Hazard tree removal STF2020-0016CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
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December 9, 2020
Don Randall
9420 190th PL. SW
Edmonds, WA 98033
Subject: Hazard Tree Mitigation (STF2020-0016)
Don Randall,
The City of Edmonds has received documentation regarding a request for hazard tree
mitigation. Jim Folger a certified arborist has recommended crown thinning of one (1) Fir tree
and cutting of the lower limbs of a cedar tree to allow for utility line clearance for the property
located at 9420 1901h PL. SW. The subject property contains slopes greater than 25% according
to the City's LiDAR information, which is considered a critical area pursuant to Edmonds
Community Development Code (ECDC) Chapters 23.40, and 23.80.
Generally, the removal of trees or vegetation within a critical area or a 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 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 subject trees are larger than 4" DBH so tree hazard evaluation
is required.
A proposal letter (attachment 1) along with a site plan (attachment 2), and photos has been
prepared and submitted by Jim Folger (PN-8175) a certified arborist on behalf of the property
owner, Don Randall. The request is to perform minimal utility line clearing of approximately 1
foot around the power line that runs through the lower canopy of the two (2) cedar trees as
depicted in picture C (attachment 4). Additionally the request includes crown cleaning of a large
Douglas fir at the top of the driveway as depicted in picture B (attachment 3) to remove
deadwood (two) 2 inches and larger, as well as any broken or compromised limbs. The Arborist
will inspect all major unions for defects and lightly thin heavily congested areas throughout the
crown. According to the photos, the subject Fir tree appears to contain branches that may be
dead or dying and thus have the potential to be a fall hazard to structures and the roadway
below. Additionally the lower limbs of the cedar tree has the potential to interfere with the
existing utility line, due to these risks the subject trees are a candidate for tree cutting under
the hazard tree exemption. Pursuant to ECDC 23.40.220.C.8.b.iv each hazard tree removed
must be replaced with new trees at a ratio of two to one. Replacement is not required since no
trees are proposed for removal.
An exemption for tree cutting is granted with the following conditions:
Only the identified Cedar and Fir trees may be cut as identified in the attached cover
letter (attachment 1) and depicted on the site plan.
2. Vehicles and equipment shall be located on private property. Should it be necessary to
utilize any portion of the City right-of-way, including the street or sidewalk, to perform
any of this work then the contractor shall apply for and obtain a right-of-way
construction permit in advance of starting work. A traffic control plan will be required
as part of the right-of-way permit application.
3. Contractor/owner is responsible for keeping all debris on site and preventing any silt
laden runoff from leaving the site and/or entering the city storm system.
If you have any questions, please let me know via email at michele.szafran@edmondswa.gov or
you may call 425-771-0220 to speak with the Planner on duty.
Sincerely,
Michele Q. Szafran
Planner
Encl: Attachment 1 Cover Letter
Attachment 2 Site Plan
Attachment 3 Picture B (Fir tree)
Attachment 4 Picture C (Cedar tree/utility line)
McLotreeNWInc
www.ecotreeNW.com
zicratt /epode'-tial 7rtaa Xetvkas s nca / 9 9 /
64161760t ST SW Lynnwood, WA 98037
206-33 i'-2422 Fax 1-888-623-0091
Email: office@ecotreenw.com
To whom it may concern,
My Company is working with Don Randall at 9420 190th pl SW (see Pic "A") to
complete some maintenance on trees in his yard that are on a critical slope. What we are
trying to accomplish is:
1) Create a minimal utility line clearance (approximately F) around the power line that
runs through the lower canopy of the tree (see Pic "B").
2) Crown clean large Douglas fir at top of driveway (see Pic "C"): Removing deadwood
2" and larger, as well as any broken or compromised limbs. Inspect all major unions for
defects and lightly thin heavily congested areas throughout the crown.
All work done to the trees will I -- done to ISA standards, no topping or height reduction
will be done. With the work being on a critical slope we want to make sure the city was
aware and o.k. with our plans. Please let me know if we can do the above maintenance.
If you have any questions, please contact me at the phone number or email address
below.
Sincerely,
Jim olger }
Owner EcoTreeNw Inc.
ISA arborist 4PN8175
425-772-7682
Jim@JimFolger.com
ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 2