16-103277A�kCITY OF
Federal Way
July 26, 2016
Ron Marchitto
28833 7"' Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
RE: File #16-103277-00-AD; ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
Edlund Tree Removal, 606 S Marine Hills Way, Federal Way
Dear Mr. Marchitto:
F14E
HALL
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
(253) 835-7000
www. cityoffederalway.. com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
The Community Development Department has received your request to remove trees at the above -
referenced address. According to the city's critical areas inventory, the trees are located in erosion hazard
and landslide hazard areas, and therefore, removal does not qualify as an exempt action under Federal
Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.120.030. The department has issued Interpretation #10-01 that provides
clarification of the proper procedure, application materials, and decisional criteria for vegetation removal
within identified critical areas.
DECISION
The proposed tree work is hereby approved per the findings and conclusions provided below.
BACKGROUND
On June 17, 2016, the city received a request from Penny Edlund to remove trees from her property at
606 S Marine Hills Way. As detailed in the letter provided by Ms. Edlund and the attached work estimate
from Maplewood Arbor Care, 22 trees are to be removed and two trees are to be pruned to improve
views. The stumps and roots are to remain. The removed trees will be replaced with 22 new Leland
Cypress trees. Tree removal was already underway when the request letter was submitted.
On July 18, 2016, the city received a request from Ron Marchitto on behalf of Ms. Edlund to participate
in the critical area direct services program. The subsequent geotechnical report, prepared by Associated
Earth Sciences (AES), concluded, "The cutting of the trees on the property to date and the remaining trees
planned should not impact the overall global stability of the slope and increase erosion potential."
DECISIONAL CRITERIA
Planning Division staff reviewed the request and provided a response to each of the director's decisional
criteria below.
1. 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.
2. The proposed activity will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area. The parcel in question
is not a significant habitat area.
Mr. Mar hitto
July 26.2016
Page 2
3. The proposed activity will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities. Tree
stumps and root systems will be retained, so work will not alter the drainage course or contribute to
drainage and stormwater retention failures.
4. The proposed activity will not lead to unstable earth conditions, nor create erosion hazards. The
geotechnical study by AES concluded the tree removal as proposed will not lead to unstable
conditions or erosion hazards.
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. The tree removal will not contribute to the loss of
open space.
The proposed activity is necessary to: a) maintain existing pathways and landscaping, ensure the
health of existing vegetation, achieve litnited 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
minitnize potential impacts from dead, dying, diseased, or otherwise dangerous or nuisance
vegetation. Tree removal and pruning is requested to allow for view maintenance.
7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Enviromnental Policy Act. The
department concludes this activity is exempt from SEPA review.
8. The proposed activity is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 19.120, "Clearing, Grading, and
Tree and Vegetation Retention. " The proposed tree removal 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 Senior Planner Dave Van De Weghe at 253-835-2638, or
David.VanDeWeghe@cityoffederalway.com, should you have any questions regarding this decision.
Sincerely,
Stacey Welsh
Acting Planning Manager
c: Penelope Edlund, 606 S Marine Hills Way, Federal Way, WA 98003
Dave Van De Weghe, Senior Planner
I6-103277 Doc LD 74220
` REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
CITY DF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
33325 81h Avenue South Federal Way Federal Way, WA 98003 6325
253-835-2607;Fax 253-835-2609
® EC�Y:Ci�9iYideralway.com
FILE NUMBER - Date JUN 17 2015
GM C)F i=E9 € F-16 00V11Y
CDS
Applicant
NAME
PRIMARY PHONE
BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION
ALTERNATE PHONE
MAILING /ADDRESS , VV
E-MAIL
CITY
STATE
v`� *
ZIP
FAX
D/--L-
Property Address/Location
Description of Request�s'�¢�
List/Describe Attachments
For Staff Use
Code Interpretation/Clarification
Critical Areas Letter/Analysis/Peer Review
Request for Extension (Land Use/Plat Approval)
❑ Revisions to Approved Permit
dTree Removal
❑ Zoning Compliance Letter
- No Fee
- No Fee (Actual Cost if Applicable)
- Check Current Fee Schedule
- Check Current Fee Schedule
No F:ee::�:>
- Check Current Fee Schedule
