13-105707 Abi. CITY OF CITY HALL
Federal Way 3332Feder 8th Avenue South
Federal Way,WA 98003-6325
(253)835-7000
www.cityoffecleralway.com
Mr. Harry Keller January 2,2014
Pleasant Hill HOA
422 SW 295th Place
Federal Way, WA 98023
FILE
Re: File#13-105707-00-AD; DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL
Pleasant Hill Tract C-2 (NGPE),501 SW 295th Place,Federal Way
Dear Mr. Keller,
The Community and Economic Development Department has completed review of the potentially
hazardous tree near the Redondo Bay and Pleasant Hill neighborhoods. The tree, a large hemlock located
on a steep slope, is leaning towards two homes uphill.Neighbors are concerned that it may pose a safety
risk. However,the tree lies in a Native Growth Protection Easement(NGPE)and a protected wetland—it
is therefore subject to review by the Federal Way Department of Community and Economic
Development. The Department has issued Interpretation #1 0-01 that provides clarification of the proper
procedure and decision criteria for vegetation removal within identified critical areas.
Decision
Mr. Bryce Landrud, an ISA Certified Arborist, has determined that in its current condition the
aforementioned hemlock is a safety hazard. Mr. Landrud has recommended that the tree be reduced to a
safe wildlife snag, the height of no more than 30 feet. Pursuant to Mr. Landrud's recommendation,in
conjunction with an analysis of Interpretation #10-01, the city hereby authorizes the Pleasant Hill HOA to
reduce the tree to a height of no more than 30 feet, leaving the stump and root system in place.This
height reduction shall be achieved with hand-held power tools.
Analysis of Interpretation#10-01 Criteria
Approval criteria for Interpretation #10-01 are addressed 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 danzage a significant habitat area. The tree is located
within a wetland. As such, it provides potential habitat to birds and small mammals. Reduction of the
height of the tree will not impact wildlife habitat. The tree will be converted to a wildlife snag, which
will continue to function as a wildlife feature.
3. The proposed activity will not adversely affect drainage or storniwater retention capabilities. The
work will have no impact on drainage courses.
4. The proposed activity will not lead to unstable earth conditions, nor create erosion hazards. The
maintenance is limited in scope. Tree stump along with the remaining un-touched vegetation will
stabilize any possible erosion.
t
Mr. Harry Keller
Page 2
January 2,2014
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 work will remove unsafe overhanging
limbs and prevent a potentially hazardous fall. Open space will not be decreased.The stability of the
slope will not be affected as no earth disturbance will be allowed.
6. The proposed activity is necessary to:a) maintain existing pathways and landscaping, ensure the
health of existing vegetation, achieve limited 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
minimize potential impacts from dead, dying, diseased, or otherwise dangerous or nuisance
vegetation. According to Mr. Landrud, there is an arc of only 70°on which the tree could fall without
impacting a home. The work is necessary for the safety of nearby residents and property.
7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA). The
department concludes that this activity is exempt from SEPA review.
8. The proposed activity is consistent with the requirements of FWC Chapter 19.120, "Clearing,
Grading, and Tree and Vegetation Retention. "The maintenance of the vegetation is consistent with
the purpose statement and regulations of FWRC Chapter 19.120.
Analysis of Pleasant Hill Plat Condition
The tree is located on an NGPE and is therefore subject to the following plat condition:
"All trees and other vegetation within this [NGPE] shall be left undisturbed and vegetation within
such areas shall not be cut, pruned, covered by fill, or removed or damaged without approval of
the director or such director's designee of the city's Department of Community Development"
According to Mr. Landrud, the tree in question presents a potential hazard to nearby residents and
property. As such, the Department of Community and Economic Development has issued its approval of
the proposed modifications to the tree pursuant to the `Decision' section of this letter.
Closing
This administrative decision shall not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes, policies,
and standards relating to this site. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Planning
Intern Clayton Wiebe at(253) 835-2622,or Clayton.Wiebe@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
•
Isaac Conlen
Planning Division Manager
c: Clayton Wiebe, Planning Intern
File a 13-105707-00-AD Doc.I .6,4751
AD - IOS
P.O. Box 1847
44 AUBURN.WA 9807 1-1 847
OFFICE 253-288-TREE(8733)
FAX:253.939.5126
WWW.THUNDERINGOAK.COM
Thundering Oak
ENTERPRISES
RECEIVED
December 24, 2013 2 g 2013
Mr. Harry Keller CITY or FEDERAL WAY
Pleasant Hill HOA. CDS
Re: Hemlock conditions in NGPE
Dear Mr. Keller,
I inspected a large western hemlock tree next to Mr. Dave Gregory's home on November 13`h.
Both Mr. Gregory and his neighbor to the south are concerned about its safety.
The tree is approximately 38 inches in diameter and is located on the slope just east the Gregory
residence at 424 SW 297th St. It is apparently sited in the narrow NGPE that runs between the
Pleasant Hill and Redondo Bay neighborhoods.
Though the tree appears to be in relatively reasonable health from a physiological standpoint, it
does have several questionable features:
- The lower 70 feet of the stem leans downhill.
- The upper 60 feet has a back lean uphill,towards Gregory's and the uphill neighbor.
- It is a senescent tree nearing an overmature state. Most older hemlocks have significant
wood discoloration and/or decay processes active within the stem.
- Soil on the slope below the tree is sloughing downhill, exposing more of the root system.
- Neighbors claim the tree's lean is increasing.
- In many ways this is a single forest remnant tree, surrounded on 3 sides by homes and stump
sprouted alder and maple saplings below it. It is not functioning as part of a native growth
forest, but as a single tree perched on a steep slope.
- Should it fail, there is an arc of only 70° that it could fall without impacting a home.
It is my recommendation that the HOA be allowed to have this tree removed, at least to a safe
wildlife snag height of no more than 30 feet.
Respectfully submitted,
Bryce Landrud
I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN0232