Hedge and Tree Regulations

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HEDGE HEIGHT REGULATIONS
	17.12.030 Accessory uses No fence, freestanding wall, retaining wall, rockery, or hedge in the setback area shall exceed six feet in height above the finished grade, except as noted below or in subsection (N)(3) of this section 17.32.015 Enforcement of hedge violations A. Enforcement shall be initiated by written complaint to the building official by a directly affected individual. For the purposes of this section, a “directly affected property owner” shall mean an individual property owner whose property shares a common boundary line with the property of the alleged violator. Further, the complaint shall only involve the portion of the alleged nonconforming hedge that is within the setbacks of the common boundary line of the alleged violator and the directly affected individual. B. The building official shall inspect the alleged violation and make a determination as to whether or not a violation exists. C. If the building official finds that no violation exists, he/she will notify the complaining party in writing of the reasons why a violation does not exist. D. If the building official finds that a violation exists, he/she will give written notice of the violation to the owner. Such notice shall explain why there is a violation, shall include a copy of the section of this chapter stating the violation, and shall specify the corrective action necessary to bring the hedge into compliance with this chapter. The notice shall give the owner 30 days to correct the violation. E. Prior to sending a notice of violation, the building official shall attempt to meet personally with the complainant and violator to resolve the violation without the issuance of the notice. F. Upon receipt of a notice of violation, the property owner may appeal the notice of violation to the town council within 14 days. The appeal shall be submitted in writing and shall detail the reasons why the hedge is not in violation of this chapter. G. The town council, upon hearing the appeal, shall either affirm the decision of the building official that a violation of this chapter exists or find that there is no violation. If the council affirms decision of the building official, the property owner shall have 30 days to comply with the notice of violation. H. Failure to comply with a notice of violation shall be a civil infraction with a fine of $71.00 per day for each day the violation continues in existence. (Ord. 549 § 1, 2005)

HEDGE HEIGHT REGULATIONS

17.12.030 Accessory uses

No fence, freestanding wall, retaining wall, rockery, or hedge in the setback area shall exceed six feet in height above the finished grade, except as noted below or in subsection (N)(3) of this section

17.32.015 Enforcement of hedge violations

A. Enforcement shall be initiated by written complaint to the building official by a directly affected individual. For the purposes of this section, a “directly affected property owner” shall mean an individual property owner whose property shares a common boundary line with the property of the alleged violator. Further, the complaint shall only involve the portion of the alleged nonconforming hedge that is within the setbacks of the common boundary line of the alleged violator and the directly affected individual.

B. The building official shall inspect the alleged violation and make a determination as to whether or not a violation exists.

C. If the building official finds that no violation exists, he/she will notify the complaining party in writing of the reasons why a violation does not exist.

D. If the building official finds that a violation exists, he/she will give written notice of the violation to the owner. Such notice shall explain why there is a violation, shall include a copy of the section of this chapter stating the violation, and shall specify the corrective action necessary to bring the hedge into compliance with this chapter. The notice shall give the owner 30 days to correct the violation.

E. Prior to sending a notice of violation, the building official shall attempt to meet personally with the complainant and violator to resolve the violation without the issuance of the notice.

F. Upon receipt of a notice of violation, the property owner may appeal the notice of violation to the town council within 14 days. The appeal shall be submitted in writing and shall detail the reasons why the hedge is not in violation of this chapter.

G. The town council, upon hearing the appeal, shall either affirm the decision of the building official that a violation of this chapter exists or find that there is no violation. If the council affirms decision of the building official, the property owner shall have 30 days to comply with the notice of violation.

H. Failure to comply with a notice of violation shall be a civil infraction with a fine of $71.00 per day for each day the violation continues in existence. (Ord. 549 § 1, 2005)

