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Home My WebLink AboutPermit 90-10-SPE - KING COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY - SENSITIVE AREA WAIVER90-10-spe 15455 65th avenue south king county housing authority Sincerely CITY OF TUKWILA 6200 SOUTHCENTER BOULEVARD, TUKWILA, WASHINGTON 98188 September 11, 1991 Mr. Jim Wiley Executive Director King. County Housing Authority 15455 - 65th Avenue South Tukwila, WA 98188 C. Gar Schul Urban Environmentalist cc: Jack Pace, DCD - Senior Planner PHONE N (2061433.1800 Gary L. lanDuscn, Mayor Dear Mr. Wiley: This letter is written because your proposed project in the City of Tukwila was affected by the Critical Area Sensitive Areas Moratorium. A waiver to the Moratorium, which prohibited any development on sensitive area property, was denied by the City Council. Since Sensitive Areas Ordinance No. 1599 was adopted on June 10, 1991, the Moratorium for development within sensitive areas has not been in effect. Proposed development affected by sensitive areas will be reviewed according to the standards set forth in this Ordinance. If you choose to pursue your project, a State Environmental Policy Act (SERA) checklist will be required along with the application for appropriate permits. The Department of Community Development planning staff has been working on procedures to help with the implementation of the Ordinance. The complexity or feasibility of the project may warrant a pre - application meeting in order for City staff to help resolve significant issues. If you have questions concerning this letter, feel free to call or visit the Community Development office and talk with a planner or myself. Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 1990 Page 5 J Public Hearings (con't) Request for Waiver to Ordinance No. 1544 (Moratorium) - King County Housing Authority Request for Waiver of Ordinance No. 1544 (Moratorium) - Koyamatsu Citizen Comments Request for Waiver to Ordinance No. 1544 (Moratorium) - NorMed -Shaw Councilman Rants wondered what the City's liability would be if we deny the request and a tree falls and damages the building. Attorney Colgrove responded he did not feel the City would be legally liable for not granting a waiver in this instance He noted that in areas all over the City, the proper storm could cause damage to something. Councilman Lawrence commented that when public safety is concerned, especially the two trees at the south side of the building, perhaps we need to override the staff recommendation. Councilman Ekberg stated that he feels the three trees closest to the building may pose a hazard; however, the two trees that are away from the building do not pose a hazard *MOTION FAILS WITH RANTS AND LAWRENCE VOTING YES. WAIVER IS DENIED. Mayor VanDusen opened the Public Hearing at 8:26 p.m. Keith Koyamatsu, 29850 Southeast 285th Place, Ravensdale, is proposing to construct a single family dwelling on property located at 139xx - 56th Place South. He is requesting a variance from the standard setback requirements of 30 feet in order to place the home on the level portion of the lot. Mr. Koyamatsu noted that in nearby residences the setbacks range from 15 to 30 feet from the road. The requested setback variance would limit some of the cut and fill he would be required to do in order to construct the dwelling. Rick Beeler, Director of the Office of Community Development, clarified that although the variance is a Board of Adjustment issue, Mr. Koyamatsu is requesting a waiver so that an administrative or Board of Adjustment determination can be made. In response to Councilman Robertson's question on the hardship issue, Mr. Koyamatsu responded that he would like to start building now instead of having to wait until the moratorium expires. He does not own the property; it is subject to a building permit. Councilman Rants commented that this particular lot is very sensitive. It has a very steep bank. Councilman Lawrence asked about the financial hardship involved if the waiver was denied. Mr. Koyamatsu replied that he did not have other work lined up and would have to find another lot to build on. Scott Nangle, 14140 - 56th Ave. So., commented that he is not in favor of the requested setback. Other homes in the area are set back approximately 15 feet and it is not esthetically pleasing. The hearing was closed at 8:38 p.m. MOVED BY RANTS, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE THAT THE REQUEST FOR WAIVER BE DENIED. MOTION CARRIED. Council President Hernandez returned to