HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-1996 Special Council Mtg CITY OF AUBURN
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
May 6, '1996 - 5:30 PM
City Hall, Conference Room #3
MINUTES
The study session convened at 5:30 PM in Conference Room 3 at Auburn City
Hall. Those in attendance included Mayor Charles A. Booth and
Councilmembers Rich Wagner, Trish Borden, Sue Singer, Paul Krauss, Stacey
Brothers, Jeanne Barber, Fred Poe and Gene Cerino. Staff members in
attendance included City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Public Works Director Frank
Currie, Planning & Community Development Director Paul KrauSs, Finance
Director Diane Suplet, City Attorney Mike Reynolds, and City Clerk Robin
Wohlhueter.
I. Introduction
Councilmember Wagner briefed members, citizens and staff on the
purpose of tonight's meeting. This meeting is in response to issues raised
relating to Auburn City Code Chapter 15.74, Land Clearing as it relates to
regulation of developed properties and/or properties which have
structures in danger of storm damage due to fallen trees.
II. Land Clearing City Code Revisions
City Attorney Mike Reynolds summarized events that resulted in staff
recommending changes to Chapter 15.74, Land Clearing. Due to a
number of citizen requests to remove old growth trees that present a
dangerous situation to property owners, the City felt its land clearing
ordinance did not address the removal of trees in established single family
areas and on large lot private properties.
The existing land clearing ordinance allows for removal of six trees per
year without a permit. Mr. Reynolds explained that the proposed
ordinance clarifies and provides land clearing for developed properties.
The proposed changes recognize property owner rights to protect
property and structures; provides property owners the ability to remove
trees without a permit on fully developed property; allows the property
owner to remove trees that are farther than the distance from the base of
the tree to the top of the tree from any permanent structure; requires the
property owner to hire a licensed and bonded contractor to remove trees
City Council Study Session Minutes
May 6, 1996
Page No. 2
within striking distance of a structure or has the potential to cause damage
to surrounding property owners; and requires a property owner to obtain a
right of way permit where public right of way will be used to fall a tree.
Discussion ensued with regard to the two land clearing issues brought to
the City's attention by private property owners in the Forest Villa area and
off of Kersey Way. Staff recommended property owners seek advice from
a certified arborist prior to removal of old growth trees in the Forest Villa
area. The Kersey Way land clearing issue is also provided for in the
proposed ordinance. The proposed ordinance reaches a balance on both
issues raised by property owners wishing to cut trees and clear land.
III. Questions and Answers
Property owners living in the Forest Villa residential area expressed their
views, experiences and opinions with regard to the existing and proposed
land clearing ordinance. Some of the concerns raised included the
potential danger of trees falling on surrounding properties during a wind
storm, and who is responsibile for clean up and damages of a fallen tree.
It was pointed out that removing old growth trees may endanger existing
trees on adjacent properties; making them more vulnerable to storm
damage.
Councilmembers expressed their opinions with regard to regulating
platted lots of private property owners. They discussed other ordinances
that relate to the land clearing ordinance that provide for regulation' of land
clearing. The ordinances include the sensitive areas, critical areas and
codified landscape requirements.
IV. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 PM.
Charles A. Booth, Mayor Robin Wohlhueter, City Clerk