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19-104007CITY OF Federal Way Centered on Opportunity Mr. Izzy Nosan A Plus Tree, Inc. 3490 Buskirk Ave Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 izA. a a lustree.com Re: File #19-104007-00-AD; TREE REMOVAL REQUEST Avery at the Reserve,125 SW Campus Drive, Federal Way, WA Dear Mr. Nosan: CITY HALL 33325 8th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 (253) 835-7000 www. cityoffederalway.. com Jim Ferrell, Mayor August 29, 2019 On August 19, 2019, the City of Federal Way's Department of Community Development received a tree removal request inquiry regarding removal of hazardous trees throughout the site of Avery at the Reserve Apartments (parcel 192104-9017), submitted by you representing A Plus Tree, Inc. The multi -family apartment complexes and property are owned by CA Reservice Owner, LLC and they have requested maintenance of trees on site by A Plus Tree, Inc. Your proposed scope of work includes removing ten trees of varying species interspersed around the 39.15 acre property (zoned RM 2400), all within close proximity to apartment homes and community roadways. DECISION The requested removal of ten identified trees, equaling 13 tree units, at 125 SW Campus Drive, Federal Way, WA (parcel 192104-9017), is hereby approved subject to conditions. CONDITIONS Equivalent tree units will be replanted onsite to meet prior site conditions before the 13 tree units are removed from hazardous locations around the site. This condition is applied as a result of the large wetland critical area present on the eastern portion of the property. Per Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.120.130(3), tree units within the critical area cannot be applied to the minimum tree density requirements, resulting in a need to maintain prior tree density onsite before removal. Vegetation Maintenance Plan The following plan was submitted by you, an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist: 1. One multi -stemmed service berry (<12" d.b.h.) overhanging threat and recommended to be removed. 2. One Douglas fir (12" d.b.h.) leaning over recreation area and recommended to be removed. 3. One Crimson King maple (3" d.b.h.) dying and recommended to be removed. 4. One Western cottonwood (14" d.b.h.) overhanging threat and recommended to be removed. 5. One fir (6" d.b.h) dying and recommended to be removed. 6. Two shore pines (8" & 12" d.b.h.) dying and recommended to be removed. 7. Three red alders (5", 4", & 6" d.b.h) dying and recommended to be removed. Mx. Izzy Nosan Page 2of2 August 29, 2019 Photos in the report confirm the trees are leaning over the buildings, recreation areas, pedestrian paths, and roadways; as well as confirm the poor health of a number of trees. Tree Removal Request Analysis Following review of the tree and vegetation retention policy staff finds your proposal is exempt from permitting requirements and you may proceed with your vegetation maintenance plan as proposed. The remainder of this letter provides analysis of applicable portions of the Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC). Aippluability — FWRC 19.120.020 states no person shall remove any trees on a site without first obtaining approval of a tree retention plan by the director; except for those activities that are exempt as described in FWRC 19.120.030. Removal of Dead, Dying, Or Diseased Trees — FWRC 19.120.030(12) exempts the removal of overhanging vegetation and fire hazards, or removal of invasive species, hazard trees, nuisance vegetation, or dead, dangerous, or diseased trees when authorized by the director or his/her designee. Pursuant to FWRC Table 19.120.130(1): Minimum Tree Density Requirements for Vacant or Redeveloping Sites Land Use Designation Required Tree Unit Density RM 1800, RM 2400, RM 3600 30 tree units/acre • The applicant proposes removing 10 trees. Based upon the trunk sizes, this would reduce the property's tree density by 13 units. As seen in aerial photos, the area is heavily wooded, but a large amount of this area is within a wetland critical area which cannot be counted towards the site's total tree density requirements. ■ Trees proposed to be removed are not located within any critical areas. • Trees proposed to be removed do not have a detrimental impact on the perimeter landscaping areas. CLOSING Be advised that this exemption is applicable to the maintenance proposed in the August 19, 2019, submittal to the city and any expanded scope of work should be verified for exemption status. This administrative decision shall not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes, policies, and standards relating to this site. Please feel free to contact me at (253) 835-2622, or xvilEam.goldingQa citvoffederal vay.corn, if you have any questions regarding this letter or the city's tree retention policy. Sincerely, William Golding Planning Intern 19-104007-00-AD D- I.D. 79556 RECEIVED REQUEST Fo. ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION 41k CITY OF AUG 19 2019 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 33325 81h Avenue South Federal Way CITY OF FEDERAL WAY Federal Way, WA 9800 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609 www.cit offederaiwa .corn FILE NUMBER �'� - Date Applicant NAME i -:?:; -2�-j /AAa .s vi PRIMARY PHONE g.16 5sa 9 BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION ALTERNATE PHONE MAILING ADDRESS G E-MAIL CITY Q►f-c,5Gvi.I— f- - le t STATE CA ZIP 5L1s 93 FAX � Property Address/Location AJf-(',7 ot- � � e— IF (25-e (< y -t 01 ot5 5L,,3 Description of Request L d�a /)° �' " A14l2 1 �ece 5 eR✓+Z2 �cr!'7 l/�rooi , vt Dovyl cu _ F;�l W �'01 l e,44 I n - key\/ (' I -y CV40, 0-Jj QI:en} ; ti le)(Ces F List/Describe Attachments ° 5 + Tom- f' E'L 1 KoPojqc� eKc^ l n1 h G For Staff Use ❑ Code Interpretation/Clarification ❑ Critical Areas Letter/Analysis/Peer Review ❑ Request for Extension (Land Use/Plat Approval) ❑ Revisions to Approved Permit XTree Removal ❑ Zoning Compliance Letter Bulletin #079 — January 4, 2016 Page 1 of 1 kMandouts\Request for Administrative Decision A• PLUS GROW YOUR FOREST IN THE CLOUD ARBORIST REPORT for Avery At The Reserve Con Am Management Corporation 125 SW Campus Dr., Federal Way, WA 98023 By Izzy Nosan I ISA Certified Arborist WE-11653A I izzy@aplustree.com 3490 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 1 (206) 550-6679 1 www.aplustree.com Background A Plus Tree, Inc. was contacted by Avery At The Reserve apartment homes in Federal Way, Information WA requesting a tree risk assessment of all trees on site. The property was walked and the 10 trees on this report were viewed as being completely dead, close to death, or dangerous (having a moderate to high risk given nearby targets and occupancy rates), and have been recommended for removal. The recommended removals are interspersed around the 39.15 acre property, all within close proximity to critical targets such as apartment homes and community roadways. This property contains several large forested greenbelts. If the proposed removal of the trees on this report should be approved by the City of Federal Way, the property will retain more than enough Existing Trees based on the City of Federal Way requirements for Tree Units. Assignment (and any A Plus was requested to assess the trees at Avery At The Reserve and provide a report limiting factors) regarding recommendation for safety concerns to distinguish which trees posed the highest risk. Management intends to reduce the risk of tree failures on site by acquiring arborist services for removal of the most hazardous trees. Where practical, debris from the proposed removals will be left in the adjacent wilderness area to replicate the natural decomposition process of the surrounding environment. The base of the cottonwood was not visible given thick blackberry brambles surrounding the tree. Observations Upon inspection of the site, 10 trees were deemed as dead, dying, or likely to fail and impact nearby targets, posing significant consequences. These trees were categorized as Moderate to High Risk trees. 1) 1 multi -stemmed (3 stems averaging 5" in diameter) serviceberry which has substantial decay and growing above a pedestrian walkway and near 2 buildings 2) 1 12" Douglas -fir leaning toward a pool/recreational area. This tree has signs of soil upheaval where the tension structural roots appear to have been severed. The compression roots do not appear to be structurally integral, and seem to have developed as a response to the lean. It appears that this tree may have started as a nurse log -tree. Given the adjacent recreational area, soil upheaval and lack of sufficient structural roots, this tree is recommended to be removed. 3) 1 3" dead Crimson King maple planted along the main entrance to the community. This tree is completely dead and along the road. 4) 1 Western cottonwood (14") growing behind an apartment home. This tree has a significant lean over the building, and is expected to fail in a heavy -loading event (such as a wind or snow storm or over -saturated soil conditions) or under normal circumstances. Given the species characteristics of cottonwoods, these trees are prone to sudden failures and decay. It is recommended to remove this tree as should a failure occur, the consequences would be significant. 5) 1 6" mostly dead fir tree located above a parking area. 6) 2 dead shore pines (8" & 12") located by parking areas/roads. 7) 3 dead red alders (5", 4", 6") located above a parking area and near a building. These trees are in an area where failure could consequently impact pedestrians, motorists, buildings, and parked vehicles. Testing and Analysis No soil assessment or advanced testing procedures were conducted. Discussion The integrity of these trees is concerning for Avery At The Reserve. Given the present conditions of these trees (dead, dying, or dangerous) proximity of critical targets, and the poor species characteristics, these 10 trees were viewed as posing a risk to the community. Recommendation Following the site visit to Avery At The Reserve, it is recommended that the aforementioned trees be removed. Where possible, debris will be left in greenbelt areas to replicate natural decomposition processes. Alternative mitigation options were considered but removal was deemed the preferred recommendation out of practicality and to minimize residual risk. 444, 419 kit Vv Ls For 71 Ar mow. If Nor � . ■ � ice+. AMOM mm Y r.