4-9-195 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMITS:

A. PURPOSE:

This Section provides a permit process for routine vegetation management implementing the tree retention and land clearing regulations in RMC 4-4-130.

B. AUTHORITY:

The Administrator is hereby authorized and directed to interpret and enforce all the provisions of this Section.

C. APPLICABILITY:

Unless exempted by RMC 4-4-130C, Allowed Tree Removal Activities, a routine vegetation management permit is required for any property where routine vegetation management activities are undertaken. (Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011)

D. PROCEDURES AND REVIEW CRITERIA:

Permits for routine vegetation management shall be processed as follows:

1. Submittal: An application for a routine vegetation management permit shall be submitted to the Development Services Division together with any necessary fees as specified in the City of Renton Fee Schedule.

2. Information Required: A routine vegetation management permit application shall contain the information requested in RMC 4-8-120, Submittal Requirements – Specific to Application Type.

3. Time: The permit shall be reviewed administratively within a reasonable period of time.

4. Review Criteria: All land clearing and tree removal activities shall comply with RMC 4-4-060, Grading, Excavation, and Mining Regulations, and shall meet the following criteria:

a. The lot shall comply with minimum tree credit requirements pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations;

b. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with restrictions for critical areas, pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations, and RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations;

c. Removal of a landmark tree shall meet the review criteria for removal of a landmark tree, pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations;

d. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved, unless otherwise approved by the Administrator;

e. The land clearing and tree removal shall not remove any landscaping or protected trees required as part of a land development permit;

f. The land clearing and tree removal shall maintain visual screening and buffering between land uses of differing intensity, consistent with applicable landscaping and setback provisions;

g. The land clearing and tree removal shall not create or contribute to a hazardous condition, such as increased potential for blowdown, pest infestation, disease, or other problems that may result from selectively removing trees and other vegetation from a lot; and

h. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with the requirements of the Shoreline Master Program, pursuant to RMC 4-3-090F1, Vegetation Conservation, and RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations. (Ord. 5976, 8-3-2020)

5. Routine Vegetation Management Permit Conditions: The routine vegetation management permit may be denied or conditioned by the City to restrict the timing and extent of activities or to require tree replacement in order to further the intent of this Section including:

a. Preserve and enhance the City’s aesthetic character and maintain visual screening and buffering.

b. Preserve habitat to the greatest extent feasible.

c. Prevent landslides, accelerated soil creep, settlement, and subsidence hazards.

d. Minimize the potential for flooding, erosion, or increased turbidity, siltation, or other form of pollution in a watercourse.

e. Ensure that the proposal will be consistent with RMC 4-4-130D3, Restrictions for Critical Areas – General, and 4-4-130D4, Restrictions for Native Growth Protection Areas.

f. Ensure that the proposal will be consistent with RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations. (Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5976, 8-3-2020)

6. Time Limits for Routine Vegetation Management Permits: Any permit for routine vegetation management shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance. An extension may be granted by the Administrator for a period of one year upon application by the property owner or manager. Application for such an extension must be made at least thirty (30) days in advance of the expiration of the original permit and shall include a statement of justification for the extension.

E. APPEALS:

Appeal of the decision to grant, grant with conditions, or deny a routine vegetation management permit shall be made consistent with RMC 4-8-110, Appeals. (Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5159, 10-17-2005; Ord. 5304, 9-17-2007; Ord. 5840, 6-12-2017; Ord. 6076, 8-8-2022)