Bulletin #079 — January 4, 2016 Page 1 of 1 k:\Handouts\Request for Administrative Decision
RECEIVED
AN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
33325 8`h Avenue South
CITY OF � JUN 17 2015 Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
Federal Way 253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY wwwx4yoftcderalway.com
CDS
CALCULATING TREE UNITS (IN RS ZONES)
(Chapter 19.120 Federal Way Revised Code)
■ To determine the minimum tree units required for your site:
�,? _ 43,560 (sf/acre) = , 1�4 7 x 25 (units/acre) = l/ 4,75-
(lot size in square feet) (lot size in acres) (minimum tree units)
Example:
Lot Size = 9,723 square. feet 9, 723143, 560 = .22 acres .22 x 25 = 5.5 = 6 tree units
llb� To determine number of existing or replacement tree units:
Existing Trees
Includes all trees except invasive species and hazard trees
Tree Size (diameter at breast height /4.5') # of Trees
Tree Units
Total Units
1 " to 6" dbh
x 1.0
> 6" to 12" dbh
x 1.5
= 6
> 12" to 18" dbh �—
x 2.0
= �Q
> 18" to 24" dbh Z
x 2.5
—
> 24" dbh
x 3.0
=
Total Existing Tree Units
Bulletin #073 — January 1, 2011 Page 1 of 1 k:\Handouts\Calculating Tree Units
City of Federal Way
June 16, 2016
606 S Marine Hills Way
Federal Way, WA 98003
Dear Sir/ Madam:
I am the property owner of the home at 606 S Marine Hills Way. I am working with my neighbors to
remove and replace trees on my property, to improve both the views and the safety for the
neighborhood. Ron Machitto, a friend and neighbor, has kindly undertaking leading this project on
behalf of myself and the neighborhood.
Two arborists, both with more than 20 years of experience in this region, were consulted in preparation
and planning for the project. The trees being removed are primarily hemlocks of heights greater than 80
feet tall, and with the ability to grow to greater than 140 feet tall. The trees that will be replacing them
are Leland Cypress, as recommended by both arborists. The arborists independently recommended the
Leland Cypress specifically as the most desirable replacement, and as an improvement to the overall
landscape.
Ron has kindly taken the lead on this project and can address and can provide any specific details about
the project on behalf of myself and our neighbors. I will be travelling for work, but should you need to
contact me directly, I can be reached at 562-713-2346.
Many thanks
Sincerely,
� �L
Penelope (Penny) A Edlund
RECEIVE®
JUN 17 2015
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
CDS
a s s o c i a t e d
earth sciences
i n c o p o r a i e d
July 22, 2016
Project No. KE160387A
City of Federal Way, Community Development Department
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, Washington 98003-6325
Attention: Mr. Dave De Weghe, Senior Planner
Subject: Site Reconnaissance and Geotechnical Review of Available Information
Edlund Residence
606 South Marine Hills Way
Federal Way, Washington
Dear Mr. De Weghe:
This letter has been prepared for the exclusive use of the City of Federal Way for specific
application to this project. Within the limitations of scope, schedule, and budget, our services
have been performed in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical engineering and
engineering geology practices in effect in this area at the time our letter was prepared. No
other warranty, express or implied, is made. It must be understood that no recommendations
or engineering design can yield a guarantee of stable slopes. The purpose of our work was to
provide a visual evaluation of the steep slopes at the above address, review available geologic
and geotechnical information in the vicinity of the site and comment on the impacts from tree
removal. The completion of subsurface explorations was beyond the current scope of work.
SITE DESCRIPTION
Based on review of information you provided, we understand that multiple trees were removed
without the required permit from a sloping portion of the property located at 606 South Marine
Hills Way that is classified as a Critical Area. We visited the property on July 20, 2016 to
observe current site conditions and met with Mr. Ron Marchitto, the property owner's
representative, who described the events that led up to the tree removal and the future plans
for the sloping area. We understand that multiple homeowners within the neighborhood
collectively offered to assist the property owner, Ms. Penny Edlund, with removal of trees that
were a hazard to adjacent properties and to also improve the view corridor for the
neighborhood. Mr. Marchitto informed us that 22 trees are planned to be removed and that a
Kirkland Office 1911 Fifth Avenue I Kirkland, WA 98033 P 1425.827.7701 F 1425.827.5424
Everett Office 12911 % Hewitt Avenue, Suite 2 1 Everett, WA 98201 P 1425.259.0522 F 1425.827.5424
Tacoma Office 1 1552 Commerce Street, Suite 102 1 Tacoma, WA 98402 P 1253.722.2992 F 1253.722.2993
www.aesgeo.com
tree replacement plan has been developed by an arborist that meets the City's code
requirements.