TREE REGULATIONS
	12.26.050 Private property tree care 20.22.010 Title, purpose, and intent. A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the private property tree code of the town of Yarrow Point. B. Purpose and Intent. The general purpose of the private property tree code is to protect, preserve, and replenish significant trees on private property in Yarrow Point in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the town. The private property tree code is intended to: 1. Retain the town’s existing character; 2. Maintain an equitable distribution of significant trees on properties throughout the town; 3. Mitigate the consequences of significant tree removal through tree replacement; 4. Implement the goals and objectives of the town’s comprehensive plan, the town’s shoreline master program, and the State Environmental Policy Act. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.020 Definitions. A. “Caliper” means the American Association of Nurserymen standard for trunk measurement of nursery stock. Caliper of the trunk shall be the trunk diameter measured six inches above the ground for up to and including four-inch caliper size and 12 inches above the ground for larger sizes. B. “Crown” means the area of a tree containing leaf- or needle-bearing branches. C. “Diameter at breast height (DBH)” means the diameter or thickness of a tree trunk measured at four and one-half feet from the ground. D. Hazardous Tree. Any significant tree is considered hazardous when it has been assessed by a qualified professional and found to be likely to fail and cause an unacceptable degree of injury, damage, or disruption. E. Mitigation Tree Species. Mitigation trees shall comply with the following: any evergreen tree species that has the potential to grow to the size of a significant tree or any deciduous tree species that has the potential to grow to the size of a significant tree. Species considered unsuitable for mitigation are identified in a document entitled “Yarrow Point Mitigation Vegetation,” on file with the town clerk. F. “Pruning” means the act of trimming or lopping off what is superfluous; specifically, the act of cutting off branches or parts of trees with a view to strengthening those that remain or to bringing the tree into a desired shape. Pruning that results in the removal of at least half of the live crown shall be considered tree removal. G. “Qualified professional” means an individual with relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry. The individual shall be an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a registered consulting arborist from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). A qualified professional shall possess the ability to perform tree risk assessments, as well as experience working directly with the protection of trees during construction. H. “Significant tree” means any tree that is at least 18 inches in diameter at DBH, as measured at four and one-half feet from the ground or any tree planted as mitigation. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.030 Tree removal and minimum significant tree density. A. Removal. A tree removal permit shall be required for the removal of any significant tree. B. Density. A minimum of one significant tree per 5,000 square feet of property shall be required and maintained following the removal of any significant tree. C. The required tree density may be accomplished through the preservation and maintenance of existing stock, or through the planting of mitigation trees. When calculating the required number of trees per property, fractional tree portions shall be rounded up or down to the nearest whole number. D. Significant tree trunks that straddle a private property line shall be assigned a tree density value of 0.49 for each property. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.040 Exemptions. A. Emergency Tree Removal. Any hazardous tree that poses an imminent threat to life or property may be removed prior to the issuance of a tree removal permit. The town shall be notified within seven days of the emergency tree removal with evidence of the threat or status justifying the removal of the significant tree. The notification of emergency removal shall contain a site plan showing remaining significant trees on the lot with a calculation demonstrating compliance with the minimum significant tree density. The standard of one significant tree per 5,000 square feet of property, i.e., tree density, shall be documented and may be fulfilled through the remaining trees on site or through planting of mitigation trees. B. Utility Maintenance. Trees may be removed by the town or utility provider in situations involving actual interruption of services provided by a utility only if pruning cannot solve utility service issues. Mitigation shall be required by the underlying property owner pursuant to YPMC 20.22.080 (Mitigation). Utility maintenance within the right-of-way shall conform to the town’s public property tree code (Chapter 12.26 YPMC). (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.050 Tree removal permit – Application process. A. Any property owner intending to remove a significant tree shall submit a tree removal permit application on a form provided by the town. The application shall include: 1. The name, address, and contact information of the property owner and/or agent. 2. A site plan showing the location, size, and species of all significant trees, including those proposed for removal, on the property. For applications associated with construction or site development, the site plan must also label and identify all trees within 20 feet of the proposed construction and/or site development activity. 3. A tree protection plan per YPMC 20.22.090 (Construction site tree protection) for applications associated with construction or site development. 