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TREE MAINTENANCE LETTER STF2021-0026CITY OF EDMONDS 121 5tn Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020 Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.ci.edmonds.wa.us DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION `ne. 1 STJ December 1, 2021 Peter Mataya 16020 70th Ave. W. Edmonds, WA 98026 Subject: TREE MAINTENANCE DOCUMENTATION @ 16020 70TH AVE. W. (STF2021-0026) Mr. Mataya, The city had received reports of tree cutting at the vicinity of 16020 70t" Ave. W. Following reports of the tree cutting activity staff completed a site visit and notified the property owner to stop all work. After further review of historical documents, it has been determined that the site had undergone pervious tree cutting work. This letter is to document the proposed work as described in the applicants cover letter (attachment 1) as ongoing maintenance and provide further clarification. Normal maintenance of vegetation is an allowed activity in a critical area if it is considered part of ongoing maintenance. Pursuant to ECDC 23.40.230.C.2. routine landscaping and maintenance of vegetation, such as pruning existing trees back to the point where they have been previously cut or topped is considered maintenance. Normal maintenance of vegetation must be performed in accordance with best management practices; provided, that such management actions are part of regular and ongoing maintenance, do not expand further into the critical area, are not the result of an expansion of the structure or utility, and do not directly impact an endangered or threatened species. Additionally, pursuant to ECDC 23.10.040.E. pruning should also comply with ANSI A300 (Part 1 — 2017), Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management — Standard Practices, to maintain long term health. Pruning existing trees back to the point where they have been previously topped is considered maintenance for these trees alone, provided pruning will be undertaken only to the extent necessary for public safety or tree health. The proposed work should comply with ANSI A300 standards in order to be considered normal maintenance of previously topped trees. Per Mr. Mataya's cover letter (attachment 1) the proposal is to perform maintenance on 12 trees that have been previously topped. Documentation had been provided to the city back in 2008 (attachment 2) which identifies trees that have been previously topped at the subject vicinity. The cutting of previously topped trees is considered normal maintenance pursuant to ECDC 23.40.230.C.2 and ECDC 23.10.040.E. as stated above. 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. Any new tree cutting, pruning, limbing, clearing or topping is considered an alteration of a critical area as defined in ECDC 23.40.005. No "new" tree cutting has been permitted at this time as that would be considered an alteration of critical area. Please note that new tree topping is considered tree removal pursuant to ECDC 23.10.020.V and thus no new tree topping would be permitted at this time. Please follow up with staff regarding any new tree cutting activity to determine what type of documentation and/or permits are required. The re -topping of previously topped trees is not considered "new" tree cutting and thus may be maintained as normal maintenance. Regarding the site plan drawing (attachment 3), the subject 12 trees have been located and shown. Please note that the city does not give permission to access the property of others, so although normal maintenance may be a permitted activity it is the property owner/applicant's responsibility to obtain permission to access property of others. This letter addresses normal maintenance of the previously topped trees with the following conditions: 1. Only the identified previously topped 12 trees as shown on the site plan (attachment 3) and identified in the arborist report (attachment 2) may be cut, subject to property access permissions. 