12-102645CITY OF
Federal
June 15, 2012
CITY HALL
Way Feder 8m Avenue South
BW3-
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
(253) 835-7000
www.cityoffederaWay.com
KRIS O'NEAL
REGENCY WOODS HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 4943
FEDERAL WAY, WA 98063
RE: FILE #12-102645-04-AD; AUTHORIZATION TO REMOVE DECEASED TREES
Regency Woods HQA, Tract A, Federal Way
Dear Ms. O'Neal;
The Community and Economic Development Department has received your request to remove five deceased
trees located within the Native Growth Protection Easement (NGPE) Tract A of the Regency Woods
subdivision. Specific plat language requires all vegetative maintenance activities obtain city approval, and
according to the city's Critical Areas inventory, the trees are within an erasion hazard area. Therefore, removal
does not qualify as an exempt action listed in Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.120.030. The department
has issued Interpretation #10-01 that provides clarification of the proper procedure, applicationn materials, and
decisional criteria for vegetation removal within identified critical areas.
DECISION
Removal of the five trees as shown on the submitted photo utilizing hand tools and/or hand powered tools is
hereby approved per the findings and conclusions provided below.
CONDITIONS
1. Felled trees shall not be removed from the NGPE.
2. If stumps are removed, bare soils shall be covered immediately with mulch and/or additional native
planting.
BACKGROUND
The department received the removal request June 11, 2012, from the subdivision's homeowners' association
representative. The request included multiple angled photos of five trees that are clearly deceased and located
within an NGPE area. The deceased trees pose a potential threat to two adjacent properties: 1945 South 375`h
Street and 37557 21 n Avenue South. The tract is heavily vegetated with mature evergreen and deciduous trees
along with understory growth. Due to the limited scope of the proposal, the obvious condition of the trees, and
existing vegetative cover that will remain following removal, a professionally prepared vegetation maintenance
plan will not be required.
DECISIONAL CRITERIA
Planning Division staff reviewing your request has provided a bulleted response to each of the director's
decisional criteria below.
1. The proposed activity will not adversely affect water quality.
• Scope of tree removal is limited to five trees and not within stream or shoreline area. Water quality will
not be affected.
Ms. O'Neal
June 15, 2012
Page 2
2. The proposed activity will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area.
• The NGPE is heavily vegetated and removal of five deceased trees will not destroy or damage habitat.
Felled trees will remain within the tract to decompose naturally and provide additional understory
habitat.
3. The proposed activity will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities.
+ Area of tree removal is outside designated stormwater retention area. The deceased trees provide no
drainage or stormwater retention and their removal will not affect further retention capabilities.
4. The proposed activity will not lead to unstable earth conditions nor create erosion hazards.
Tree removal is limited in scope. Stumps will remain, or if removed, such areas with bare soil will be
immediately covered or replanted. Remaining vegetation will provide adequate stabilization and erosion
controls.
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.
+ Tree removal will reduce the likelihood of private property damage. Result of tree removal will not
contribute to loss of open space.
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.)
• The trees proposed for removal are obviously deceased and should be removed to avoid failure and
potential property damage.
7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Environmental Policy Act.
• The department concludes hazardous tree removal within critical areas is a maintenance activity and
categorically exempt from an environmental threshold determination pursuant to FWRC 14.15.070.
The proposed activity is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 19.120, Clearing, Grading, and Tree
and Vegetation Retention.
+ Limited scope of work and preservation of existing vegetation is consistent with the purpose statement
and regulations of Chapter 19.120.
CLOSING
This administrative decision shall not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes, policies, and
standards relating to this site. Please contact Matthew Herrera, Associate Planner, if you have any questions
regarding this decision.
Sincerely,
Isaac Conlen, Planning Manager
for Patrick Doherty, Director
C. Matthew Herrera, Associate Planner
12-102645 Doc LD 61443
Isaac Conlen
From: Kris O'Neal tcmmko@aol.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2012 7:43 AM
To: Isaac Conlen
Subject: FW: RWHOA (What I was going to send)
Attachments: From 21st.JPG; From 21st-2.JPG; From 375th.JPG; From 375th-2.JPG
Mr. Conlen,
I represent the Regency Woods HOA. We have 4 dead trees in our NGPE which are a hazard to several of our
residents. We are requesting permission to have the trees removed at our expense. The trees are directly behind the
residences at 1945 S. 375th Street and 37557 21 st Ave S. Enclosed are pictures from both properties of the dead trees.
Steve Skipper talked with Kennith and Grace earlier today and showing them our plat and greenbelt location. We
appreciate your assistance on this matter.
0W"/
CM&MCo.
1911 SW Campus Dr. #454
Federal Way, WA 98023
Kris@cmm-wa.com
253-874-5250
253-793-8898 - fax
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