4. A mitigation plan, if required per YPMC 20.22.080 (Mitigation), indicating the location and species for all trees to be planted. 5. The current permit fee, as established by the town council. B. Identification on Site. Concurrent with submittal of the tree removal permit application, the owner shall identify every significant tree proposed for removal by placing a yellow tape around the circumference of the tree at the DBH. C. Shoreline Jurisdiction. Properties located within the town’s shoreline jurisdiction (200 feet landward of Lake Washington) are subject to additional tree removal and replacement standards per the town of Yarrow Point Shoreline Master Program Section 5.6 – Vegetation Management. D. Review by Staff and/or Town Arborist. Except in cases of emergency tree removal, the tree removal application shall be reviewed within 28 days in the case of permits not associated with development activity or shall be reviewed and issued concurrently with the site development or building permit, as applicable. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.060 Tree removal permit – Notification. A notice of the proposed removal of one or more significant trees shall be posted within five business days of receipt of a complete application. The notice shall be posted by the town on site, on the appropriate mailbox pagoda, and on the town’s website. The town shall send a letter via U.S. mail to all property owners abutting the site. The letter shall include a site plan with all trees identified for removal. A minimum two-week notification period shall be required prior to issuance of any tree removal permit. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.070 Tree removal permit – Expiration. A tree removal permit shall expire six months from the date of issue, requiring reissuance of a new permit. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.080 Mitigation. A. Whenever a significant tree is planned for removal pursuant to an issued tree removal permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that, after the removal of the tree(s), the property will meet the requirement of YPMC 20.22.030 (Tree removal and minimum significant tree density). Should the property fail to meet this requirement, the applicant shall provide a tree mitigation plan that satisfies the requirements of YPMC 20.22.030 (Tree removal and minimum significant tree density). B. Mitigation trees shall be a minimum of 10 feet tall or have a three-inch caliper, and have a full well-developed crown. C. Mitigation requirements shall be met within six months of tree removal. In the case of concurrent new construction, mitigation requirements shall be met prior to final inspection. Trees planted as mitigation shall be maintained with adequate water and care to survive a three-year warranty period or be replaced. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.090 Construction site tree protection. A. All significant trees to be retained on a construction site, and all trees on the adjacent and otherwise affected town rights-of-way, and all trees on adjacent private properties impacted by site development as regulated under YPMC Title 20, or construction as regulated under YPMC Title 15, shall be protected during such activity. B. The property owner shall submit a report prepared by a qualified professional that evaluates the significant trees on site, as well as all trees in the adjacent areas impacted by the proposed construction. Tree protection measures shall be clearly described and illustrated on a site plan. Best management practices shall be employed as referenced in “Tree Protection on Construction and Development Sites: A Best Management Guidebook for the Pacific Northwest,” or other such guidance as approved by the town arborist. C. The town may waive the requirement for a report when it is determined by the town staff that the scope of the project will not impact the significant tree(s) on site or any trees on adjacent properties. D. A stop work order may be issued by the building official if site tree protection guidelines are not followed. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.100 Appeals. Any tree permit applicant aggrieved by any action of the town relating to a tree removal permit may, within 10 days of such action, file a notice of appeal to the town council, setting forth the reasons for such appeal and the relief requested. The town council shall hear and determine the matter and may affirm, modify, or disaffirm the administrative decision within 60 days of timely appeal. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) 20.22.110 Violation – Penalty for unpermitted tree removal. A. A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a civil violation and any person, corporation or other entity that violates this chapter shall receive a fine of $10,000 per violation, plus $1,000 per inch of diameter (DBH) for each significant tree over 18 inches DBH that is removed without a permit; provided, that the maximum fine for the removal of each significant tree shall not exceed $25,000. It shall be a separate offense for each and every significant tree removed in violation of this chapter. B. In addition to the penalty set forth in subsection A of this section, significant trees that were unlawfully removed or damaged shall be replaced in accordance with YPMC 20.22.080 (Mitigation). C. Fines levied under this chapter shall be deposited into a tree mitigation account and shall be used by the town for acquiring, maintaining, and preserving wooded areas, and for the planting and maintenance of trees within the town’s public places and rights-of-way. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021) To request the removal or inspection of a tree located on private property, please complete the following form and submit to Town Hall. Private Property Tree Removal Permit Application

