Loading...
13-104001FILE Federal Way January 17, 2014 Nancy Bruce Ventana HOA 30507 25`b Place SW Federal Way, WA 98023 RE: Permit #13-104001-00-AD; VENTANA OPEN SPACE TRACT "B" *NO SITE ADDRESS.* Dear Ms. Bruce: CITY HALL 33325 8th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 (253) 835-7000 www. cityoffederalway.. com This letter is written in response to your September 4, 2013, letter and December 16, 2013, arborist report requesting tree cutting/trimming in Tract B of the Ventana subdivision. Tract B is an open space tract dedicated to the Homeowners' Association (HOA). Note 6 on the face of the recorded plat states (in part) "The removal or disturbance of vegetation and landscaping shall be prohibited within Tract `B", except as is necessary for maintenance or replacement of existing plantings and as approved in writing by the City of Federal Way". You have requested the removal of some of the Big Leaf Maple multiple stems, smaller volunteer Big Leaf Maple saplings and Willows within the tract. The reason for the request is a) safety (stems, branches leaning over the roadway), b) improving tree health (many of the smaller stems are over -crowded and growing in a shaded environment which results in poor tree health) and c) view corridor maintenance. This area appears to be a critical area (due to slopes). Your arborist has expressed the opinion that the area is not a critical area, as the area in question is an engineered slope. That may or may not be the case, but without further analysis we do not know the answer. For that reason we are proceeding on the assumption the work is occurring within a critical area and is thus subject to Federal Way Interpretation #10-01. For that reason and because of the above -referenced plat notes, City approval is required for vegetation removal and maintenance. Analysis of Interpretation #10-01 Criteria Approval criteria for Interpretation # 10-01 are addressed below: I. The proposed activity will not adversely affect water quality. Tree roots will not be disturbed and adequate erosion protection to the slope will be retained. The approval has been conditioned to allow maintenance via hand tools only to limit impact (from heavy equipment) on surrounding soils. In addition, the slope above the trees in question, while originally a natural slope, has since been engineered and re -graded as part of the Ventana subdivision approval and thus is quite stable. 2. The proposed activity will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area. The parcel in question is not known to contain any specific wildlife habitat and therefore, the removal will not damage a Ms. Bruce January 17, 2014 Page 2 significant habitat area. The site will retain vegetation after maintenance. Overall tree health will be improved. Additionally, as conditioned, new plantings will be required. 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. Tree stumps along with the remaining un-touched vegetation and new plantings will stabilize any possible erosion. As mentioned above, the engineered slope is stable. The proposed activity will not be materially detrimental to any other property, nor to the city as a whole, including the loss ofsignificant open space. The tree work will remove unsafe overhanging limbs, improve overall tree health, and enable view corridors from the property above. Open space will not be decreased. The stability of the slope will not be affected as no earth disturbance will be allowed. Downslope neighbors have expressed a desire for retention of vegetation to screen the above homes, in the Ventana subdivision, from their view. Healthy tree stems will remain. Over -crowded stems and hazardous stems will be removed. Significant understory plants such as Witch Hazel and Indian Plum will remain as well. In addition, a condition requiring planting of a row of Cypress trees is imposed (see below). The result is that unhealthy trees will be removed, healthy trees will be retained, and a more effective screen will be created with the Cypress hedge. The proposed activity will not be detrimental to any other property or to the city as a whole. 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. The stems and saplings proposed to be removed are hazardous, unhealthy, and impacting the view corridor from the above property. The work is necessary for safety of the adjacent roadway, to allow for healthy tree growth, and to prevent significant loss of view. 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. 