14-103026 FILE
4446, CITY OF CITY HALL
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way Federal Way,WA 98003 6325
(253)835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.corn
June 26,2014
Steve Ikerd
City of Federal Way
33325 8t''Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
RE: Permit#14-103026-00-AD; CONNOLLY TREE REMOVAL REQUEST
Dear Mr. Ikerd:
The Community Development department has completed review of the potentially hazardous trees on
City of Federal Way property adjacent to the Connolly residence; located at 32857 Ste Court SW. Five
trees have been examined by Mr.Bryce Landrud, an ISA Certified Arborist, and determined to be
necessary for mitigation and removal.Because the trees are located within an open space tract that is also
within the buffer of a Category II Wetland,any modification to it is subject to review by the Department.
The Department has issued Interpretation#10-01 that provides clarification of the proper procedure and
decision criteria for vegetation removal within identified critical areas.
DECISION
Mr. Bryce Landrud, an ISA Certified Arborist,has determined that in their current condition the trees in
question have defects,rotten stems, and/or pose a safety hazard to the Connolly residence.Mr. Landrud
has provided the following reasoning and recommended action be taken with regard to each of the five
trees:
1. 16"Alder near property corner—this tree has a large decay column in the central portion of the
stem. The orientation of the stem threatens two homes.Remove.
2. 18"Alder 9 feet from the corner of the garage—several large limbs and the top lean over the roof.
No effective remediation for a tree this close to the residence. Remove.
3. 18"alder 15-20 feet below the house. This is the tree that has previously damaged a gutter. There
are four remaining large limbs facing the house,though the top leans away from the house.
Remove 4 large limbs facing house.
4. 16"alder 20 feet below house. This tree has severe stem decay, and the top leans towards the
home.Remove.
5. 16"alder 20 feet below the house. The entire tree grows/leans towards house and over the roof.
Little effective mitigation to prevent this tree from eventually damaging the home.Remove.
Pursuant to Mr.Landrud's recommendation,the city hereby authorizes the mitigation and removal of the
above-mentioned trees.
•
Mr.Ikerd
June 26,2014
Page 2
CONDITIONS
1. Requirement that the tree roots,of the above-mentioned trees, are not to be disturbed in the
completion of this work.
2. Debris will be lowered and removed from the area using no heavy equipment within the sensitive
area.
ANALYSIS OF INTERPRETATION#10-01 CRITERIA
Approval criteria for Interpretation#10-01 are addressed below:
1. The proposed activity will not adversely affect water quality. Tree roots of those being removed will
not be disturbed and adequate erosion protection to the wetland buffer will be retained. Further,the
decision has been conditioned to prohibit removal of debris using heavy equipment within the
sensitive area in order to limit impact to surrounding soils.
2. The proposed activity will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area. The trees are located
within a wetland buffer. As such,it provides potential habitat to birds and small mammals. The
removal and reduction in height of the trees will not impact wildlife habitat as there is a dense
population of neighboring trees of similar size nearby.
3. The proposed activity will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities. The
work will have no impact on drainage courses.
4. The proposed activity will not lead to unstable earth conditions, nor create erosion hazards. The
maintenance is limited in scope.The tree stumps, along with the remaining un-touched vegetation,
will stabilize any possible erosion.
5. The proposed activity will not be materially detrimental to any other property, nor to the city as a
whole, including the loss of significant open space. The tree work will remove unsafe overhanging
limbs and prevent a potentially hazardous fall.Removal of these trees would not appear to have a
detrimental impact on open space.
6. The proposed activity is necessary to:a) maintain existing pathways and landscaping, ensure the
health of existing vegetation, achieve limited pruning to allow for view maintenance, reduce tree
mass or redirect tree growth, or similar purposes; and/or b) the proposed activity is necessary to
minimize potential impacts from dead, dying, diseased, or otherwise dangerous or nuisance
vegetation (Emphasis Added).Mr. Landrud has examined the trees in question and deemed them
necessary for mitigation and removal respectively.
7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The
department concludes that this activity is exempt from SEPA review.
8. The proposed activity is consistent with the requirements of FWRC Chapter 19.120, "Clearing,
Grading, and Tree and Vegetation Retention."The maintenance of the vegetation is consistent with
the purpose statement and regulations of FWRC Chapter 19.120.
14-103026 Doc.1.D.65965
Mr.Ikerd
June 26,2014
Page 3
CLOSING
This administrative decision shall not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes,policies,
and standards relating to this site. If you have any questions regarding this letter,please contact Planning
Intern Kalon Thomas at(253) 835-2622, or Kalon.Thomas@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
Isaac Conlen
Planning Division Manager
c: Kalon Thomas,Planning Intern
14-103026 Doc.1.D.65965
1h6 CITY OF
' ._. Federal Wayes ��.p��sr
Parks and Facilities Division h re‘; ^ '1 1/A
Date: June 16, 2014
To: Isaac Conlen, Planning Manager
From: Stephen Ikerd, Parks & Facilities Manager
I.S.A. Certified Arborist#PN1942A
Subject: Tree removal request
I requested Thundering Oak to perform an assessment of several alder trees on
City property adjacent to the Connolly residence; located at 32857 8th Ct. SW.
Bryce reports what I observed first hand that 5 trees have defects, rotten stems
and some with a lean toward the residence. A couple trees have broken up and
caused damaged in the past. Due to the conditions, size and potential target we
are recommending removal of these 5 trees.
Please see attached assessment of which I am in agreement and seek
permission to handle the trees as recommended by Bryce Landrud a Certified
Arborist contracted with the City.
P.O. Box 1847
AUBURN,WA 9807 1-1 847
OFFICE 253-288-TREE(8733)
FAX: 253.939.51 26
WWW.THUNDERINGOAK.COM
Thundering Oak
ENTERPRISES
June 16, 2014
Mr. Steve Ikerd
Federal Way Parks
Re: Connolly Residence #124/32857 8th Ct. SW.
Dear Steve,
I stopped over and spoke with Mr. Connolly at his home today. His primary concern is the
safety of the alders that line the greenbelt property, and how to reduce the incidence of damage
to his home. He claims one limb penetrated his garage roof last winter, and another limb or top
failure knocked the gutter off of same garage.
I noted 5 trees that are of definite concern, starting with his NW property corner.
1) 16" alder near property corner—this tree has a large decay column in the central portion of
the stem. The orientation of the stem threatens two homes. Remove.
2) 18" alder 9 feet from the corner of the garage—several large limbs and the top lean over the
roof. No effective remediation for a tree this close. Remove.
3) This 18" alder is 15-20 feet below the house. This is the tree that damaged the gutter. There
are four remaining large limbs facing the house, though the top leans away from the house.
Remove 4 large limbs facing house.
4) 16" alder 20 feet below house. This tree has severe stem decay, and the top leans towards the
home. Remove.
5) 16"alder 20 feet below house. Entire tree grows/leans towards house and over roof. Little
effective mitigation to prevent this tree from eventually damaging the home. Remove.
Respectfully submitted,
Bryce Landrud
I.S.A. Certified Arborist#PN0232