16518 SR 507 091718
City of Yelm
105 Yelm Avenue West
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-3835
September 17, 2018
JOTA INC
7955 Auberge Circle
San Diego, CA 92127
RE: Tree Topping at 16518 SR 507
The City of Yelm has previously notified you regarding 8 trees located on the outer perimeter of the Chevron gas that have been severely damaged.
The trimming resulted in topping of the trees which is prohibited by Yelm Municipal Code 18.57.060:
It is unlawful for any person, firm or city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property. “Topping” is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to
stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the tree’s crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other
causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this chapter at the determination of the site plan
review committee. (Ord. 995 § 12 (Exh. A), 2015).
According to local arborists, when trees are severely topped they may not appear to be dead, yet the canopy and limb growth is severely modified. These cuts could result in sunscald,
diseases to the trunk, and eventually the death of said trees. Over pruning of the trees will also result in an undesirable canopy on the tree when/if new limbs grow.
This letter is to inform you that all 8 of these damaged trees need to be replaced. The city requires that you submit a landscaping drawing that illustrates your plan for replacing the
trees damaged as a result of your trimming.
The City of Yelm orders you respond by October 5, 2018 by 5 PM. Failing to respond to this letter by the time stated will result in further actions by the City of Yelm, including, but
not limited to the issuance of civil penalties of up to $250.00 per violation, per day of violation, and possibly further enforcement action through court of competent jurisdiction.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me at (360) 458-8407.
Sincerely,
Chris Vaccaro
Building Official
City of Yelm