We showed proof that single family lots were being clear-cut in Snohomish County.  This and removal of significant trees is against the law.  Please review an expert legal opinion on the subject.  Scroll down to read the text of the letter, then please contact  your local legislators and share and sign this petition.  

Snohomish County Council:  contact.council@snoco.org; 

State legislators: 

1st District:  derek.stanford@leg.wa.gov; shelley.kloba@leg.wa.gov ; davina.duerr@leg.wa.gov

38th District:  june.robinson@leg.wa.gov; mary.fosse@leg.wa.gov;  Julio.Cortes@leg.wa.gov

21st District:  Marko.Liias@leg.wa.gov; Lillian.ortiez-self@leg.wa.gov; strom.peterson@leg.wa.gov

44th District: John.Lovick@leg.wa.gov; april.berg@leg.wa.gov; brandy.donaghy@leg.wa.gov

Chair of the House Environmental and Energy Committee: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/doglio/  

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Dear Mr. Mccrary:

I write today on behalf of Jim Walsh. Mr. Walsh asked me to comment on the requirements of SCC 30.25.016 regarding the Ambleside residential development. As described below, the current application materials do not meet minimum code requirements to document tree canopy and retain that canopy as required by code.

The environmental checklist for this proposal, at section 4. Plants, under subsection b states as follows:

The site contains trees, grass and landscaping associated with single family residential home. The developer will remove the vegetation during site development within the clearing limits.

Based on SCC 30.25.016, the removal of all vegetation is prohibited on this property. Planning and Development Services should require strict compliance with the code provision, including the submittal of drawings and plans that demonstrate how this proposal will meet this code criteria. PDS is charged with preventing this kind of illegal activity.

SCC 30.25.016 states tree canopy retention requirements for all new residential development within unincorporated Snohomish County. Per SCC 30.25.016(3)  table, for "Subdivisions for Single Family Residential 10 lots or more" the "Required Tree Canopy Coverage of Development Site (gross site area)" is 30 percent. Table 30.25.016(4) sets the standards for "Measuring Tree Canopy." That section requires that "calculation of existing and new tree canopy shall be submitted in writing by a qualified landscape designer or licensed land surveyor."

The applicant has provided landscaping plans, but they do not address or provide a calculation of existing tree canopy nor an inventory of "significant trees" on the site. "Significant trees" are defined in the Snohomish County Code at Section 30.91.320, generally defining all trees with a "caliper of at least 10 inches" as significant, applying the standards of SCC 30.91.005 measuring trunk diameter 4.5 feet above the base of the trunk. Significant trees are required to be retained under the terms of SCC 30.25.016(2). Clear cutting on the Ambleside property is not permitted.

PDS should require the applicant to provide a complete written inventory showing the existing tree canopy and identifying the significant trees, together with a plan to retain at least 30 percent tree canopy on the site, which must include protection and retention of significant trees as defined by the code. Please provide the undersigned with these drawings and an opportunity to comment on the sufficiency of them to meet the foregoing code requirements.

Please contact the undersigned with any questions or comments.