the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Larry Shaw, general partner in NorMed -Shaw Partnership, 4310 So. 131st Place addressed reported to Council that he is requesting a waiver to allow for consideration of an application for vacation of 43rd Avenue South and to allow consideration of a grading/preload permit for an office/warehouse building. Since its origin, NorMed -Shaw has purchased adjacent pieces of property, all of them contiguous except for a City right -of -way in that area. When the building was originally developed there was a drainage ditch going through the site. The ditch has varying degrees of water flow. At this time approximately two - thirds of the ditch is culverted; the balance is open. C.mmiui.a.,: ROBERT BISNETT, Choi HAROLD BOOKER, Via.Chair JEAN ARCHER SHARON MAST JIM WILEY Enc. cc: John D. Blankinship Tukwila City Council IVAN ROSENBERRY Emilia Director: FEB r 1 P1-.1 .•, . .�. Rick Beeler, OTIMt'cor "oT`Commun it ty Development City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 Dear Mr. Beeler: KING COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY February 16, 1990 On December 19, 1989, the Housing Authority requested an exception to the moratorium that would. allow. us to remove trees on our property that are creating a hazard to our building foundation and roof. The amendment to the moratorium states that the amendment's intention was to. allow such action as "the removal.of hazardous vegetation such as trees." We are 'enclosing pictures which clearly show the tree roots moving toward the foundation of our'building'and the limbs rubbing against the roof. The roof Was 0.30 -year roof which may need replacing • In 20 years if.thesa trees cannot be removed. On February, 18, 1990 our attorney received notification from you that it was your determination that the trees did not pose a hazard. Therefore, we would like to appeal your decision to the City Council. Please schedule a date when our Construction, Planning .and Development Manager, Dan Kelleher, can represent us on this issue. He can be relic - 244 -7780. •rely yours, Wiley Executive Director 15455 65TH AVENUE SOUTH • SEATTLE. WASHINGTON 98188 PHONE (206) 244 -7750 • TDD (206) 243 -9223 • FAX (206) 242 -0733 RITY KING . DECISION CRITERIA: City of. Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila Washington 98188 (201) 333.1900 Gary L. Vanousen, Mayor PETTTIONER: PROPERTY LOCATION: PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: EFFECT OF MORATORIUM: 1. The intent of moratorium. STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL King County Housing Authority 15455 - 65th Avenue South Removal of several trees from next to the existing .building. The moratorium prevents the petitioner from removing the large sycamore trees from around the building. Ordinance No. 1550 allows the petitioner to apply for an exception to the moratorium for hard NUM, which the applicant did on December 19,1989 (Attachntett 2). After submission of additional information, the application was denied on February 8, 1990 (Attachment 6). Therefore a waiver is now requested. IMPACT OF THE SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE: The property overall has a slope exceeding 15% from south : to north.. :. Development of the King County Housing Authority building included planting several sycamore trees per landscaping requirements of the Zoning Code. These trees are now nearing or are at maturity and rub against the building. The draft Sensitive Area Ordinance establishes criteria for development on . sloping property that enourege retention of vegetation and regnires rsvegetwhen on why development enre. Ordinance No. 1550 requires the applicant to file an agreement to conform to the finally adopted Sensitive Arai Ordinance and that he acospt the risk and ecpense that conformance may cause. Ordinance No. 1550 states the City Council must use the following criteria to review waiver requests: STAFF REPORT King County Housing Authority TO THE CITY COUNCIL Page 2 2. The best interest of the City weighed against the interests of the individual. 3. The circumstances and hardship caused by the moratorium. 