2. If at any time the subject trees are deemed hazardous and require removal, please contact the city regarding any further required documentation. 3. The proposed work should comply with ANSI A300 (Part 1-2017) standards. 4. Property owner/contractor/applicant is responsible for obtaining permission to access property of others prior to any tree cutting activity. 5. Please follow up with staff regarding any "new" tree cutting activity to determine what type of documentation and/or permits may be required. 6. 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. Sincerely, Michele Q. Szafran Planner CC: Dan Mataya Attachments: 1: Applicant Cover Letter 2: 2008 Documentation 3: Site Plan 4: Geotech Letter Routine Tree Maintenance Scope of Work Dan Mataya 16020 70th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026 dmmataya65Qgmail.com aetemataya(a)gmail.com 425.745.3643 8/5/21 Michele Szafran - City of Edmonds Planner Our intent is to do maintenance on 12 trees located per the attached survey. The trees were last inspected in 2008 by an arborist & our records show that the maintenance has been occurring since 1985. The trimming seems reasonable and prudent because the alternative would be to allow a hazard to develop & intensify. The trees located on adjacent properties are to be approved for maintenance by the property owners. ATTACHMENT 1 MCHARD D. WURDEMAN ATTORNEY AT LAW A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION 320 DAYTON, SUITE 1 01 EDMONDS, WASHINGTON 98020 TEL. (425) 771- 8230 FAx (425) 670 -131 1 E-MAIL: RW@EDMONDSLAW.COM Jennifer Machuga City of Edmonds 121 — 51h Avenue North Edmonds, WA 98020 Re: Dan Mataya Dear Jen: June 13, 2008 RECEIVIEp JUN 13 2008 As promised, I am enclosing copies of the reports we received from Bruce MacCoy and Roger Barnett, the two arborists with whom we consulted on this matter. I am also enclosing verification of their current ISA certifications. As you will note, both Mr. MacCoy and Mr. Barnett believe that the work in question was routine maintenance. Given the content of the reports from Mr. MacCoy and Mr. Barnett, I am asking the City to reconsider its position on this matter. Although the tree portion of the ordinance is vague and ambiguous in many ways, it clearly exempts routine maintenance — exactly what the Mataya work has been classified as by two arborists. As a result, I do not believe a permit was required. If you have any questions regarding this letter, either report or our position on this matter, please let me know. As always, I am more than willing to meet with you or answer any questions you may have. If you would like, I am also willing to provide a detailed explanation for my conclusion. Si cerely, ick Wurdeman RDW:tf Enclosures cc: Dan Mataya ATTACHMENT 2 FROM :BRUCE MACCOY CNSLTNG ARBORIST FAX NO. :425 450 0033 Jun. 12 2008 09:40PM P1 Bruce Mac Coy Consulting Arborist 1611 105th Avenue, S.E Bellevue Washingnn 98004 .425 — 450 — 1584 or goo 348 — 6238 Fax ; 425 — 450 - 0033 Wednesday, 11 dune, 2008' Mr. Richard Wurdeman Attorney at Law suite* 101 $20 payton Avenue Edmonds, Washington, 98020 Dear Mr. Wurdeman , On Thursday, 29 May, 2008, 1 vleited with you and Mr. Dan Malaya at his home at 16020 70th Avenue, West, Edmonds, Washington, 9802t3. We met there to look at some trees on his property. 