15-102551FILE
July 8, 2015
Shirley Agodoa
514 South Marine Hills Way
Federal Way, WA 98003
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
RE: File #15-102551-00-AD; GHA INTRUSION RESPONSE
Agodoa Property, 514 South Marine Hills Way, Federal Way
Dear Mrs. Agodoa:
The City of Federal Way's Community Development Department has reviewed your request for after -the -fact
approval for an intrusion into critical area setback consisting of tree and vegetation removal and placement of
gravel.
Per the request and pictures that were provided, 8 to 10 yards of gravel was added to your property and spread
across the backyard to cover up the horsetail as weed control. The gravel is 8 '/z feet to 14 feet wide in areas
and is adjacent to blackberry bushes near the top of the slope. The trees have been cut and left on the slope and
the stumps have been left in the ground.
GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS
According to the City's Critical Areas map, your property is located within a geologically hazardous area
(erosion and landslide hazard areas). The city has recently updated the Critical Area chapter of the Federal
Way Revised Code (FWRC); referenced code sections have been enclosed in this letter. Pursuant to FWRC
19.145.230, the Director may permit intrusion into such areas if it will not lead to or create any increased slide,
seismic, or erosion hazard.
Verification that the added gravel and tree removal will not lead to or create an increased slide hazard is
required. Please provide a geotechnical report prepared by a geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist
licensed in the state that meets the criteria outlined in FWRC 19.145.080(2) and 19.145.250. The report should
also address what should be done with the fallen trees and recommendations for corrective actions as
necessary. The geotechnical report may be reviewed by the City's third party consultant at the applicant's
expense.
CLOSING
Please provide the necessary geotechnical report by September 30, 2015. Any future vegetation maintenance
or intrusions within the GHA will require prior approval by the city.
If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact me at 253-835-2641, or
Becky.chapin@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
&C, k01-:-
Becky Chapin
Associate Planner
Doc. I.D. 69793
33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 (253) 835-7000 www.cityoffederalway.com
F
25P. "
December 4, 2015 Jim Ferrell, Mayor
Shirley Agodoa
514 South Marine Hills Way
Federal Way, WA 98003
RE: File #15-102551-00-AD; GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREA APPROVAL
Agodoa GHA Intrusion, 514 South Marine Hills Way, Federal Way
Dear Mrs. Agodoa:
The City of Federal Way's Community Development Department has completed technical review of your
request for after -the -fact approval to intrude into a Geologically Hazardous Area (GHA) for vegetation
maintenance and removal activities. This includes placing clean gravel (crashed rock) erosion blanket
near the top of the slope, trimming of small trees and brush on the slope area, and removal of one tree on
the slope area.'
Based on the Geotechnical Report prepared by GeoResources, dated September 28, 2015, the vegetation
trimming in the upper slope area and placement of crushed rock above the slope do not increase the risk
of erosion and/or slope instability. No ground disturbance occurred and the vegetation was trimmed. The
geotechnical engineer also evaluated the impact of cutting one tree on the slope and determined that this
action does not have an adverse impact on slope stability.
The work is approved this one time. Any future vegetation maintenance, tree removal, or plans for on-
going maintenance in the GHA will require Director's review and approval prior to the activities taking
Ip ace. If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact Becky Chapin, Associate Planner,
at 253-835-2641 or becky.chapin@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
rXw""Ll-A,
Michael A. Morales
Community Development Director
c: Becky Chapin; Associate Planner
1 It appears one tree may have been cut on the slope although this has not been confirmed definitively. Further, it is not clear
whose property the tree was situated upon.
Doc. I.D_ 71409
33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 (253) 835-7000 www.cityoffederalway.com
Becky Chapin
From: Isaac Conlen
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 9:48 AM
To: Scott Sproul; Michael Morales
Cc: Becky Chapin
Subject: RE: Tree Concerns
Hi Michael,
To add to this — Planning has been working with the uphill property owner to obtain approval for the unpermitted work
they did on their property. The work included placement of some crushed rock and tree trimming/cutting on the slope.
