17-100513FILE
CITY OF
L Federal Way
March 3, 2017
Steve Ikerd
City of Federal Way — Parks
33325 8"' Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
RE: File #17-100513-00-AD; RESPONSE LETTER
Panther Lake Trail Brush Cutting, Parcel #192104-9003, Federal Way
Dear Mr. Ikercl:
CITY HALL
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
(253) 835-7000
www. cityoffederalway. com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
The Community Development Department has received your request to intrude into a wetland buffer for
vegetation maintenance and site reconnaissance. The proposed work includes cutting brush (Himalayan
blackberry) with a power mower in the proposed new parking lot area for the Panther Lake Trail project.
Clearing the dense brush allows for site reconnaissance, access to the area to check soil conditions, and
confirm elevations as part of preparation of the land use application.
According to Federal bray Revised Code (FWRC) 19.145.120, activities including the following are
considered partial exemptions to the wetland buffer provisions and require written approval from the director:
• FWRC 19.145.120(2) — Site reconnaissance necessary for preparing land use or building permit
applications. Any disturbance of the critical area shall be the minimum necessary to conduct the site
reconnaissance and the area shall be restored to its previous condition immediately.
• FWRC 19.145.120(6) — Removal of invasive and noxious vegetation with mechanized equipment and/or
with the use of herbicides.
The department hereby conditionally approves the partial exemption for vegetation maintenance within the
wetland buffer area.
Condition of Approval
0 The roots must be left in the ground to stabilize the soil. If any vegetation is pulled out leaving exposed
soil, additional erosion control methods may be needed.
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 Becky Chapin,
Associate Planner, at 253-835-2641, or Becky.chap in@cityoffederalway. corn.
Sincerely,
Brian Davis
Community Development Director
c: Becky Chapin. Associutc Planner
Doc 1 D 7S30-1
Stacey Welsh
From: Steve Ikerd
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 3:03 PM
To: Becky Chapin
Cc: Stacey Welsh; Jason Gerwen
Subject: Brush cutting permission
Attachments: Panther Lake Map - Brush Cutting jpg; 30% redesign site design.pdf
Parks Department is requesting permission to cut brush with a power mower in the proposed new
parking lot footprint of the Panther Lake Trail project that Council just approved a 30% design for. The
request and plan is to cut in phases; first phase is to cut all the exotic Himalayan blackberry that is
preventing access to the site and parking to check soils and confirm elevations. This will also provide
a visual of ground conditions when it comes time to bid the project late spring or early summer 2017.
Currently the brush and blackberries is Whick and dense to be able to adequately see into the
project area. Once the large blackberry patch is cut we will evaluate if more brush needs to be cut to
help with site evaluation. No brush will be cut outside the parking pad area and no trees will be cut at
this time. The plan is to only cut the minimal amount to provide access and a visual of the parking
footprint.
,zhCITY OF
. Federal Way
Steyhen Ikerd
Parks Deputy Director
Certified Arborist PN-1942A
33325 8`h Ave S. FW, WA 98003
253 835-6911
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