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
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❑ 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.
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