Staff Response PLN2021-0062CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.gov
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
f nC. 189\)
November 4, 2021
John Lewis Tree Pruning Service
on behalf of Westgate Village LLC
4025 Delridge Way SW, Ste. 350
Seattle, WA 98106
Subject: Hazard Tree Removal (PLN2021-0062)
Dear Mr. Lewis,
Thank you for submitting the required documentation for the review of multiple tree removals
at the Villages at Westgate, 10032 Edmonds Way. The five trees are located on a steep slope
southwest of the multi -use structure, in a critical area defined as a geologically hazardous area
prone to erosion and landslides.
Generally, the removal of trees or vegetation within a critical area/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. Where the hazard condition is justified by a qualified professional, trees
may be removed or converted to a wildlife snag if pruning or crown thinning is not sufficient to
address the hazard.
According to the City's review of the submitted TRAQ forms combined with site inspection
findings, Trees #207, 211 and 212 are candidates for removal as hazardous trees. Note that the
removal request did not include a Tree #210.
Tree #208 is not approved for tree removal. Given the "Moderate" assessment of tree
defects/load noted on the first page of the TRAQ form and its current condition, the ratings
under "Likelihood for Failure" and "Failure and Impact" should be downgraded. The resulting
overall risk rating is not "High" as originally indicated.
Tree #209 is not approved for removal, given that the "Likelihood of Failure" within a 3-year
time frame should be downgraded, resulting in an overall risk rating of "Low."
The removal of hazard trees from a critical area is granted per ECDC 23.40.220.C.8.b with the
following conditions:
1. Tree removal is limited to Trees #207, 211 and 212.
2. All brush resulting from branch removal that falls within SO' of the structure shall be
removed to reduce the potential as a fire hazard during drier months. Wildlife habitat
snags may be created at safe heights within proximity to the structure. Any downed
trunks or trunk sections may remain intact on the slope unless they are at risk for
rolling.
3. A minimum of eight (8) replacement trees must be planted on the subject property
within the critical area, located where they are most likely to become established. The
trees may be any of the five native species listed in the proposed Tree Replacement
Plan. Evergreen replacement trees must be at least six feet in height as measured from
the top of the root ball and deciduous replacement trees must be at least 2 inches DBH.
4. The replacement trees must be installed within one year of the removal of the hemlock
trees. Please provide photos of each of the planted replacement trees to verify
installation.
If you have any questions, please let me know at either deborah.powers(?edmondswa. og_v or
425-771-0220.
Sincerely,
Deborah Powers
Urban Forest Planner