1`ve attached a diagram .and a few photos of the trees in question, 1 understand that Mr. Mataya recently pruned his trees and that the city has contacted him with their concerns. During my time on the property, i inspected the trees to verify their current viability and to try to understand what they might have looked like in the past. What i saw, with one exception , was trees that had obviously been topped in the past - perhaps several times and are currently viable, The previous topping ( s ) occurred years ago, perhaps 5 or more years. The thinking populer at that time was that topping was an acceptable practice concurrent with good healthy trees. Best management practices ( ANSI 300 standards) now discourage topping in most cases. It should be noted that " topping " and re - tapping " are different. I would like to suggest - and my observations and oondusions validate this thought - that the activity that Mr. Malay engaged in was re - topping. Re - topping can be referred to es trimming or routine maintenance in my opinion. The trimming seems reasonable and prudent because the alternative would be to allow a hazard to develop and intensify. The hazard is created from the original topping , followed by predictable side ( and upward ) growth attached at a spot ( the topping cut ) where decay , rot, and cavities regularly develop after Several years. The steadily growing tops attached at a decay (acatiob croate the hazard I refer to. The large top is prone to catastrophic separation at unpredictable times, A pedestrian below can be injured, or worse. it Is prudent - and I recommend this regularly - that a previously topped tree be re - topped in a fashion dono by Mr- Mataya.: it is consistent with the best health of a damaged tree, the high liability of the owner, and the best interests of decreasing a k1lown hazard. Regular maintenance is required in these instances. Thetis what Mr. Mataya did. Email tyQ..n.$,Vlt1ngArborist MS _ ,+ QM. Web Site . WWW.Consulti0-qAr-4Q-rk �$A- t�M FROM :BRUCE MPCCOY CNSLTNO nRBORIST FAX NO. :425 450 0033 Jun. 12 2008 09:40PM P2 12l3 Mr. Richard Wurdarnan ,Wednesday, 1 June, 200. Finally , I have reviewed the City's !rand Clearing and Tree Cutting Code. In my opinion, the work in question was not " cutting " as the term is used in the code, but rather " trimming " or " routine mairdenanae " and was comPletlY consistent with the normal care of Wooded properly, pleasn call if I may be cf any further assistance. Sincerely, Bruce Mac Coy C7 FROM :BRUCE MACCOY CNSLTNG RRBORTST FAX NO. :425 450 0033 Jun. 12 2008 09:41PM P3 Mr. Richard Wurdemaii , Wednesday, 11 June~, 2008 :kpproxirnate focatlon of 12 trimmed trees - fir and cedar mix Email : ConsultingArborist@MSN,COM WWW.ConsultingArborist-USA.COM 313 `!� ur, + / x Roger Barnett [SA Certified Arborist Dan Mataya and Rick Wurdeman Date 6/02/08 Address 16020 7011 Ave. W. City/State/Zip Edmonds Phone 425-745-3643 Per your request to evaluate several recently topped Douglas firs on the sensitive slope on and adjoining your property. At issue is whether this work could be reasonably considered maintenance pruning. The Edmonds code appears to be seemingly vague in defining this work. Similar work was previously done circa 1983, and possibly once since as well, At these times, these trees had their heights reduced considerably. However, it appears that all of the trees survived, and did regrow vigorously. The repeat work done this year was done at approximately the same heights. With a couple of the trees, the remaining foliage may be less than was the case after the previous reduction. This could affect those trees' abilities to recover. The three reduced trees closest to the homes below do appear to have quite a bit of canopy left, so these trees should regrow. Without climbing the trees and core drilling below the old cuts, the amount of core rot present can't be determined for certain. However, my 35 years of experience indicates that Douglas fir usually contain this decay within a small area. This work, less than ideal that it was, has brought down the height of the trees considerably. It has also reduced the lever arm action, and thus the chances of windthrow have been greatly reduced. Previously topped trees regrow dense upper canopies, and often fail, due to having a disproportionate ratio of mass in the upper half of the canopy. Three prominent researchers, Klaus Mattheck, Erik Brudi, and Ed Gilman have conducted research projects, which have concluded that the best form of wind throw risk reduction pruning is crown reduction. Thus, the work that was done could be considered reasonable maintenance. Finally, most often, Douglas fir do survive and even thrive after reduction pruning such as has been done at this site. While no guarantees can be made that these trees will be fine, the site should be monitored for signs of stress or diebaGk. Please let me know if I may be of further assistance. 