TREE REGULATIONS

12.26.050 Private property tree care

20.22.010 Title, purpose, and intent.

A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the private property tree code of the town of Yarrow Point.

B. Purpose and Intent. The general purpose of the private property tree code is to protect, preserve, and replenish significant trees on private property in Yarrow Point in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the town. The private property tree code is intended to:

1. Retain the town’s existing character;

2. Maintain an equitable distribution of significant trees on properties throughout the town;

3. Mitigate the consequences of significant tree removal through tree replacement;

4. Implement the goals and objectives of the town’s comprehensive plan, the town’s shoreline master program, and the State Environmental Policy Act. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.020 Definitions.

A. “Caliper” means the American Association of Nurserymen standard for trunk measurement of nursery stock. Caliper of the trunk shall be the trunk diameter measured six inches above the ground for up to and including four-inch caliper size and 12 inches above the ground for larger sizes.

B. “Crown” means the area of a tree containing leaf- or needle-bearing branches.

C. “Diameter at breast height (DBH)” means the diameter or thickness of a tree trunk measured at four and one-half feet from the ground.

D. Hazardous Tree. Any significant tree is considered hazardous when it has been assessed by a qualified professional and found to be likely to fail and cause an unacceptable degree of injury, damage, or disruption.

E. Mitigation Tree Species. Mitigation trees shall comply with the following: any evergreen tree species that has the potential to grow to the size of a significant tree or any deciduous tree species that has the potential to grow to the size of a significant tree. Species considered unsuitable for mitigation are identified in a document entitled “Yarrow Point Mitigation Vegetation,” on file with the town clerk.

F. “Pruning” means the act of trimming or lopping off what is superfluous; specifically, the act of cutting off branches or parts of trees with a view to strengthening those that remain or to bringing the tree into a desired shape. Pruning that results in the removal of at least half of the live crown shall be considered tree removal.

G. “Qualified professional” means an individual with relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry. The individual shall be an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a registered consulting arborist from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). A qualified professional shall possess the ability to perform tree risk assessments, as well as experience working directly with the protection of trees during construction.

H. “Significant tree” means any tree that is at least 18 inches in diameter at DBH, as measured at four and one-half feet from the ground or any tree planted as mitigation. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.030 Tree removal and minimum significant tree density.

A. Removal. A tree removal permit shall be required for the removal of any significant tree.

B. Density. A minimum of one significant tree per 5,000 square feet of property shall be required and maintained following the removal of any significant tree.

C. The required tree density may be accomplished through the preservation and maintenance of existing stock, or through the planting of mitigation trees. When calculating the required number of trees per property, fractional tree portions shall be rounded up or down to the nearest whole number.

D. Significant tree trunks that straddle a private property line shall be assigned a tree density value of 0.49 for each property. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.040 Exemptions.

A. Emergency Tree Removal. Any hazardous tree that poses an imminent threat to life or property may be removed prior to the issuance of a tree removal permit. The town shall be notified within seven days of the emergency tree removal with evidence of the threat or status justifying the removal of the significant tree. The notification of emergency removal shall contain a site plan showing remaining significant trees on the lot with a calculation demonstrating compliance with the minimum significant tree density. The standard of one significant tree per 5,000 square feet of property, i.e., tree density, shall be documented and may be fulfilled through the remaining trees on site or through planting of mitigation trees.

B. Utility Maintenance. Trees may be removed by the town or utility provider in situations involving actual interruption of services provided by a utility only if pruning cannot solve utility service issues. Mitigation shall be required by the underlying property owner pursuant to YPMC 20.22.080 (Mitigation). Utility maintenance within the right-of-way shall conform to the town’s public property tree code (Chapter 12.26 YPMC). (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.050 Tree removal permit – Application process.

A. Any property owner intending to remove a significant tree shall submit a tree removal permit application on a form provided by the town. The application shall include:

1. The name, address, and contact information of the property owner and/or agent.

2. A site plan showing the location, size, and species of all significant trees, including those proposed for removal, on the property. For applications associated with construction or site development, the site plan must also label and identify all trees within 20 feet of the proposed construction and/or site development activity.

3. A tree protection plan per YPMC 20.22.090 (Construction site tree protection) for applications associated with construction or site development.

4. A mitigation plan, if required per YPMC 20.22.080 (Mitigation), indicating the location and species for all trees to be planted.

5. The current permit fee, as established by the town council.

B. Identification on Site. Concurrent with submittal of the tree removal permit application, the owner shall identify every significant tree proposed for removal by placing a yellow tape around the circumference of the tree at the DBH.

C. Shoreline Jurisdiction. Properties located within the town’s shoreline jurisdiction (200 feet landward of Lake Washington) are subject to additional tree removal and replacement standards per the town of Yarrow Point Shoreline Master Program Section 5.6 – Vegetation Management.

D. Review by Staff and/or Town Arborist. Except in cases of emergency tree removal, the tree removal application shall be reviewed within 28 days in the case of permits not associated with development activity or shall be reviewed and issued concurrently with the site development or building permit, as applicable. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.060 Tree removal permit – Notification.