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. Analysis of Ventana Plat Condition The plat condition limits vegetation removal to that which is necessary for maintenance, and only then upon approval by the City. Maintenance actions are clearly necessary with regard to certain trees overhanging the roadway (20 Ave SW). Maintenance is also necessary to allow for healthy tree growth in order to avoid future hazardous tree scenarios. Lastly, maintenance/tree trimming is necessary to avoid significant loss of view over time. The plat condition is silent with regard to the type of maintenance that is contemplated. We find it 13-104001 Doc. I D 64697 Ms. Bruce January 17, 2014 Page 3 reasonable that limited view maintenance be included. The City authorizes reasonable tree cutting/maintenance throughout the city for partial preservation of view and this situation should be treated no differently. The request is reasonable in that it does not result in unobstructed views, but rather creates view corridors between retained trees. Further, the screening function performed by the trees proposed to be removed will be replaced by the required replacement plantings of Cypress trees. Tree cutting/pruning as proposed in the December 16, 2013, report by Thundering Oak Enterprises, specifically, the cutting/pruning identified in the "Before and After" drawings, is hereby authorized, subject to the below conditions: 1) Prior to tree removal a row of Cypress trees shall be planted. New plantings will begin just south of the existing Cypress row and will continue to the fire hydrant. Trees will be planted close enough to form a hedge -like growth over time. Contact Isaac Conlen at the number below to schedule an inspection upon planting. Owners will be responsible for maintaining these trees in healthy condition. 2) Following cutting activity, one Eddie's White Wonder Dogwood shall be planted midway between trees 5 and 6 (as depicted in the arborist report from Thundering Oak Enterprises, dated December 16, 2013). Call for an inspection once planted. Applicant shall ensure survival or replacement of this tree. 3) Cutting activity shall be accomplished with the use of hand held power tools or hand tools. 4) All stumps are to remain in place. Please keep this letter on site during any cutting activity. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached at 253-835-2643 or isaac.conlen(@cityoffederalway.com. Sincerely, Isaac Conlen Planning Manager c: Carey Lundstrom, Code Compliance Officer 13-104001 Doc. LD. 64697 1'Thundering Oak. I N'j 1-1i 11RISI:s December 16, 2013 Mrs. Nancy Bruce 30507 25" Pl. SW. Federal Way, Wa. 98023 Re: tree maintenance on Ventana Tract B P.O. Box 1847 AUBURN, WA 98071-1847 OFFICE 253-288-TREE (8733) FAX: 253.939.51 26 WWW.THUNDERINGOAK.COM RESUBMITTED DEC 16 209 CM OF FEDERAL WAY CDS Hi Nancy, I walked the above -mentioned site with you on September 30th. The purpose of the walk was to inspect the row of trees that line the road (261h Ave. SW.) at the foot of the Ventana development. This tract was left somewhat intact by the developer some 10-12 years ago and consists of a 25 foot wide band of green space between the foot of the engineered slope supporting your homes and the roadway. The length of the green space is approximately 295 feet. The desire here is to manage these trees in a manner that is consistent with Federal Way Ordinance Interpretation # 10-01 yet allows the HOA members to reduce recurring maintenance costs and maintain view corridors that existed when the homes were developed and sold. I recently completed a survey of the tract and have plotted the trees on the enclosed map. The numbered trees have tags attached to the stems of the trees. It is my opinion that leaving these numbered trees standing and providing appropriate pruning methods will leave a rather complete screen yet allow reasonable tree health and create acceptable view corridors. Removing crowded excess sapling stems, trees in decline or leaning significantly over the road will reduce risk of failure and allow remaining trees to develop better. The following trees are proposed to be left: Maple; southern edge of tract, not a view hindrance & healthy. No action recommended. # 1: 24" Douglas -fir. No action recommended. #2: 11" Bigleaf maple. One of a group of 6 stems. Remove other 5. #3: 8" Bigleaf maple. Minor side pruning. #4: 11" Bigleaf maple. #5: 14" Bigleaf maple. _ #6: 8" Bigleaf maple. Leave one stem growing from old stump. 