4. The damage that could result from strict adherence to the moratorium ATTACHMENTS: 1. Vicinity Map 2. Petition of December 19 1989 3. City Response of January 10, 1990 4. Letter of January 31, 1990 from John D. Blankenaldp for the Housing Authority 5. Additional information from Housing Authority 6. City response of February 8, 1990 /0* IJ ..J Tukwila Park ' 1 WY 0 $ ` , 1 • ► S X 3 ( 0 �� 1 � � - A_CONOOMINIDM ' 186 U i�ITS.. Coarrausiatary ROBERT BISNETT. Chair HAROLD BOOKER. Vits•Chsi, JEAN ARCHER SHARON MAST IVAN ROSENBERRY amain Dimas.: JIM WILEY JW:jh KING COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY December 19, 1989 Rick Beeler, Director of Community Development City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 Dear Mr. Beeler: The Housing Authority wishes to apply for an exception to the moratorium that will allow us to remove hazardous vegetation in the normal course of maintaining our existing landscaping. We do not plan to do any wholesale clearing or grading, but we would like permission to remove a group of poplar trees that constitute a hazard to our administrative building. The trees we would like to remove present a danger to the roof of the building on the South and East sides of our property bordering 6Sth Avenue South. In addition, • sudden storm could threaten the safety, of employees who must work and walk within close proximity of these trees. If you would like visual verification of this hazard, please contact Nelson Bellchembers, Director of Maintenance, at 2611-7750. We look forward to receiving favorable response to our request. ereiy yours. HOUSING ITY HE WILEY xecutive Director 15455 - 65TH AVENUE SOUTH • SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98188 PHONE (206) 244-7750 • TDD (206) 2434223 • FAX (206) 242-0733 ATTACHMENT 2 CITY OF TUKWILA b2iHr SULrHCENTEk Rrn LER4RD. wAI{7L.1, WASHINGTON urdlr+x January 10, 1990 Ring County Housing. Authority 15455 65th Ave South • Seattle, WA 98188 • Attn: Jim Wiley, Executive Director . Re: Poplar Tree Removal Dear Er. Ailey: Thank you for•your patience in waiting for NV response•to your request regarding the poplar trees on your site. As understand. it you feel the trees represent a danger to.tho roof and foundation of the building and ths•safety of employees. Our.inspection of the trees found that.they arm not located • adjacent to sidewalks. All of the tress appear to be in excellent health, mature and unlikely to pose a hasard to eaployees. You stated that you were. concerned that the trees would constitute a hasard in the event of a sudden'stors.'The type of trees that are located on.your property, Lcsberddy Poplars, are Supple and have been used a• windbreaks in aany.areas.In addition, the location of the trees to the south contribute-to. the'stability of the dope. • The City of Tukwila is attempting to prsssry its natural . resources, of which these type. of,trees, dug to their stature and visibility, constitute as essential element. Based on the absence of '.. any technical inforaation verifying the asserted danger and oar inspection, 1 an unable to conclude that these trees pose a hasard. If you have aor technical information, Pleas. subnit it for ay •rreconiidsration. You also have the action to.patition the City Council for a • waiver subject. to your agreeaentto conform to the S nsitive Areas Ordinance When adopted. Any alternative landscaping would be required to .be approved by staff. Please call have additional questions. Si c Bee r Director of Community Development PHU.VE 0 IZINis 133 I viN1 /:dry I.. IORD IlfrM..%ta1'w ATTACHMENT 3 ROULRTA MOGUL P.& /MN Q I L ANAL! !•i GALA D. LAMEO GEOROEW. ARM ti MUM M sOOMEMORE W LUAM L 0000WE1 M. MAYME EL AM LYNN Q MURST JF.l!REY L. Mlwt CHRd10PME L I11RSf ALAN L MONTGOMERY SCOTT L EASTER MICHAEL La W CAMIUETAYTARRAL! ON JAIL LL WUKMR MOOT C. HUMUS MED P011 MONTGOMERY, PURDUE, BL N10NSHIP & AUSTIN ATTORNEYS AT LAM Jr MOOR COLUIJRA CARER 1M !!@I AVENUE SEATRJ. MAYENQNON NIM (206) 6024090 FACSIMILE (206) 6254534 January 31, 1990 Mr. Rick Beeler Director of Community Development City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter.Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 Rs: Housing Authority of the County of King Dear Mr. Beeler: Si- cerely, dr Csw/c . Blankinship, PAK .113B:vseb3402 Enclosure cc: Housing Authority of the County of King Attn: Jim Wiley DAVpL HANSEN IOCMAELM BASCOCE !MART M. AEIIUJY STUART P. EA1TNQ JOEIMMC EROWN, JL DONALD L MORROON . WAt1DL YUND.JL • OP COUNSEL WILUAMMONLboM Y(Y(I1IE .ALM AUSTIN (I10) CALL UJC'EELATH We are writing on behalf of the King County. Housing Authority which has a problem with respect to large trees adjacent to its headquarters building. The Housing Author- ity wants tha trees removed and replaced by plantings which will be more in scale with the property. 1 enclose a copy of the letter from Chalmers 0. 