This requires AD approval because the work is taking place in a geologically hazardous area.
We required them to obtain a geotechnical report to establish if the work had any detrimental impact on the slope. The
geotechnical report indicates the work does not have a detrimental impact on the slope. Based on that we are ready to
approve the AD — but will hold off till we hear from you.
A couple other points. Mr. Case believes the uphill neighbor cut a tree and left it laying on the slope. This is probably
true, although we have not been able to confirm it at this point (and given the circumstances it would be difficult to
establish whose property the cut tree was on). He has repeatedly expressed that he fears the cut tree will slide down the
slope and damage his property. This seems highly unlikely. A tree lying on a slope is acted upon by too much friction to
spontaneously slide down a hillside. Branches and the rough texture and shape of the trunk and the heavy underbrush in
the area would prevent sliding. We asked the geotech about this question and he indicated it is not a problem. With
regard to the comment about water flowing onto their property, that is not surprising given the weather pattern
yesterday and Sunday. It rained extremely hard here so rainwater was certainly running down the hillside. There's no
evidence that had anything to do with a cut tree.
Becky can fill you in when you return. I'll be out on vacation.
Isaac Conlen
Planning Manager
253 835 2643
From: Scott Sproul
Sent: Monday, November 09, 2015 4:07 PM
To: Michael Morales; Isaac Conlen
Subject: RE: Tree Concerns
Michael
I just completed a site visit with John, we can see no erosion down the hill, we walk the same places as the pictures
were taken, the hill side is very dense with trees. The rain storm we had today was very intents and yes it did move
some small gravel on path but we did not see any hill side erosion. As which tree I do not know which property he is
talking about.
Scott
From: Michael Morales
Sent: Monday, November 09, 2015 2:24 PM
To: Isaac Conlen; Scott Sproul
Subject: Fwd: Tree Concerns
Please provide an update. My recollection is that it's connected to the larger review and we couldn't prove
who was responsible. Again, these are not federal way residents. Isn't this a public works issue?
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Smartphone
----- Forwarded message -----
From: "Malcolm Case" <iustincase00@gmail.com>
To: "Michael Morales" <Michael.Morales@cityoffed eralway.com>, "Fei Tang"
<Fei.Tan cit offederalwa .com>
Cc: "scheffervi@comcast.net" <scheffervi@comcast.net>, "Carol Grasso" <grassoci@yahoo.com>, "Tom
Anderson" <tomkingmr@msn.com>, "Leslie Dizon" <I.dizon@comcast.net>, "Richard Haff"
<nhaffr@yahoo.com>, "Doug Peace" <peace@crowncompanies.com>
Subject: Tree Concerns
Date: Mon, Nov 9, 2015 2:08 PM
Michael,
Do you have any updated information regarding the downed tree behind our Redondo Ridge condo complex,
and any estimation on when the tree will be removed? With the current heavy rains, we have concerns with the
tree coming down the hill and possibly damaging parked cars or other property.
I am currently in Arizona but have been receiving e-mails from our condo residents that there is a significant
amount of water running down the hillside and eroding part of our property. We do not know the origin of the
water, but have a concern that it may be the result of the tree being cut down and water being diverted to the
south end of our property.
Fei,
The water may also be the result of the work that was done on the drain pipe at the south end of our property,
just behind Jeff Johnson's house.
It would be greatly appreciated if you would send someone to address this issue right away. We have not had
this problem in the past. This is a result of some recent change by either the property owners above us or to the
hillside.
I have attached photos to give you an idea of the erosion we are experiencing.
Please call me if necessary to discuss.
Thank you!