The site is comprised of a residential lot containing a single-family residence situated in the
level portion at the top of a south-southwest facing slope. The area of concern where trees
were cut is on the south-southwest facing slope. We estimate the slope to range from 10 to
15 feet in height with a slope inclination of 40 to 70 percent. We noted 11 trees had been
completely cut and that 12 trees had been topped and stripped of limbs and branches. Tree
diameters typically ranged from 18 to 24 inches except for one tree which was about 32 inches
in diameter. Tree trunks were typically straight and vertical with the exception of one tree that
had a slight lean downslope to the south. The ground surface of the slope is currently covered
with a combination of topsoil, bark mulch, and small wood chips. Several small piles of tree
rounds were present.
REVIEW OF AVAILABLE GEOLOGIC INFORMATION
Review of the Geologic Map of Poverty Bay 7.5' Quadrangle, King and Pierce Counties by Booth,
Waldron, and Troost (U.S Geological Survey [USGS] Scientific Investigations Map SIM-2854)
dated 2004 indicates that the area of the subject site is at the boundary of two geologic units:
Vashon recessional outwash (Qvr) to the east and coarse -grained pre -Olympia glacial deposits
(Qpogc) to the west. Recessional outwash deposits are typically comprised of loose to medium
dense, sand and gravel. These sediments were deposited by meltwater streams that emanated
from the retreating glacial ice during the latter portion of the Vashon Stade of the Fraser
Glaciation ending approximately 12,500 years ago. Coarse -grained pre -Olympia glacial deposits
are typically comprised of dense sand and gravel. These sediments are older than 60,000 years
and have high relative density due to their consolidation by the massive weight of the glacial ice
that overrode these sediments subsequent to their deposition.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The area on the property where trees were cut contains a steep slope that meets the criteria
for a potential landslide hazard area based on a slope inclination of greater than 40 percent and
a vertical height of 10 feet according to Part 2h of the Federal Way Municipal Code (FWMC)
19.05.070. The existing slope was not observed to exhibit visual indications of slope instability
or erosion. Based on review of existing geologic maps, and lack of indicators of slope instability
we infer that the site is underlain predominantly by dense glacially overridden sands and
gravels possessing high strength.
Erosion hazard areas are described in Part 1 of FWMC 19.05.070 as those areas identified by
the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) as having a moderate to severe or severe to very severe rill and inter -rill erosion hazard
due to natural agents such as wind, rain, splash, frost action or stream flow; those areas
2
containing the following group of soils when they occur on slopes of 15 percent or greater:
Alderwood-Kitsap (AkF), Alderwood gravelly sandy loam (AgD), Kitsap silt loam (KpD), Everett
(EvD), and Indianola (InD). Based on AESI's review of site -specific soil information available on
the USDA web site, site soils are primarily comprised of Kitsap silt loam (KpB) for slopes of 2 to
8 percent, but the western boundary is comprised of Alderwood-Kitsap (AkF). The KpB soil type
is rated as having a severe to very severe erosion potential on slopes greater than 15 percent.
In our opinion, the cutting of the trees on the property to date and the remaining trees planned
should not impact the overall global stability of the_slgp , and increase erosion potential
provided that a suitable site restoration plan is submitted, approved, and constructed per the
City's regulatic�iis.
Ck e,
CLOSURE
We appreciate this opportunity to have been of service to you with your project. Should you
have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC.
Kirkland, Washington
Bruce L. Blyton, P.E.
Senior Principal Engineer
SAS/W
KE160387A2
Projects\20160387\K E\W P
3
Stephen A. Siebert, P.E.
Associate Geotechnical Engineer
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