12-103088 Aih, CITY OF CITY HALL
Federal Way FILE
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way,WA 98003-6325
(253)835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
October 2,2012
Joseph Browder
625 SW 295th Place
Federal Way, WA 98023
RE: File#12-103088-00-AD; TREE TRIMMING APPROVAL
Browder Property,625 SW 295th Place,Federal Way
Dear Mr.Browder:
The Community and Economic Development Department has received your request to address potential
hazards represented by approximately 8 red alder trees with diameters of 10-20 inches, located within a
100'major stream setback and landslide hazard area.
According to the city's critical areas inventory,the trees are within a major stream buffer and geologically
hazardous area;therefore,removal does not qualify as an exempt action listed in 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
Trimming of the trees utilizing hand tools and/or hand powered tools is hereby approved per the findings
and conclusions provided below.
CONDITIONS
1. No trees shall be removed.The scope of work is to remove branches and secondary tops
where necessary to reduce the weight of the overhang.
2. All tree trimming will be done by using climbing equipment, hand tools/hand powered tools,
and ropes.
3. Debris will be lowered and removed from the area using no heavy equipment within the
sensitive area.
BACKGROUND
On July 5,2012,the city received a requested from Mr.Browder to remove four trees in the back yard of
his property.The City sent a request for additional information via email on July 12,2012,as the subject
property is located within a critical area and an arborist report is required per Interpretation#10-01.On
September 28,2012,the City received an arborist report from ISA Certified Arborist Bryce Landrud,with
Thundering Oak,to assess the condition of the above-referenced trees.As detailed in a letter provided by
Mr.Landrud,the trees are leaning towards and/or over the owner's property.Mr.Landrud has
recommended removing branches and secondary tops where necessary to reduce the weight of the
overhang as they pose a potential future risk to roof,chimney,deck,and back yard area.Low-growing
materials,such as branches,will be left to maintain screening from the neighbor's homes;no tree will be
removed.
Mr.Browder
October 2,2012 ''
Page 2
DECISIONAL CRITERIA
Planning Division staff reviewed your request and provided a bulleted response to each of the director's
decisional criteria below.
1. The proposed activity will not adversely affect water quality.
• Trees will be trimmed removing branches and secondary tops.Tree roots will not be
disturbed,adequate erosion protection to the stream 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 parcel is not designated a Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area.No trees will
be removed and adequate habitat will remain.
3. The proposed activity will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities.
• Tree 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.
• Tree trimming is limited in scope.Remaining vegetation and removal conditions 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.
• Tree trimming will reduce the likelihood of private property damage.Result of tree
trimming will not contribute to 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 leaning toward the owner's
property and have the potential for future property damage.His recommendation is to
reduce the tree weight and overhang to eliminate the property damage risk.
7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Environmental Policy Act.
• The department concludes hazardous tree removal within critical areas is a maintenance
activity and categorically exempt from an environmental threshold determination
pursuant to FWRC 14.15.070.
8. The proposed activity is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 19.120,"Clearing,Grading,and
Tree and Vegetation Retention."
• A limited scope of work and preservation of existing vegetation is consistent with the
purpose statement and regulations of Chapter 19.120.
12-103088 Doc.ID 62340
Mr.Browder
October 2,2012
Page 3
CLOSING
This administrative decision shall not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes,policies,
and standards relating to this site.Please contact Assistant Planner Becky Chapin at 253-835-2641,or
rebecca.chapin@cityoffederalway.com, if you have any questions regarding this decision.
Sincerely,
Isaac Conlen
Planning Manager
for Patrick Doherty,Director
enc: Federal Way(Critical Areas)Zoning Map 10
Thundering Oak Arborist Report,Dated Sept.27,2012
c: Becky Chapin,Assistant Planner
Email to Joe Browder,jbrowder12@comcast.net
Email to Bryce Landrud,bryce@thunderingoak.com
12-I03088 Doc.I.D.62340
P.O. Box 1847
-- AuBURN,WA 9807 1-1 847
m, f OFFICE 253 288 TREE(8733)
FAX 253.939.51 26
WWW.THUNDERINGOAK.COM
Thundering Oak
I .. . I"I
RECEIVED
September 27, 2012 SEP 2 8 2012
Mr. Greg Fewins CITY OF FEDERAL WAY ;
Community Development Director CDS
City of Federal Way
Re: tree hazard mitigation @ 625 SW 295`I'f L—
To Whom It May Concern:
Please consider this letter as a request to provide hazard reduction pruning of several trees below
the home of Mr. & Mrs. Joe Browder at the above address.
The trees in question are all red alder trees, with diameters of 10-20 inches. They are all located
near a small stream that intermittently flows into and out of their back yard. The trees (up to 8)
are all growing to the southeast and are growing/leaning over the Browder's roof, chimney, deck
and back yard.
The scope of work includes removing branches and secondary tops where necessary to reduce
the weight and overhang. As much low-growing material (branches) will be left as possible to
maintain screening from neighboring homes.
The area in question does not appear to be within an NGPE or critical area or designated buffer
strip.
The work performed will not impair or affect water quality.
Climbing equipment, chainsaws, hand saws, pole pruners and ropes will be used to trim the trees.
No trees will be removed.
The tree trimming will not affect drainage or stormwater retention.
It will not create erosion hazards or destabilize any slopes.
There will be no effect on the City's open space.
All work is to reduce potential damage from trees leaning over/towards the owner's home.
Proposed work date is Thursday, October 4th, 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
FY'r4
Bryceq andru
I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN0232
Rebecca Chapin
From: Rebecca Chapin
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 3:59 PM
To: 'jbrowder12@comcast.net'
Subject: 625 SW 295th PI-Hazardous Tree Removal
Attachments: Temporary Intrusion in Critical Area.pdf
Mr. Browder,
The City received your request to remove four trees from your backyard that are hazardous. It appears your property is within a Major
Stream buffer and Geologically Hazardous Area(landslide hazard)as depicted on the City of Federal Way's Critical Areas map.As
such,the removal of the trees is not qualified as an exempt action listed in Federal Way Revised Code(FWRC) 19.120.030,and must
be reviewed in accordance to Interpretation#10-01 (attached). The interpretation provides clarification of the proper procedure,
application materials,and decisional criteria for vegetation removal within identified critical areas.
In order to continue review of the tree removal request,a report from a certified arborist(or expert approved by the city),stating if the
trees pose an unreasonable risk of failure and pose a hazard to a permanent structure or high use outdoor area,and identifying what
the proposed method of removal will be. Once the city receives this report,a determination regarding removal of the 4 trees will be
made. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Becky Chapin
Assistant Planner
Community and Economic Development
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way,WA 98003-6325
Phone:253-835-2641
Rebecca.Chapin@cityoffederalway.com
1
RECEIVED
July 5, 2012
JUL 05 2012
City of Federal Way CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
To whom it may concern: CDS
I reside at 625 SW 295th PI in Federal Way. I am requesting permission to remove
four trees in my backyard that have become safety hazards. I believe these trees
are in a NGPE. The trees are all alder and have grown significantly over time. They
are leaning towards my home and could damage my home significantly in a
major wind /ice storm. I have attached copies of pictures showing the trees. I
requested and received permission from the City to remove several trees in 2006
for similar concerns. My concerns have been elevated since last year's wind/ice
storm that downed several trees in a nearby NGPE.
If someone needs to come view the situation, we would be happy to arrange a
mutually acceptable time.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely 4,14,watei
Joseph /rowder
625 Sw 295th PI
Federal Way, WA
98023
Home phone: 253 945-9399
Office phone: 253 939-8206 ex-156
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