Lee tree letter 906 Yelm Ave
City of Yelm
Community Development Department
105 Yelm Avenue West
Yelm, WA 98597
Nov 3, 2016
Yelm Plaza LLC
8448 N Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Attn: Calvin Lee
Re: Tree Topping at Nisqually Plaza [906 Yelm Ave Parcel #22730110204]
Dear Mr. Lee;
In April of 2015 there was a discussion with Christine and Gary Carlson [Yelm Building Official] concerning the trees in from of your Nisqually Plaza property on 906 Yelm Ave. This discussion
was also notification not to confuse tree trimming with tree pruning. It has come to the attention of Yelm Community Development that the trees in front of 906 Yelm Ave have been trimmed.
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).
This letter is to inform you the trees must be replaced. Please submit landscaping drawings for city approval to indicate the trees you intend to plant to replace the damaged trees.
NOTE: On March 6, 2015 the tree replacement at the Burger King was approved. The City of Yelm allowed the substitution of Golden Raindrop Crabapple for the Toba Hawthorns. The same
allowance will be granted Nisqually Plaza. As you have chosen to top the Zelkova on Yelm Avenue they will need to be replaced.
You must respond to this letter within 15 days. Failure to comply with this letter by stated time may 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 day of violations or further enforcement action through court of competent jurisdiction.
Ron Kemp, CBO
Building and Fire Safety Official
(360) 458-8407
ronk@ci.yelm.wa.us