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CAREE.RS Cel"Cat'On Creder6als are listed in the 60in hand eek.mn. • A= Certifrcd_Arborist_ • U = Utility Specialist M � T = Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist B = Board Certified Master Arborist . M = Municipal Specialist Nano L.atbn Phone Email Address Cnd,rua 4N�l+. Lynn Seaak Tm• Preaemabn (M)SFO•Eda7 f�)i; A 0EI,LEVUE. WA AAV.. Am ftASAYV esker, i:ra' t2.5)T/92BJD Em9s A BELLEVUE.WA9800e City of Bet<vue 8-0t. Jame. BELLEVUE. WA080011 (A25)d52-A321 E!9, NI A C2'y Ofaee Bv,¢w+.Seel! 425./G2.5221 Emu! A BELLEVUE.WAO°009 Caney T.. Expen CP. CaAro,ft�8 BELLEVUE.VVA$Oo09 (OS)A62-0029 fmrars- A D.rW rhea e.ped Co. Cypher. Cserar BEttE. WE.. WA 980.9 (205)920-A91s tJ9aJi A Dsa. K<lor No —Tree Experts iT. 6)6l'AJA05 fGair A BELLEVUE. WA 98007 Gorden Gonr in9. P—Ing A Yard S—n , GramC 2 Gerdert BELLEVUE,%VA 08006 (<25) G53GD59 EmYf A Hd-Aoy D—V Tree Expen C.. 42SAGD8o26 CLW A oELtEVUE. WA 9a009 Cay err AeOevue LeCat•. ffem BELLE. 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All information will r.matn cOnfOrlr. , It you are a e.riflf0d .,b.n.t and your narne Is not appearing where it should. you may log in and fast yowsoff in one or more 2fp codm change yaw business name and addfos^, and more- If you hand, a vakd ISA uoomame and password you may update your Informalion in the Verify A Cerafed.Vbdnst database By W1ck19gJL0S- Cl PA a. 31 29..F. W A,DaeelAluq 2003 P.Q 9oz 3A217 Che -g411 k q G,82G Q.,j.LA.Att Ema9eammeMa2.Fw6PIA C 7fiSAA,.d—t Satatday, Ama .M M1106%d (w I -II- fP-11y rnra name) PiOaLC CiCB.htM r0 Nnx ou! pNacy Jwtoy wren O -tunq Chw p,nonchip Flu I http://www.isa-arbor.com/findarborist/verifyArbByLoc.aspx 6/12/2008 Verify A Certified Arborist Page 1 of 2 Cf111011rnOT 1:<�:f f!.'Y+.•Rt:1- K ((.(. nl l!1'! ! 11•C I%iinlilmr) Abou( ISA fi(tnndLl9R Ce1(afi:nl;ool G•1nc.u;oR T(n11f1 f h04) ..1!1 :'ti;n� kc;�+��rc., , C)IilmPifrn(i)fi() i W W W RA IJ R1 W ■ ;Sh Nt-ie Papc a V•_•IMyT�M SC„f:en. Vc:{s 2'..:ac.dron Verify an ISA Certification - By Location Searctl Site CONTACT STAFF uSli17L�Ccflifie.4 AIIJ.o.,5iL1? vlL)AS!l4 CALENDAR Or EVENTS etnlrta nbala<pyen na•e neu l•::memtewoas:•wd<1f21y.LQure+.wems.rmmµ:u.ed.a,«le.n.npt row b<'ntl=n).,e ..n ndf�.:a VERIFY CERTIFICATION Your search of SEATTLE WA returned the loltming records. ARHORiCULrURF CAREERS Certification Credontiats are listed in the right hand column. • A = Certified_ Arborist T. ES '. U = Utility Specialist ARE ( j Op- . T _ Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist . - • B = hoard Certified Master Arborist . M = Municipal Specialist 1�3�5 Nand L—tl.. Phone Email Address Cretlenlbli AOets<n, V,tn CEY dl Sexl'o•Snihm 205,M-121 LMO. A SEhTT[E. VIA 06134 Akaend<:. J1+<d (200)9p 01 i6 Emai A SEA7TLE.VAA98f2; Am<S.VM,pm (206)6L1.5603 F..mat; A SEATTLE. YIA 86iD5 AIc1N, J'rlbn 206.709•9079 E-4 A SEATTLe.w.96119 Oai'o%, 02ver (206)561-4262 EMO A SEATfiE.YN. 9610C 0ablea. Rebel U.N. P.,%, C<PtANasnlralon Pas. Ar -m pS324i01b Em19 A SEATTLE, WA 98103 SA." Swn Tee Sd6tlhns.lae. 206-528.1470 F.