Malcolm Case
President - Redondo Ridge condos Board of Directors
(206) 718-5461
Becky Chapin
From:
Brad Biggerstaff <BradB@georesources.us>
Sent:
Monday, October 12, 2015 10:55 AM
To:
Isaac Conlen
Cc:
Becky Chapin
Subject:
RE: GHA
Good morning. My question is specific to the subject site and what was done, not landscaping in general. Relative to
the two landscaping issues at this site, the placing of a thin layer of clean crushed rock over a weed/filter fabric, rather
than bark that has to be replaced on a regular basis does not change the hydrologic character of the site. The clean rock
over the pervious fabric allows the water to infiltrate into the underlying soils to the extent it did previously. Our
understanding was that the preexisting condition was old mostly decomposed bark with scattered weeds. And in most
jurisdictions, unless you are disturbing the soil and roots, it is not considered grading or development, simply
landscaping. And the placement of clean crushed rock (quarry spalls) on slope or even landslide areas, is a common
stabilization mitigation option.
The issue of trimming trees'and leaving the debris on the slope depends on the amount and type of debris. We
commonly recommend that trees on or near slopes be trimmed to reduce the wind sail effect which is detrimental to
long term slope stability. Provided the under growth is maintained, the overall vegetative performance relative to
rainfall is not changed significantly. And provided the trees trimmed area deciduous, they grow back rapidly, and
typically are in a healthier condition based on our discussions with arborists. Relative to the debris, provided the debris
is not stockpiled, there should be no adverse impact. Stockpiling tends to kill the underlying vegetation. And removing
the vegetation can result in disturbance of the undergrowth and surficial soils, which then leads to potential erosion and
slope stability issues.
Hope that helps answer the questions. Brad
From: Isaac Conlen [ma iIto: Isaac.Conlen @citvoffederalwa .cony]
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:08 AM
To: Brad Biggerstaff <BradB eoresources.us>
Cc: Becky Chapin <Becky.Chapin@cityoffederalway.com>
Subject: FW: GHA
Hi Brad,
Becky forwarded your report and email response.
I'm curious about the question you pose in your email. I also have several questions on the report.
You indicated "not sure why we are doing this, seems like landscaping".
FWRC 19.145.220 states "This article regulates development activities on or within 50-feet of a geologically hazardous
area". Clearing vegetation, and placing crushed rock in a significant amount is clearly a development activity and it is
directly adjacent to the top of slope. Therefore, the reason a geotech report is required is because City code requires it
in this circumstance.
But, setting the code aside for a second, I'm still curious about your question. I agree what they did is landscaping work.
Are you suggesting that landscaping work could never have any detrimental impact on slope stability? Your question
implies that to be the case. Our concern is the incremental modification of upslope properties that over time could
contribute to slope instability. There have been several landslides in recent years in this area. We have neighbors at the
bottom of this slope arguing that modifications made to upslope properties have contributed to the cause of these
landslides. The addition of rock to an area that was previously vegetated has the potential to change drainage patterns,
which certainly has the potential to affect slope stability.
The submitted report does not address the issue of drainage. There's no discussion of the square footage of the rock
placement. There's no discussion of the infiltration characteristics of the rock or the underlying soil. Is the rock
compacted? I assume the fabric placed under the rock is pervious, but that should be confirmed.
In your report you state that you did not observe any significant tree stumps. Fair enough, but we have been provided
with a photograph of a recently cut tree and stump on the slope. It seems likely that at least one medium sized tree was
cut somewhere along the slope. The downhill neighbor is alleging that leaving the tree and other cut debris laying on the
slope is a hazard to his property and that it should be removed. Can you address this issue?
Please respond to the questions about drainage and cut debris on the slope.
Thanks.
Best,
Isaac Conlen
Planning Manager
253 835 2643
From: Becky Chapin
Sent: Friday, October 02, 2015 4:04 PM
To: Isaac Conlen
Subject: FW: GHA
Isaac,
I received the following report from GeoResources for vegetation maintenance work that was done in a GHA.
Thanks, Becky
From: Brad Biggerstaff [mailto:BradB@aeoresources.us]
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 10:45 AM
To: Becky Chapin
Cc: apadoa00100netscape.net
Subject: GHA
Here is report ................not sure why we are doing this, seems like landscaping. Brad
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
.RECEIVED 33325 8`h Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
CITY OF OCT 0 2 2015 253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
Federal Way w■vw.citvoftcderalway.com
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
CDS
RESUBMITTAL INFORMATION
This completed form MUST accompany all resubmittals.
