145th PL SE, Bellevue, WA
July 2016
Supplemental Landscape Update - Tree Removal
As noted in the June Village on Main Street (VOMS) Board meeting minutes, the VOMS Board wanted to update all residents on the requirements/guidelines for tree removal on the property. As a result of several consultations with the City of Bellevue regarding responsibility and proper handling of tree removal on the property, we have two basic standards to work with, which are as follows:
1.Trees located on the general property (not in protected areas):
a. Identify the trees in question and reason(s) for removal
b. Have a Certified Arborist evaluate the trees and prepare a report (VOMS HOA expense)
c. If arborist agrees, the trees can be removed
d. If the arborist disagrees - no further work will be permitted
e. If work can proceed, attain necessary permits and permission (VOMS HOA expense) from the city of Bellevue
f. Remove the trees at the VOMS HOA expense
There is some leeway, however, concerning Cottonwood and Alder trees – permits for removal are easy to attain. Another thing to note is that certain large trees, like Cottonwoods, which have grown a stronger ‘core wood’ due to withstanding wind and weather, and then subsequently removed, may expose the next tree in line to the wind and could potentially impact it’s stability, and could therefore be more easily affected & damaged in storms. Therefore, the landscape team will carefully ensure the right decisions are made regarding tree removal.
2.Trees located on the Natural Growth Protected Areas (NGPA):The NGPA is defined as the green space in the middle of the property (east and west sides of 145th) where there are several areas either always or sometimes filled with water. The area on the west side and most southerly is actually a retention pond used to assist in controlling storm drain overflow. This area is completely maintained by the city - we are not authorized to do any work in this area. The city is to keep this area and all drains clear as part of their annual maintenance program. The rest of the green areas are consideredNGPAand as such we may not do any work, including mowing, leaf removal, tree removal or standard maintenance without the express written permission of the City of Bellevue. We have been in violation of this restriction for quite some time, and as of now, this is a required process for any activity in these areas:
a. Request a permit from the City of Bellevue for the anticipated work
b. For tree removal, get a Certified Arborist evaluation of the trees to determine health or potential danger (VOMS HOA expense)
c. If the arborist report finds the trees in question are diseased or of imminent danger to the area homes, the permit to remove the trees(s) will be granted through the permitting process
d. If the arborist finds no imminent danger, disease or mitigating circumstance to remove the tree(s) - no further work will be permitted
d. We remove and dispose of the trees at VOMS HOA expense
Trees located outside the property (outside fences and south path) are managed by the City of Bellevue. The cost of tree removal can easily exceed $1000 for a modest size tree; cottonwoods ($3000-$5000each). This is in addition to the arborist inspection and permit fees. Estimated arborist rates are in the $3000 range to do an evaluation in a small area.As always, your VOMS Board takes all requests seriously and will conduct an analysis and recommendation following these outlined guidelines. We respectfully request your patience as we go through the process. Let us know if you have any questions.