Planning 2018-02-15 Item 3 - Adoption of 1/25/18 Minutes

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Staff recommended revisions: • Revise references to ISA Certified Arborist in the code to, "Qualified Tree Professional" • Page 18, 18.54.040,revise 93 to read,Professional review or recommendation. "In certain circumstances,the Director may require professional review or recommendation. This assessment,prepared by Qualified Tree Professional should address the following." • Page 23, 18.54.080 a,revise language of first sentence to read, ` Each existing significant tree removed, above the number allowed in Table A,including the removal of trees in easements and rights-of-way for the purposes for constructing public streets and utilities, shall be replaced with new tree(s),based on the size of the existing tree as shown below,up to a maximum density of 70 new trees per acre, generally 12 to IS feet apart." • Page 23, 18.54.080 B,new sentence added at the end: "Trees determined to be defective by the City or a Qualified Tree Professional are not required to be replaced."� Staff requested confirmation that they have permission,to make the changes, as discussed by the Commission and move the draft regulations on to the City Council. Commissioner Martinez, said looking at the comparison of other cities and whether permits are required that involve a fee,that he was concerned with public outreach and the impact on the new tree canopy survey and fees required. He said that the City needs to make the public aware that the first three trees removed are free,then a fee-permit is required. He said it comes at significant financial impact to the community. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. DELIBERATI© Chairman Nguyen asked if the Commissioners have any comments, are they ready to take action on the draft regulations? Commissioner Sirander read the following: "The Comprehensive Plan goal 4.13 talks about no net loss of canopy cover in individual zoning categories. So Low Density Residential,they want to maintain a 47% canopy coverage. Medium and High Residential, Citywide coverage of 40%. I think the intent of the regulations set forth in the tree ordinance are meant to accomplish this goal of the tree canopy. However, I believe these regulations may not attain this goal. In order for the City to encourage and allow for more housing to be built,the likelihood of a diminished tree canopy is imminent, especially given scarcity of buildable land in the City of Tukwila. The requirement for a 47%tree canopy in a Low Density Residential zone and 40% tree canopy in medium and high Density Residential zones will be very difficult if not impossible to achieve with housing infill and redevelopment. I feel there is not really a way to keep the aforementioned tree canopy presented goals and build expected number of housing units needed, anticipated, or required. So, for these reasons I will not support this ordinance and will be voting no." Page 7 of 9 8