A notice of the proposed removal of one or more significant trees shall be posted within five business days of receipt of a complete application. The notice shall be posted by the town on site, on the appropriate mailbox pagoda, and on the town’s website. The town shall send a letter via U.S. mail to all property owners abutting the site. The letter shall include a site plan with all trees identified for removal. A minimum two-week notification period shall be required prior to issuance of any tree removal permit. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.070 Tree removal permit – Expiration.

A tree removal permit shall expire six months from the date of issue, requiring reissuance of a new permit. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.080 Mitigation.

A. Whenever a significant tree is planned for removal pursuant to an issued tree removal permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that, after the removal of the tree(s), the property will meet the requirement of YPMC 20.22.030 (Tree removal and minimum significant tree density). Should the property fail to meet this requirement, the applicant shall provide a tree mitigation plan that satisfies the requirements of YPMC 20.22.030 (Tree removal and minimum significant tree density).

B. Mitigation trees shall be a minimum of 10 feet tall or have a three-inch caliper, and have a full well-developed crown.

C. Mitigation requirements shall be met within six months of tree removal. In the case of concurrent new construction, mitigation requirements shall be met prior to final inspection. Trees planted as mitigation shall be maintained with adequate water and care to survive a three-year warranty period or be replaced. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.090 Construction site tree protection.

A. All significant trees to be retained on a construction site, and all trees on the adjacent and otherwise affected town rights-of-way, and all trees on adjacent private properties impacted by site development as regulated under YPMC Title 20, or construction as regulated under YPMC Title 15, shall be protected during such activity.

B. The property owner shall submit a report prepared by a qualified professional that evaluates the significant trees on site, as well as all trees in the adjacent areas impacted by the proposed construction. Tree protection measures shall be clearly described and illustrated on a site plan. Best management practices shall be employed as referenced in “Tree Protection on Construction and Development Sites: A Best Management Guidebook for the Pacific Northwest,” or other such guidance as approved by the town arborist.

C. The town may waive the requirement for a report when it is determined by the town staff that the scope of the project will not impact the significant tree(s) on site or any trees on adjacent properties.

D. A stop work order may be issued by the building official if site tree protection guidelines are not followed. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.100 Appeals.

Any tree permit applicant aggrieved by any action of the town relating to a tree removal permit may, within 10 days of such action, file a notice of appeal to the town council, setting forth the reasons for such appeal and the relief requested. The town council shall hear and determine the matter and may affirm, modify, or disaffirm the administrative decision within 60 days of timely appeal. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

20.22.110 Violation – Penalty for unpermitted tree removal.

A. A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a civil violation and any person, corporation or other entity that violates this chapter shall receive a fine of $10,000 per violation, plus $1,000 per inch of diameter (DBH) for each significant tree over 18 inches DBH that is removed without a permit; provided, that the maximum fine for the removal of each significant tree shall not exceed $25,000. It shall be a separate offense for each and every significant tree removed in violation of this chapter.

B. In addition to the penalty set forth in subsection A of this section, significant trees that were unlawfully removed or damaged shall be replaced in accordance with YPMC 20.22.080 (Mitigation).

C. Fines levied under this chapter shall be deposited into a tree mitigation account and shall be used by the town for acquiring, maintaining, and preserving wooded areas, and for the planting and maintenance of trees within the town’s public places and rights-of-way. (Ord. 715 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)

To request the removal or inspection of a tree located on private property, please complete the following form and submit to Town Hall. Private Property Tree Removal Permit Application

