Tree RemovalCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 33325 8th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
Izzy Nosan December 14, 2020
A Plus Tree Inc.
3490 Buskirk Avenue
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
izzy@aplustree.com
Re: File #20-104569-00-AD; HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL
King County Library, 848 South 320th Street, Federal Way
Dear Izzy Nosan:
On November 23, 2020, the City of Federal Way’s Department of Community Development received a
request to remove four trees on the site of the Federal Way 320th Library (parcel #082104 9222). The
proposed scope of work includes removing four red alder trees located within the northeastern quadrant of
the 3.2-acre property, zoned City Center Frame (CC-F), all within close proximity to the Trinidad South
Condominiums property, including the recreational area.
TREE REMOVAL REQUEST ANALYSIS
An arborist report prepared by A Plus on November 17, 2020, was submitted for the above-mentioned
property. The report assessed the present conditions, tree integrity, and future expectations of several red alder
trees. The report found four trees to be in hazardous conditions with dieback in the canopy, trunk failure,
trunk decay, and root decay. In order to minimize residual risk, all four trees were recommended for removal.
Per Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.120.030(14), removal of trees on sites zoned CC-F is exempt from the
provisions of Article 1 of FWRC Chapter 19.120, “Clearing, Grading, and Tree and Vegetation Retention.”
Trees proposed to be removed are not located within any critical areas, buffers, or parking lot landscaping areas.
FWRC 19.125.060 requires Type I landscaping 15 feet in width to be provided along the perimeter of
property abutting a residential zoning district.
Pursuant to FWRC 19.125.050, “Landscaping Types,” Type I landscaping shall consist of evergreen trees,
large shrubs, and groundcover, which will provide a 100 percent sight-obscuring screen within three years
from the time of planting; or a combination of approximately 75 percent evergreen and 25 percent deciduous
trees, with an allowable five percent variance, with large shrubs, and groundcover backed by a 100 percent
sight-obscuring fence. Tree, shrub, and groundcover spacing shall be appropriate for the species type, and
consistent with the intent of this section.
FIGURE 3 – FWRC 19.125.050(1)
Izzy Nosan
Page 2 of 2
December 14, 2020
20-104569-00-AD Doc. I.D. 80983
The proposed tree removal is within the required 15-foot landscape buffer along the perimeter of the
northern property line abutting a residential zone (RS 7.2). Type I landscaping is required in this location. If
the removal of these trees results in the screen failing to maintain the level of obscurity required per FWRC
19.125.050; replanting is required.
CONDITION OF APPROVAL
Within 45 days of the hazardous tree removal the applicant shall submit a series of photos demonstrating that
either the Type I landscaping buffer maintains the level of obscurity required per FWRC 19.125.050(1) or
proof of replanting for the four removed trees within the perimeter landscape buffer.
DECISION
The requested removal of four hazardous alder trees at 848 South 320th Street, Federal Way, WA, 98003, is
hereby conditionally approved.
CLOSING
Be advised that this decision is applicable to the hazardous tree removal proposed in the November 23, 2020,
submittal to the city, and any expanded scope of work should be verified for code compliance. This
administrative decision shall not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes, policies, and
standards relating to this site. Within 45 days of the removal of the hazardous trees, photos shall be submitted
to the Permit Center through the electronic submittal portal (Document Upload Link) accompanied by a
completed resubmittal form (enclosed).
COVID-19
In an effort to take proactive measures to protect the health and safety of the Federal Way community, the
Department of Community Development is implementing safety protocols and modifying our services. As a
result, our doors will remain closed for in-person business. Staff will be able to serve customers electronically
by email (permitcenter@cityoffederalway.com), by electronic submittal (Document Upload Link), or by
phone (253-835-2607).This practice is intended to help protect our citizens, customers, and staff from
potential exposure to the virus. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Should you have any questions about this letter, please contact Associate Planner Chaney Skadsen at (253)
569-1772, or chaney.skadsen@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
Digitally Signed December 14, 2020, at 83:03 PM
Brian Davis
Community Development Director
Enc Resubmittal Information Sheet
c: Chaney Skadsen, Associate Planner
King County Library System, kcls-federalway@kcls.org