SDCI releases draft Tree Protection Ordinance update – Your chance to comment to SDCI
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has released their long-awaited draft Tree ordinance. The current deadline to comment and respond to the draft and the SEPA Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) is March 3rd.
The Coalition for a Stronger Tree Ordinance, Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest, Tree PAC and other groups will be holding a briefing on what’s in the draft and discussing a coordinated response to the City this Saturday.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.When: Sat, Feb 26, 2022, 10:00 AM – noon Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in Advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItdOyuqzsiEtf7D2cozRNdBBMpNZyfN6MY
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Quick comparison of drafts with current ordinance (SMC 25.11):
|
|
SMC 25.11 – Tree Protection | ||
|
large exceptional trees protected |
24″ DBH plus Director Rule |
24″ DBH plus Director’s Rule |
30″ DBH plus Director’s Rule. |
|
trees on site plan |
12″ DBH and larger |
6″ DBH and larger |
6″ DBH and larger |
|
estimate SF zone trees covered |
18% |
45% |
45% |
|
SEPA appeal possible |
no |
yes |
yes |
|
Replacement fee in lieu for developers |
yes |
yes |
no |
|
in lieu fee goes to |
SDCI general budget |
Replacement and Preservation Fund |
no fund |
|
exceptional trees that can be removed outside development |
none, unless hazardous |
none, unless hazardous |
none, unless hazardous |
|
significant trees that can be removed by property owners outside development |
3 – 12″DBH trees/year |
2 significant trees in 3 years |
3 significant trees/yr |
|
Developers required to replace significant trees |
Trees 12” DBH to 24” DBH |
Trees 6” DBH to 24” DBH |
No replacement required |
|
register tree care providers |
Yes -separate bill |
yes |
no |
|
permits for removing significant trees on private property |
Voluntary reporting |
yes |
no |
|
2 week posting permits on site/on-line |
no |
yes |
no |
|
tree inventory before building permit issued |
no |
yes |
no |
|
tree replacement based on tree size for developers |
one tree upon maturity roughly proportional to canopy removed |
more trees required as removed tree diameter increases, 25 years to replace canopy lost |
one tree upon maturity that reaches equivalent canopy of removed tree |
|
Tree replacement required for trees removed 1 year before property purchased |
no |
yes |
no |
|
Maximize retention of significant trees during entire development process |
no |
yes |
no |
|
Covers all land use zones in the city |
No –excludes industrial, downtown and others |
yes |
no |
Several major issues of concern with SDCI draft:
- reduces inventory of trees on development sites in single family from 45% to 18%
- makes all decisions by SDCI regarding implementation of SMC 25.11 final and not appealable to a Hearing Examiner
- does not require maximizing the retention of existing trees on development sites
- replacement trees by developers only 1 for1 no matter size of tree removed
- minimal inclusion of provisions recommended to be included by the Seattle Urban Forestry Commission
See more detail here Issues of concern on draft SDCI Tree Protection Ordinance Feb 17 2022.docx – Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest
Send comments on draft and SEPA to gordon.clowers@seattle.gov – deadline Thur. March 3, 2022.
- Urge 2-week extension from March 3rd to allow people more time to analyze draft and respond
- Urge SDCI drop proposal to use Master Use Permit 1 classification when implementing SMC 25.11
Documents:
Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest
https://www.instagram.com/friendsofseattlesurbanforest/https://twitter.com/ForestsUrbanhttps://www.facebook.com/FriendsofSeattlesUrbanForestContributions to support our efforts are always welcome. Click here to donate.