^91( A SEATTLE. WA 96103 aumM Ttte G(e Syns6. Roper SEATTLE. VIA 08177 pr•512.9524 E192Y A atnptt.lsan.tVe E3Jede lilt S<RK4 1205}986.62q E!Oas A SEATTLE,YIA 98115 Bess, 9!tR (p6)937.935/ Em]V A SEATTLE.WA90136 Oebb9L Ven SSNn StaBh CarAmnnlY Colkpt 206�.7668717 Ewl A SEATTLE, YM9a106 Tees Por Li!e.InC 60)'n, 0rlan SEATTLE. VM98115 (20stmons Em19 A D—n and oily Land.0ma A BreltlCrl ' Kdtten SEATTLE. VIA 961u (206) SS1.9282 E9).9 G—Oeb rsh t206)790A215 Em91 A SEATTLE.VA9810' Basile. EM CSYers 310i (pG)23P•7310 Emai A SEATTLE. VIA 9S103 VSACE Crnee, Wrsn SEATTLE, WA 96107 20670,2622 Ema9 A Orohhnsen. Cameron (2m 7945829 Emai A SEATTLE, WA"112 CnAe, T. Ndrthxel(MbpMRe p5.709J2W Emad A SEATTLE, WA 96117 Coved, ar<M Pytt Sw"Entrpy (253)670.2170 Ems.? A SEATTLE, VIA 96125 Davidsa�_ M. Or. Artr,6t^. Des9n (p6)727.7663 .7,p E,,m A SEATTLE,W.596t12 Oavis, Kvva1 SceI. N.. (206)366.1656 E.ma6 A SEATTLE, VIA 96106 CityxArXte KMhto^De70cd60Adnr41 206.52Sp75E, A SEATTLYM 93105 I'ersdasl Toa(h Tice Call D.W. Glen SEATTLE.YIA 9614E (200) 367-2345 Emeil A Da9so, Stan Tide W.Ii skrc (200)526•eG70 Elnaj A SEATTLE, WA96103 D'mfdn. Beth S.Mh C.011 SEATTLE. VA99100 706-615-0364 Erri'm A http://www.isa-arbor.com/findarborist/verif-yArbByLoo.aspx 6/12/2008 EML Group Northwest, Inc. July 7, 2021 Mr. Dan Mataya 16020 - 701h Avenue W. Edmonds, WA 98026 Email: dmmataya65@gmail.com Subject: Geotechnical Evaluation Proposed Tree Maintenance Single Family Residence Property 16020 — 701h Avenue West Edmonds, WA 98026 Dear Mr. Mataya: Gcalechnical Engineers, Geologists & Environmental specialists G-5470 At your request, William Chang from GEO Group Northwest, Inc. met with Mr. Peter Mataya at the subject property on May 25, 2021 to conduct a geotechnical evaluation of the subject property, specifically regarding to the geotechnical impact of pruning trees on a slope at the west side of the property. Findings Property — The property consists of a 0.92 acre lot that is trapezoidal in shape, approximately 243 feet to 204 feet in length and 182 feet to 180 feet in width. The lot slopes down from elevation 372 feet to elevation 292 feet in 64 feet, with an average inclination of 80% or 39 degrees. Geology - The property is mapped as Vashon Advance Outwash sand (Qva), consisting of sands that were washed ahead of the last glacial advance 15,000 years ago. Subsequently the Advance Outwash sands were compressed by the glacier that was up to 3,000 feet thick in the area. The geologic map does not show any landslide areas or landslide debris deposits. City of Edmonds Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) — The ECA map for the City indicates that the west and south sides of the property have Landslide Hazard Area, and Severe Erosion Hazard designations. 13705 Bel -Red Road • Bellevue, Washington 98005 Phone 4251649-8757 • Fax 425/649-8758 ATTACHMENT 4 July 7, 2021 G-5470 Mr. Dan Mataya Page 2 Proposed Tree Maintenance — We understand you want to prune some trees at the west side of the house. This includes 8 trees on your property and 4 trees on the adjacent property to the west. The pruning includes topping some trees and removing some branches from others to improve the view. Conclusions 1) The house on the lot was built in 1964 and is founded on dense Advance Outwash sands. The soils are very stable in their undisturbed state. The house is in good condition with no signs of differential settlement. 2) There are no records of landslides at this site, and the house will not be impacted from the proposed tree maintenance. 3) The slopes at the west side of the property are steep where the tree maintenance is proposed. However, no trees will be cut, they will be topped or limbed to improve the view. 4) Based on our experience with the local geology, we are of the opinion that the proposed tree maintenance will not adversely affect the stability of the slope or increase the erosion potential of the slope. Please feel welcome to contact us if you have any questions. Sincerely, GEO GROUP NORTHWEST, INC. Cyq� William Chang, P.E. WA Principal y _ ., 9�� 9 20t 14 (u GIs GEO Group Northwest, Inc.