12-101141FILE
CITY OF
F�aderal VOy
[UTMIW�I IN
Lori Warner, Property Manager
Cedar Gardens Apartments
1, 337th Place
Federal Way, WA 98023
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maintenance activities that are proposed at the Cedar Gardens Apartments located at the address above.
Your proposed scope of work includes limb removal on evergreen trees located on the interior and
southern perimeter of the property. Also proposed, is the removal of one birch tree adjacent to the far east
building, one Madrona tree on the southwest perimeter, and one Douglas Fir tree at the far southwest
comer of the property -
AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED
Following a site visit on March 15, 2012, and review of the tree and vegetation retention policy, sta
I
finds your proposal is exempt ftom formal permitting requirements and you may proceed with your
vegetation maintenance plan as proposed. The remainder of this letter provides analysis of applicab
portions of the Federal Way Revised Code (FVaC) and a basis for the exempt status conclusion.
ANALYSIS
I Applicability — FWRC 19.120.020 states no person shall remove any trees on a site without first
obtaining approval of a tree retention plan by the director; exceptfor those activities that are exempt
as described in FWRC 19.120.030 (emphasis added).
2. Limb maintenance — FVVRC 19.120.030(l 1) exempts routine maintenance of trees and vegetation
necessary to maintain the health of cultivated plants.
Staff Response — Trees proposed to be trimmed are mature evergreens tightly lined along the
perimeter and interior trees that are in close proximity to dwellings. Limb reductions are a
typical maintenance activity used to ensure the long term vitality of the tree and maintain a sn&
distance from buildings. Staff finds this activity exempt.
Removal of dead, dying or diseased trees — FWRC 19.120.030(12) exempts the removal of
overhanging vegetation and fire hazards, or removal of invasive species, hazard trees, nuisance
vegetation, or dead, dan%�rous, or diseased trees when authorized by the director or his/her designee.
0 StaffResponse — During a site visit I verified one Madrona tree that was obviously in ill health
or already deceased. Its status was apparent as a healthy Madrona tree was located within
several feet of the subject tree. Staff finds this an exempt request and authorizes removal.
Ms_ Warner
March 20, 2012
Page 2
i Miscellaneous clearing and grading(Douglasf Birch tree removal) — FWRC
criterion
0 The clearing or .1 not ` the points where the stormwateror
groundwater enters or exits the subject property, and will not change the quality or velocity o
stormwater or groundwater.
StaffResponse — As the site is developed, stormwater is collected from rooftops and pave
surfaces and released along its natural downstream course. Removal of these two trees wi
not '" the points of stormwater enters or property I no known
Grading,
No trees or vegetation will be removed if that vegetation was required to be retained by or
through any development permit issued under this chapter or any prior zoning code.
Staff Response — Development of the site was prior to the city's incorporation. Each tree was
presumably planted or retained for perimeter landscape screening purposes. Removing these
two trees will not lessen the effect of the perimeter screen. Mature evergreen trees are
abundant • • the property's boundary :• provide appropriate +
. Further, the
removal of these two trees will not cause the property to fall below the 81 tree per acre canopy
requir`Ili for this property' ` • during the staff site visit. This criterion has been
CLOSING
Be1 1 that this exemption is applicable • the maintenance •' •1• `! 1 s
to the city and any expanded scope of work should be verified for e x-emption status. Please feel free to
this letter or the city's tree retention policy.
Sincerely,
Matthew Herrera
Associate Planner
1 FWRC 19.120.130 requires multifamily zoned sites maintain 30 tree units per acre. At 2.71 acres, the subject property's tree
canopy requirement is 81 tree units.
12-101141
Doc.. L.D.. 60659
COMMUM'ry " RECEIVED BY
Lr�V�-'t(.)PMENT DEPARTMEN)
Cedar Gardens Apartments MAR 0 7 2012
2220 SW 337t'bL Place
Federal Way, WA 98023
(253) 838-8568
Isaac Conlen
Planning Manager, City of Federal Way
City Hall
33325 8th Ave. S.
Federal Way, WA 98003
March 5, 2012
Dear Mr. Conlen;
Enclosed is a mark-up of the aerial view of the Cedar Gardens
Apartments. Much maintenance trimming of trees is needed on the
property, and was made even more evident by the damage resulting from
the recent storms we have had. Our company has been collecting bids
from tree services for the work to be done, and will be ready to begin the
project very soon.
On the enclosed map, I have drawn in lines representingPle areas
needing to be limbed -up, as well as locating the 3 trees rie"g to be
removed. The Fir on the west end of the property has ve ew remaining
limbs, the Madrona near the back gate is dead, and the on the east
end of the property is still small, but already touching the side of the
building with limbs that only protrude above the roof line of the building.
Thank you for your consideration to this proposal. If you have any
further questions, please call our offim 253-838-8568.
W
Sincerely,
Lori Warner, Mgr.
Cedar Gardens Apartments