Trees

• Tree removal companies often approach homeowners telling them that the trees in their yards are hazardous and must be taken down. We strongly recommend getting an opinion from a certified arborist, not affiliated with a tree removal company, before doing any work.

 

• Prior to removal of any trees you should contact the Land Use desk to ensure compliance with applicable codes

 

Whats the latest information on significant tree retention and removal regulations in Sherwood Forest?

According to the City of Bellevue site: “Prior to removal of any trees you should contact the Land Use desk (city of Bellevue) to ensure compliance with applicable codes.”

The following is the SFCC report and response from the city from February 2018.

Jennifer Ewing, (CoB Environmental Stewardship Program Manager), informed SFCC in writing, “In January of 2017 we adopted new permit requirements for clearing and grading, which require a permit for the removal of more than five significant trees. Prior to that, our code had a different way of calculating the threshold for needing a permit for tree removal, based on the square footage of the land that was disturbed.”

Here is a link to the current policy which can answer any of the more technical aspects – “CoB Tree Removal FAQs and the Bridle Trails Ordinance variant FAQ” – these documents define when a permit is required, etc. https://development.bellevuewa.gov/zoning-and-land-use/zoning-requirements/trees/

The Bridle Trails neighborhood created an ordinance some years ago, that requires a more thorough review, but they have had problems enforcing that policy lately and are therefore currently pursuing a Tree Master Plan for CoB like Redmond’s.

In Redmond, a Tree Removal Permit is required for removal of any significant tree within the City of Redmond regardless of its condition. A tree removal permit is not required for routine maintenance. Routine maintenance includes selective pruning. All Tree Removal Permits associated to single-family properties are free. For all other properties, a flat fee is required.

Both SFCC and Bridle Trails have created petitions for a comprehensive city master plan that some of you may have signed already, however, there lacks a concerted effort by the Bellevue neighborhoods to move these petitions through city council. The CoB Environmental Stewardship Program is aware of the petition.

SFCC is planning to join with the Bridle Trails movement and assist with getting other Bellevue neighborhoods to endorse a master tree plan, which would make the Bellevue tree retention policies closer to that of Redmond’s.

Bridle Trails Master Plan petition (Change.org)

https://www.change.org/p/bellevue-city-council-create-a-tree-master-plan-for-bellevue

SFCC urges Sherwood Forest homeowners to sign the above Bridle Trails Change.org sponsored petition to increase the visibility of this request to CoB.

The Sherwood Forest neighborhood was established in the late 1950s as a forested neighborhood where large Douglas Fir, Cedar, and Spruce trees were part of the attraction to many homeowners that moved here then and over the years. The ‘Forest’ creates the natural Pacific Northwest environment character of shade and habitat that is not found in typical tract housing developments.

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Sherwood Forest neighborhood retain its significant trees and stay a forest, just let us know at Sherwood Forest Community Club sfccbellevue@hotmail.com

Same information is available in PDF for here: Tree Removal in Sherwood Forest 180221