stumps either left in place or
ground out.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mike Clugston
Associate Planner
Attachment: Cover letter and hazard tree report