Hazard tree topping CRA2020-0114CITY 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
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July 24, 2020
Deidre Blankenship
305 Caspers Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
Subject: Hazard Tree Topping
Dear Ms. Blankenship,
You reached out to the City of Edmonds regarding two dead alder trees on your property located at 305
Caspers Street. The trees are located within a native growth area established with the subdivision that
created your property. This native growth area is also the buffer for a wetland on the property as well
as Shell Creek which is an anadromous fish bearing stream. These are critical areas subject to the
requirements of Chapters 23.40, 23.50, and 23.90 of the Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC). 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.
You have submitted pictures showing the trees to be clearly dead which has also been verified with a
drive by inspection. A request to top the tops just to the point where they no long pose a threat to the
residence has been made. Converting the trees to wildlife snags is consistent with ECDC
23.40.220.C.8.b.ii, and may be done. The tree tops should be left and in the native vegetation area and
care taken to not damage any of the other vegetation in the native vegetation area.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at kernen.lien@edmondswa.gov, or 425-771-0220.
Sincerely,
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Kernen Lien
Environmental Programs Manager