'knees, a professional engi- neer, who with his partner, Hawley Dudley, designed the building. As you will see from his letter, the tress have now grown to.thrse times the siss they were at the time the building was constructed. Branches chafe the structures and leaves clog the gutters and downspouts. in addition, as the letter of Mr. Ekness indicates, there is increasing risk the trees or branches from them will fall on the building in a windstorm. It will be appreciated if you will give the Housing Authority permission to remove those trees and replace them with more suitable substitutes. ATTACHMENT 4 DUDLEY S EKNESS archit•sts • engineers • elann•rs 1 530 Oueon. Ann* Awns North &moo Washington MO0 N.S.A. Me) 282.300 January 16, 1990 Mr. Jim Wiley, Exeeutivelirector King County Housing Authority 15455 65th Ave.. South Seattle, Washington 98180 Dear Mr. Wiley: I have inspected the two poplar trees at your office site, one on the east side of the building and one on the north side. At the time we designed the building in 1972, the trees were probably one third of their present size. Normally, trees this close to a structure would be removed in the excavation process. Apparently, a decision was made at the tulle of construction to retain the trees. The close proximity, of the foundation to the tree root systems has prevented a norms1 expension of the root systems with respect,to the.. rowth of-the trees.. The resulting reduction in the stability of the root system results in a significant increase in risk for substantial structural damage should a tree fell occur. 1 The increasing size of the trees have resulted in increased maintenance requirements from greater.and greater volume of 'leaves on the roof and from continuing marring and abrasion to the exterior finish, which.Occurs In even light winds. We recommend that these trees be removed and the trunk=. cut one hoot .t from the ground. surface. This Would leave the present root systems in.place and would not effect Ores ent ground stabilization. If replicement is desired, smeller trees could be planted in the area east of and at a safe distance'from the structure. Sincerely, a CFilmars 0. Ekness, P. General Partner COE/cic , , .. , . $ r1 WWZ41461 rw. , ( TO P. ATTAiCHMENT s CITY OF TUKWILA 6200 SOIMICENTER 1001ILEVARA TVAIVILA, WASHINGTON MPS PHONE" COQ 433.11100 February 8, 1990 John D. Blankinship, P.8. MOntgomery, Purdue, Blankinship 4 Austin Attorneys at Los 58th Floor , Columbia Center Seattle, Milt 98104 Res lousing Authority of the County of Xing Tree Removal Dear Mr. Blankinship. Thank•youlor your letter of January 31, 1990 in reference 'to, a request by the'Sbusing kuthority to remove certain trees•on•their .• property in Tukwila. 1 rsvi.wsd your attached letter from: . • Chalmers. !knees, P.S. in response to our request for additional information concerning .the trees. • ' In a letter dated. January 10,. 1990, the City reviested technical • information which-wOuld.justify:removalof the tree.. because of their - location. adjacent'.to'the damage to pedestrians in .tho . event of breakage:- damage. to.: • structure in the 'event of'breakage.and.from:rubbing on the building and roof, And - damage to the•Wilding.foundatiOn frOl tree 'roots. Mr..Skness' letter states' that the 'ttees'.are planted close • building (ve' are•assuming ho is the tr....row:the • • . solitheide.of the building .). .and ts a result the toot system' has .beenianable •T.o-develop normally. His opinion . ,i1 that this :cities a:*reduction he evidence - that .the trees . are unstable:ow:cause groOsWinstabt= .11i• recommendatlos.that., •telyoneHtoot.of.the tree, be retained :1nm there is .seme gteund,sytbillation.bt•the trees. Hs alwrefste to 4..great:aneunt,etleavet,',owthotoef antabreelon fren•limbe rubbing on the bulldingleaves,are a natural part of :trees.: • . The leaves and the abrasion can belaltigatet:by4pprOprlativ*: pruning.. Becausstbs.infoniation..presented.'does: not •. justify removal - of the trees,''; mw.Unablwtoconcludqvthat now pose a hasard. • ATTACHMENT 6 Goy L. Vealkuts. Mow Si If the Housing Authority wishes to continue the request a petition should be filed with the City Councillor • waiver. fres the 'moratorium ordinance. Please call if you have additional questions. Rick Beeler Director of Cosimunity Development City of Tukwila, WA ExAmPLoS OF MHO TYPES OF TREES THAT THE rn• AV 4C 4 Y PRofta$'ro PLANT AS Su•STeTUTE EAST S VIEWED EAST F VI ewe to FROni S.L. EAST SIDE. VIEb Must N • E SovrN Si b& V)Ewmb Mon .% ttntr Sou11.1 SIDE. ViELJED FROM (.BEST SouTN SIDE vI EwEb FR041 UJ ES T cto-lo-e-2re