47: 10" Bigleaf maple. No action recommended. #8: 12" Douglas -fir. No action recommended. #9: 10" Pacific madrone. No action recommended. #10: 21" Bigleaf maple. Large tree near property line. No pruning recommended at this time. #11: 19" Bigleaf maple. Large tree near property line. No pruning recommended at this time. #12: 12" Pacific Madrone. No —tion recommended. #13: 12" Pacific Madrone. No action recommended. #14: 12" Pacific Madrone. No action recommended. #15: 14" Douglas -fir. No action recommended. This row of trees now forms a solid wall of vegetation, with an understory of witch hazel, oceanspray, swordfern, salal and others. Many of the western stems grow out of the ground at a significant angle over the road; a result of constant shading by the central and eastern stems. This vegetation management plan calls for the reduction in density by removing excess stems from multi -stem groups, dying/decaying or otherwise hazardous trees and small diameter trees that do not have enough room to develop properly. Priority will be given to evergreen trees that are easy to maintain and smaller -diameter natives that can develop decay free over time. The tract is at the base of an engineered slope and just above a road and ditch; I do not believe it is a critical area. It is not a wetland and has no stream nearby. The wildlife habitat is minimal and will not be adversely affected by this trimming operation. In lieu of a site map I would prefer a staff/arborist site visit to identify which stems/trees to preserve/manage and which ones to remove. The tract is so crowded that proper perspective may be difficult to achieve on paper. This plan details the removal of approximately 25 stems from the tract, and leaving 16. The before and after site maps show where the trees to be left are located. Respectfully submitted, Bryce Landrud I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN0232 ,D,' �-_t�37-10 � September 4, 2013 RECEIVE® SEP 0 4 2013 City of Federal Way Planning Department Attn: Isaac Conlen CITY OF FEDERAL WAY 33325 8th Ave. S. CDS PO Box 9718 Federal Way, WA 98063-9718 Dear Isaac: I am writing to follow up on our discussions concerning the Open Space Tract "B" in the Ventana neighborhood. This parcel of land, which is 293 feet long and 25 feet deep, was deeded to the Ventana Homeowner's Association. The specific language of the deed states "Tract "B" is an open space tract and is hereby conveyed to the Homeowner's Association identified in Note 2 above (The articles of incorporation for the Ventana Homeowners Association are on file with the State of Washington, Olympia) for ownership and maintenance purposes. The removal and or disturbance of vegetation and landscaping shall be prohibited within Tract "B", except as necessary for maintenance or replacement of existing plantings and as approved in writing by the City of Federal Way." Our goal in writing this report is to secure your approval for a plan to maintain Tract "B". We hired Wes Bruhn of Bruhn Logging and Tree Service to assist us in evaluating and determining what needed to be done to maintain Tract B. Wes is a Certified Arborist and does tree work for King County. He is licensed and bonded (License # BRUHNLT926OL) and works throughout Puget Sound. I accompanied Mr. Bruhn on a walk through Tract "B". This is a summary of his findings. The trees in the tract are predominantly big leaf Maples (Acer macrophyllum) with a lesser amount of red alder (Alnus rubra), Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii), and Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). The understory is composed of native shrubs, vines and ferns. These include western hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), Salal (Gaultheria shallon) and Western Sword ferns (Polystichum munitum). The Maples and Alder have been topped at different times in the past as evidenced by their growth patterns. There are many co -dominant tops as a result of prior cuttings. There is also significant side growth resulting in weak and diseased tree branches growing over the road (26Th Ave. SW). Please note that Mr. Bruhn was very concerned about the safety of these overhanging branches. The Homeowner's Association is also concerned from both a safety and liability perspective. The Maples show signs of rot and disease at or above the prior topping sites. Evidence of disease included missing or flaking bark, visible rotted wood, and woodpecker activity. Mr. Bruhn recommended that the trees be cut below the prior topping sites to remove all diseased areas. In addition the branches comprising the side growth overhanging 26th Ave SW would be taken back to a healthy branch, if possible, or removed if not. The understory would be left undisturbed. The Madrona and Fir trees would not be cut. In addition, there are 2 extremely large maples in front of lot 23 that are leaning towards the