TREE REGULATIONS
	12.26 Public tree care 12.26.010 Title, purpose, and intent. A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the public property tree code of the town of Yarrow Point, Washington. B. Purpose and Intent. The general purpose and intent of the public property tree code is to protect and preserve certain vegetation (“protected tree”) within the town-owned rights-of-way and other public property, in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the town, and to retain the existing character of the town. C. Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of the public property tree code, its provisions shall be construed to be the minimum requirements. (Ord. 612 § 1, 2010) 12.26.020 Definitions. “Hazardous tree” means a tree that has been assessed by a qualified professional and found to be likely to fail and cause an unreasonable degree of injury, damage, or disruption. “Protected tree” means any tree within the town rights-of-way or other public property, either planted by the town or having a diameter of four inches or larger measured at four and one-half feet above the ground, but not to include hazardous trees. “Qualified professional” means an individual with relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry. The individual shall be an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a registered consulting arborist from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). A qualified professional shall possess the ability to perform tree risk assessments, as well as experience working directly with the protection of trees during construction. (Ord. 715 § 3, 2021; Ord. 612 § 2, 2010) 12.26.030 Tree board. The town of Yarrow Point tree board is hereby established for the purpose of managing the town’s public trees and for evaluating all requests for tree maintenance and/or removal for all trees on town-owned property. The tree board is composed of an arborist appointed by the mayor and any town staff appointed by the mayor to act in that capacity. (Ord. 612 § 3, 2010) 12.26.040 Arbor Day. The town shall prepare an annual proclamation recognizing Arbor Day. The proclamation shall establish the date for the Arbor Day Celebration, which may be set at the town’s discretion. The Arbor Day Celebration shall include the planting of at least one tree. (Ord. 612 § 4, 2010) 12.26.050 Public tree care. A. The town shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees, shrubs, and plants within all town-owned rights-of-way and other public property as may be necessary to ensure public safety, including but not limited to the removal of hazardous trees and any vegetation that interferes with pedestrian or vehicular transportation, public utilities, or compromises any structures lawfully constructed within the town. B. The town hereby adopts the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards and the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) Best Management Practices for the care of all vegetation within the town-owned rights-of-way and other public property, especially measures describing best practices, policies, techniques, and methods and procedures for pruning trees. Such information shall be available to all town residents for their personal use in the care of trees on private property. C. Existing plantings, other than protected trees, may be maintained by the adjacent property owner without any notification to the town. Such care shall be at the adjacent property owner’s expense. (Ord. 612 § 5, 2010) 12.26.060 Citizen/property owner request for maintenance and removal of hazardous trees within the town-owned rights-of-way. A. Any property owner immediately adjacent to a protected tree within the right-of-way may present to the town a request for the maintenance, or evaluation of the condition, of said tree. The request shall be on a form provided by the town and shall be accompanied by a report prepared by a qualified professional presenting an evaluation and recommendation for further action to be taken regarding the tree. B. Upon receipt of such request, the tree board shall review the request and shall either approve or deny the request. The determination shall be based on evidence that the tree is hazardous or not. The decision of the tree board shall be final. C. The expense for the property owner’s qualified professional report shall be paid by the property owner. In the event that tree removal or maintenance is required, the town shall reimburse the property owner for the qualified professional’s report, in an amount not to exceed $200.00. D. As an alternative to subsection A of this section, the property owner may request, through the town, to have the arborist appointed by the mayor prepare the initial report. Payment for the report shall be as described in subsection C of this section. (Ord. 612 § 6, 2010) 12.26.070 Penalty for unpermitted tree removal. A. Any person or entity found to have removed a protected tree within any town right-of-way, without the written permission of the town, shall be in violation of this code. Such action shall be a civil infraction and any person or entity found guilty thereof shall be punished by a fine of $5,000 per tree. It shall be a separate offense for each and every tree removed. B. In addition to any monetary penalties assessed under the public property tree code, replanting of trees equal in value to those removed or destroyed without town approval shall be required, at a location designated by the town. The value of the removed trees shall be determined by the arborist appointed by the mayor using the methodology published in the then-current edition of the “Guide for Plant Appraisal,” published by the International Society of Arboriculture. Such expense shall be borne by the violator. All replanting of trees shall be under the direction of town personnel. C. Any fines collected by town shall be deposited into a tree mitigation account and shall be used by the town for acquiring, maintaining, and preserving trees within the town-owned rights-of-way or other public spaces. (Ord. 612 § 7, 2010) To request the removal or inspection of a tree located in the Town's ROW, please complete the following form and submit to Town Hall. Request for Protected Tree Maintenance Evaluation or Removal Form

TREE REGULATIONS

12.26 Public tree care

12.26.010 Title, purpose, and intent.

A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the public property tree code of the town of Yarrow Point, Washington.

B. Purpose and Intent. The general purpose and intent of the public property tree code is to protect and preserve certain vegetation (“protected tree”) within the town-owned rights-of-way and other public property, in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the town, and to retain the existing character of the town.

C. Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of the public property tree code, its provisions shall be construed to be the minimum requirements. (Ord. 612 § 1, 2010)
12.26.020 Definitions.

“Hazardous tree” means a tree that has been assessed by a qualified professional and found to be likely to fail and cause an unreasonable degree of injury, damage, or disruption.

“Protected tree” means any tree within the town rights-of-way or other public property, either planted by the town or having a diameter of four inches or larger measured at four and one-half feet above the ground, but not to include hazardous trees.

“Qualified professional” means an individual with relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry. The individual shall be an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a registered consulting arborist from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). A qualified professional shall possess the ability to perform tree risk assessments, as well as experience working directly with the protection of trees during construction. (Ord. 715 § 3, 2021; Ord. 612 § 2, 2010)
12.26.030 Tree board.

The town of Yarrow Point tree board is hereby established for the purpose of managing the town’s public trees and for evaluating all requests for tree maintenance and/or removal for all trees on town-owned property. The tree board is composed of an arborist appointed by the mayor and any town staff appointed by the mayor to act in that capacity. (Ord. 612 § 3, 2010)
12.26.040 Arbor Day.

The town shall prepare an annual proclamation recognizing Arbor Day. The proclamation shall establish the date for the Arbor Day Celebration, which may be set at the town’s discretion. The Arbor Day Celebration shall include the planting of at least one tree. (Ord. 612 § 4, 2010)
12.26.050 Public tree care.

A. The town shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees, shrubs, and plants within all town-owned rights-of-way and other public property as may be necessary to ensure public safety, including but not limited to the removal of hazardous trees and any vegetation that interferes with pedestrian or vehicular transportation, public utilities, or compromises any structures lawfully constructed within the town.

B. The town hereby adopts the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards and the International Society of

Arboriculture’s (ISA) Best Management Practices for the care of all vegetation within the town-owned rights-of-way and other public property, especially measures describing best practices, policies, techniques, and methods and procedures for pruning trees. Such information shall be available to all town residents for their personal use in the care of trees on private property.

C. Existing plantings, other than protected trees, may be maintained by the adjacent property owner without any notification to the town. Such care shall be at the adjacent property owner’s expense. (Ord. 612 § 5, 2010)
12.26.060 Citizen/property owner request for maintenance and removal of hazardous trees within the town-owned rights-of-way.

A. Any property owner immediately adjacent to a protected tree within the right-of-way may present to the town a request for the maintenance, or evaluation of the condition, of said tree. The request shall be on a form provided by the town and shall be accompanied by a report prepared by a qualified professional presenting an evaluation and recommendation for further action to be taken regarding the tree.

B. Upon receipt of such request, the tree board shall review the request and shall either approve or deny the request. The determination shall be based on evidence that the tree is hazardous or not. The decision of the tree board shall be final.

C. The expense for the property owner’s qualified professional report shall be paid by the property owner. In the event that tree removal or maintenance is required, the town shall reimburse the property owner for the qualified professional’s report, in an amount not to exceed $200.00.

D. As an alternative to subsection A of this section, the property owner may request, through the town, to have the arborist appointed by the mayor prepare the initial report. Payment for the report shall be as described in subsection C of this section. (Ord. 612 § 6, 2010)
12.26.070 Penalty for unpermitted tree removal.

A. Any person or entity found to have removed a protected tree within any town right-of-way, without the written permission of the town, shall be in violation of this code. Such action shall be a civil infraction and any person or entity found guilty thereof shall be punished by a fine of $5,000 per tree. It shall be a separate offense for each and every tree removed.

B. In addition to any monetary penalties assessed under the public property tree code, replanting of trees equal in value to those removed or destroyed without town approval shall be required, at a location designated by the town. The value of the removed trees shall be determined by the arborist appointed by the mayor using the methodology published in the then-current edition of the “Guide for Plant Appraisal,” published by the International Society of Arboriculture. Such expense shall be borne by the violator. All replanting of trees shall be under the direction of town personnel.

C. Any fines collected by town shall be deposited into a tree mitigation account and shall be used by the town for acquiring, maintaining, and preserving trees within the town-owned rights-of-way or other public spaces. (Ord. 612 § 7, 2010)
To request the removal or inspection of a tree located in the Town's ROW, please complete the following form and submit to Town Hall. Request for Protected Tree Maintenance Evaluation or Removal Form