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| Cottages in Kirkland / photo Master Builders After removal, replacement trees must be planted on and *off-site. |
OPINION: The city has not updated their tree regulations in over 26 years. They are procrastinating to accomodate much-needed housing. The removed trees are replaced with saplings but at numbers that can't reach Redmond's 40% canopy goal. Off-site planting sites for replacement trees should be identified by Parks, Planning and Public Works to broaden canopy cover. The replacement trees are supplied by the developer and installations financed with one-time money and CIP funds.
*Suggested off-site planting sites: Parks, trails, Keller Farm (forested) wetland tree mitigation bank, streets, sidewalks and by-ways, urban growth easements, Light rail stations, M&O Center and other large city projects, the Heron Rookery and western open space, schools, "plant a tree" neighbohood programs, Hartman forested wetlands, Green Redmond, RTC open space, mouth of Bear Creek, and more.
According to the Master Builders Association "A good tree code responsibly maintains or grows the level of tree coverage in a city while also allowing much-needed housing for current residents. newcomers and future generations."
- For every one Landmark tree (30 inches or more) removed, six "replacement saplings
trees"(rather than three)mustwill be planted either on-site, off-siteor fee in-lieu. ($2,000.) in that order. - For every one "Significant" tree (6 inches in diameter at breast height) removed three saplings (rather than one) must be planted either on-site, off-site,
or fee in-lieu ($500) in that order. For each tree removed illegally by topping the contractor's penalty will be tripled.- On-site tree replacements
arearen't required for single family homes.
2 comments:
Speaking of trees, what's going to happen on Cleveland Street east of the Downtown Station where trees on both side of the street were recently removed. Looking at the tree stumps I estimated most, if not all of these were about 50 years old - soon to be replaced by tiny saplings I assume.
I have not been able to find anything to explain the reason or that details the the project.
I didn't know these important trees were removed. Thanks for telling me (and our readers.) At a council meeting last night the Deputy Parks Director said the city is identifying as many planting locations as they can find to achieve their 40% canopy goal. Light rail trail should definitely be a planting location. Public Works should team up with Parks to find these locations. Evans Creek, the SE Redmond industrial park, the mouth of Bear Creek and sewer line installation from City Hall to Marymoor Park along LWSB are huge planting opportunities if the city is truly committed to Redmond 2050 40% canopy.
It is my understanding, the Director of Planning and Community Development makes the ultimate decision on the species and size of replacement trees. One would think she would choose large replacement trees to screen the surrounding buildings like Plymouth Housing and freshen light rail. The city planted large "saplings" in the Downtown Park five years ago and today it is now a small "grove" giving shade and attracting visitors.
Council should sign-off on the Tree Regulation Update (or a modification of it) ASAP so the Director of Planning can start building tree stock!
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