street. My Bruhn recommends lightening up the downhill side of the trees by selective branch thinning. We concur with Mr. Bruhn's recommendations. The tree height after trimming would be 20 feet above the street (26th Ave SW) providing a seasonal screen for the neighbors living on 26th Ave SW. In addition, lots 20 through 22 have or will be planting a hedge of Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis Leylandii). This is a fast growing evergreen tree which provides an all year evergreen screen for the neighbors. (Note: Lot 23 has no in front of it. All of the Madronas in the tract are in front of this lot and serve to screen the property from the street). Our ongoing maintenance goal will be to keep the Maple and Alder at 20 feet and to ensure that no branches extend over the street (26th Ave SW). All understory trees, shrubs, salal and ferns will remain undisturbed. Our hope would be to start working on this as soon as possible. Should you have further questions you can contact Wes Bruhn at 360-829- 1288 or Nancy Bruce at 206-369-5067. We look forward to a reply at your earliest convenience. ;Sincerely, Nancy Bruce Ventana Homeowners Association Vhundering Oak I:iNTLItVItISI"', 6CT— I `- 2n (3 November 4—," 13 Mrs. Nancy Bruce 30507 25th Pl. SW. Federal Way, Wa. 98023 Re: tree maintenance on Ventana Tract B P.O. Box 1847 AUBURN, WA 98071-1847 OFFICE 253-288-TREE (8733) FAX: 253.939.51 26 WWW.THUNDER]NGOAK.COM Hi Nancy, I walked the above -mentioned site with you on September 30th. The purpose of the walk was to inspect the row of trees that line the road (26'h Ave. SW.) at the foot of the Ventana development. This tract was left somewhat intact by the developer some 10-12 years ago and consists of a 25 foot wide band of green space between the foot of the engineered slope supporting your homes and the roadway. The length of the green space is approximately 295 feet. The desire here is to manage these trees in a manner that is consistent with Federal Way Ordinance Interpretation # 10-01 yet allows the HOA members to reduce recurring maintenance costs and maintain view corridors that existed when the homes were developed and sold. A cursory survey of this tract shows a tree density that would qualify as `overstocked'; primarily because most of the existing maples were cleared many years ago and have resprouted 3-8 stems each from the old stumps, most of which have been trimmed or topped repeatedly over the years. I counted as individual stems (at 4.5 feet above ground) the following number for each species: Willow — 2 Bitter cherry — 3 Pacific madrone — 5 Douglas -fir — 5 (all less than 6" diameter) Red alder — 8 Bigleaf maple — 45 This row of trees now forms a solid wall of vegetation, with an understory of witch hazel, oceanspray, swordfern, salal and others. Many of the western stems grow out of the ground at a significant angle over the road; a result of constant shading by the central and eastern stems. This vegetation management plan calls for the reduction in density by removing excess stems from multi -stem groups, dying/decaying or otherwise hazardous trees and small diameter trees that do not have enough room to develop properly. Priority will be given to evergreen trees that are easy to maintain and smaller -diameter natives that can develop decay free over time. Most of the Douglas -fir trees a-, all of the madrones are located at the r'-Ahern end of the tract, along with two large mature bigleaf maples. Though the maples may be pruned (via crown raising) at a later date, they are to be left alone at this time. The firs and madrones•will be left, with the exception of one poorly formed small fir sapling on the slope. The maple stems will be thinned to one stem every 20 - 30 feet to allow for crown spread and view corridors. The alders are all leaning toward the road and in poor condition; they will be removed. All witch hazel and other understory species will be preserved intact. The tract is at the base of an engineered slope and just above a road and ditch; I do not believe it is a critical area. It is not a wetland and has no stream nearby. The wildlife habitat is minimal and will not be adversely affected by this trimming operation. In lieu of a site map I would prefer a staff/arborist site visit to identify which stems/trees to preserve/manage and which ones to remove. The tract is so crowded that proper perspective may be difficult to achieve on paper. I will submit this letter to Isaac Conlen with the City; he will advise me as to next steps. Respectfully submitted, Bryce Landrud I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN0232