**Please note: Additional or revised plans or documents for an active project will not be accepted
unless accompanied by this completed form. Mailed resubmittals that do not include this form or that
do not contain the correct number of copies will be returned or discarded. You are encouraged to
submit all items in person and to contact the Permit Counter prior to submitting ifyou are not sure
about the number of copies required. **
ANYCHANGES TO DRAWINGS MUST BE CLOUDED.
Project Number: 15 - _� 0 " J G _L
Project Name: Qd o
Project Address: a -
J
Project Contact: Phone: 17� xg �1 q-0 5
L
RESUBMITTED ITEMS:
# of Copies **
_(DO -ft�)
Detailed Description of Item
** Always submit the same number of copies as required foryour initial application."
Resubmittal Requested by: Letter Dated: -7
K,Staffto r
RESUB #.-
OFFICE USE Oft Y
Distribution Date: C)2/(S
# I Descripti
Bulletin # 129 - January ] , 2011 Page 1 of ] k:\Handouts\Resubmittal Information
GeoResources, LLC
Ph. 253-896-1011 5007 Pacific Hwy. E, Suite 16
Fx. 253-896-2633 Fife, Washington 98424
September 28, 2015
Ms, Shirley Agodoa
514 S Marine Hills Way
Federal Way, WA 98023
Geotechnical Report
Landscaping in GHA
514 S Marine Hills Way
Federal Way, WA 98023
File: 15-102551-00-AD
Job: Agodoa.SMari neHillsWay.RG
This report provides summarizes our site observations and provides the requested
information for the City, of Federal Way per their letter.of July 8, 2016 regarding, landscaping
activity on the subjecf property,. We understand thatthe City has identified the rear portion of
the property as being situated within a GHA (Geologic Hazard Area) because of the.slope
inclinations. The "intrusion" into the GHA area on your property consisted of placing a clean
gravel (crushed rock) erosion blanket near the top of the rear steeper slope area, and trimming
the small trees and .brush on the slope area. Based on our site observations, the rock
landscape material was placed over a landscape fabric and extends from the rear landscape
wall and stairway approximately 8 to 15 feet towards the top of the lower steep.stope. The rock
material ranged from,f to several inches in thickness: The rock did not extend onto the steep
slope area. Based on our discussions with you, this area was previously, covered with noxious
weeds and invasive vegetation. Photographs of the landscaped area are attached.
Additionally, we understand that you retained a landscaper to re -trim the higher growing
vegetation on the upper slope area situated on your property. The City indicated that this
included trees, however we did not observe any significant tree stumps on the slope area, rather
small deciduous trees and brush (vine maples and invasive blackberries). Many of the stumps
showed evidence of previous trimming from a number of years ago, indicating that this is an
area maintained for view, similar to the adjacent properties. It appears that the trimming of the
vegetation was in general accordance with the standards of practice for this type of view
maintenance.
Although it may have been prudent for you to notify the City of the vegetation maintenance
activity, this activity is certainly allowed for maintenance of your and your neighbor's view
corridors. Relative to the placement of the clean crushed rock, it is obvious that this material
was placed as landscaping in an effort to prevent the intrusion of the invasive noxious weeds
and reduce maintenance. This rock material is no different that placing other erosion protection
material such as bark, except that it does not have to be replaced every few years. Thus, this is
a long term solution to the issue.
This report is provided to meet the "geotechnical report" requirements of the "GHA
Intrusion". It is our opinion however, a geotechnical report is not warranted. No ground
disturbance occurred and the vegetation was trimmed, not removed. The lower growing
vegetation was maintained. The clean crushed rock was placed as a landscape ground cover
over a filter fabric, similar to placing bark or other erosion protective material. In the future, we
recommend that you contact the city prior to doing the vegetation management for view corridor
in the GHA.
