13-101849 CITY OF CITY HALL
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way Mailing Address: PO Box 9718
Federal Way,WA 98063-9718
(253)835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
May 23,2013
F ILE
Mr. Loren Meiser
4235 South 324th Place
Federal Way, WA 98001
Re: File#13-101849-00-AD; Goldmaur Tract A—*No Site Address*
Dear Mr.Miser:
The Community and Economic Development Department has received your request to remove hazardous
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 utilizing hand tools and/or hand powered tools is hereby approved per the
findings and conclusions provided below.
BACKGROUND
On April 24,2013,the city received a request from I.S.A. Certified Arborist Bryce Landrud with
Thundering Oak Enterprises.As detailed in the letter provided by Mr.Landrud,the subject trees pose
potential hazard to the house,_ya l,_driveway,_and car on the property identified above.Mr.Landrud
proposes work on one black cottonwood and seven alders.
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. The scope of work is limited to only the
trees mentioned in the arborist report that pose risk to residential property.Tree roots will not be
disturbed and adequate erosion protection to the slope will be retained. Further,the decision has been
conditioned to allow removal via hand tools only to limit impact on surrounding soils.
2. The proposed activity will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area. The parcels are located
within a wetland buffer.Eight trees will be removed, but the lot is heavily wooded and adequate
vegetation will remain.
File#13-101849-00-AD Doc.ID.63376
Mr.Loren Meiser
Page 2 of 2
May 23,2013
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 noc lead to unstable earth conditions, nor create erosion hazards. The tree
work is limited in scope.The remaining vegetation will provide adequate stabilization and erosion
controls.
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 reduce the likelihood of
property damage and the result of the tree work will not contribute to the loss of open space.
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. (Emphasis added.)Certified Arborist Bryce Landrud has determined the trees are growing
over the road towards the house,yard,driveway,and car. His recommendation is to remove damaged
portions before they damage the house.
7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Environmental 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 removal of hazardous tress 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 Planning Intern Stacey Curry at 253-835-2622,or
Stacey.Curry@cityoffederalway.com,should you have any-questions regarding this decision.
Sincerely,
Isaac Conlen, Planning Manager
for Patrick Doherty, Director
c: Stacey Curry,Planning Intern
File#13-101849-00-AD Doc.I.D.63376
A1) */ 3 -- (01 E49
1 P.O. Sox 785i 7
'` Auburn, WA 98071-18'77
Ihundering
OFFice 253 288 TREE (8733)
Oak FAX: 253.939.5726
I A I-I I; I.I( !
April 16. 2013
Mr. Loren Miser
4235 S. 324th St.
Auburn, Wa. 98001
Dear Mr. Miser,
I visited your home back in September to examine some trees across the road from your home.
These trees are on another owner's private lot to the north of\ours. vv hich is undeveloped.
In all. I counted one black cottonwood (22" diameter) and 7 alders (8-18") that are growing out
over the road towards your house, yard. driveway and car. Phototropism is to blame for the
growth habit of the trees: the sunshine comes primarily from the south and there are no
competing trees due to the road.
It is likely that all 8 trees will continue togrow and deyclop this way. until at some point the
weight of the branch ends and tops will overcome the stems structural ability to support them.
With some (especially the cottonwood) trees. branch and top failure are common. and predicting
or preventing them is impossible.
l)ue to the large number of native trees located tiroualhout this lot. it is my recommendation to
remove these 'leaners' before they attain a size where a failure could cause siLiniticant property
or, worse, personal injury to vehicular passengers.
Respectfully submitted.
Bryce Landrtid
I S.A. Certified Arborist ilPN0232
RECEIVED
APR 2 4 2013
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
CDS
•
TREE REMOVAL AGREEMENT
I, Loren Meiser, agree to have Bryce Landrud mark the trees on the two lots*
owned by Norman Kutscha and across the street in front of my house which
present a hazard to me if they were to fall towards my property. Bryce Landrud
or the City ofederal Way will cut and remove those trees. Trees will be cut as
close to the ground as possible but the stumps will not be removed. The trees
and all associated branches and other debris will be completely removed from the
lots. All costs, including marking of trees, cutting of trees, removal of branches,
and any other expenses, such as any legal expenses which might be incurred as a
result of removing the trees, will be paid by myself. I will notify Norman Kutscha
when the trees have been cut and removed so he may inspect the lots for
satisfactory cutting and cleanup of branches and debris.
- Z(— (Z • •�� to/e./t2
ignature Date Signature Date
Loren Meiser Norman P. Kutscha
4235 South 324th Place 3302138th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98001 Federal Way, WA 98001
*4242 S. 324th Place (west lot)
4248 S. 324th Place (east corner lot)