Per FWRC 19.145.080(2) and 19.145.250, the vegetation trimming in the upper slope eEcEgvE®
and placement of the clean crushed rock above the slope do not increase the risk of erosion
OCT 0 2 2015
Cl fY OF FEDERAL WAY
CDS
Agogoa - S Marine Hills Way
September 28, 2015
Page 2
and/or slope instability. In fact, it is our opinion that appropriate trimming of the larger
vegetation while maintaining the lower growing vegetation improves slope stability.
Appropriate trimming of the alder and maple trees actually promotes healthy growth of the
trees. Given the size of the vegetation trimmed, provided the material is dispersed across the
area and not nested or stockpiled, it does not have an adverse impact on scope stability.
Stockpiles debris tends to kill the low growing vegetation.
The placement of the clean crushed rock as landscaping ground cover functions as an
erosion control material and last significantly longer than bark and other decomposable
materials. Thus less disturbance of the area occurs. This material, as placed, does not
adversely impact slope stability.
We have appreciated working for you on this project. Please do not hesitate to call at
your earliest convenience if you have any questions or comments.
Respectfully submitted,
BRADLEY P DIGGERSTAFF
Brad P-. Biggerstaff, LEG, LHG
Principal
BPB:DCB:bpb
Doc ID:Agodoa.SMarinehilsWay.L
Attachments: Figure 1: Site Photos
Dana C. Biggerstaff, PE
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
f�or'S
Shirley Agodoa
RECEIVED BY
514 S. Marine Hills Way COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC
Federal Way, WA 98003 DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MAY 2 2 2015
12 May 2015
Ms. Becky Chapin
Associate Planner
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
Dear Becky
It was good meeting you and talking to you last week and thank you for the Department of Community
Development Services Interpretation #10-01.
As I mentioned to you, prior to building on this property we had two Geotechnical assessments, both
privately and from the City of Federal Way. The location of the house was based on their reports. At no
point were we provided a copy of the City's policy on Vegetation Maintenance in a Critical Area. Until
our discussion I was not aware that the area we ordered the gravel to be placed to control rapidly
growing horsetail weed was defined as a "Critical Area."
Per your instruction, I hereby request (after -the -fact) that we are allowed to cover a small area on the
north end of our property with gravel for weed control. A description of the area is shown below:
Sincere y,
Shirley Agodoa
IRW
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Becky Chapin
From: Shirley Agodoa <sagodoa@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2015 5:23 PM
To: beckychapin@cityoffederalway.com
Subject: Pictures of Agodoa Back Yard
Becky,
The three pictures taken today, May 5, show the work done to help contain the Horse Tails from the walk way to the Blackberries
lining our
back yard.
It was nice meeting you, and please give my home phone number to
Kalon.
Shirley Agodoa
253-839-1405
.011W.
Sent from my iPad
f
3
22 November, 2016
Mr. Scott Steckline
Code Compliance Officer
Community Development Department
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Av South
Federal Way, WA 98003
Re: File # 16-105510-000-00-VO
Dear Mr. Steckline
Lawrence & Shirley Agodoa
514 S Marine Hills Way
Federal Way, WA 98003
RECEIVED BY
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
NOV 2 8 2016
A year ago, the member from the Redondo Ridge Condominium
Association contacted the City of Federal Way with a similar
complaint and cited our newly installed gravel patch with
erosion blanket as the possible culprit. The Community
Development Director, Mr. Michael Morales through Associate
Planner, Ms. Becky Chapin, ordered us to have a Geotechnical
examination of our property and the hill side. The geotechnical
engineers reported to the City of Federal Way that they did not
find any situation on our property that would have adverse
impact on slope stability.
The sediment laden water your staff observed in the ravine did
not originate from our property. The contractor who built this
house was guided by Federal Way City ordinance to make sure that
no free water flowed from the property down the slope. From
that together with the findings from the recent evaluation by
the geotechnical engineers, this property is in compliance with
City of Federal Way codes.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
-PQ-�
Lawrence Agodoa
Shirley & Lawrence Agodoa Home Tel &FAX.• 253-839-1405 Mobile. 253-653-1515
E-mail: AGQDOA001 NETSCAPE.NET