Chapter 95 – TREE MANAGEMENT AND REQUIRED LANDSCAPING

Sections:

95.05    Purpose and Intent

95.10    Definitions

95.15    Exempt Tree Removal Activities

1.    Emergency Tree Removal

2.    Utility Maintenance

3.    Commercial Nurseries or Tree Farms

95.20    Public Tree – Pruning and Removal

95.21    Private Property – Tree Pruning

95.23    Landmark Trees – Mitigation Requirements

95.25    Private Property – Tree Removal, Not Associated with Development Activity

1.    Tree Removal Activity – Notification Required

2.    Tree Removal Notification Form

3.    Tree Removal Activity – Permit Required

4.    Landmark Tree Removal Regulations

5.    Tree Removal on Private Property Prior to Development Permit Submittal

6.    Removal of Hazard or Nuisance Trees

7.    Tree Removal Permit Application Form

8.    Tree Replacement Requirements

9.    Tree Removal Permit Decision and Appeals

10.    Forest Stewardship Plan

95.30    Tree Retention Associated With Development Activity

1.    Tree Retention Plan Applicability

2.    Tree Retention Plan Review Authority

3.    Tree Retention Plan Requirements

4.    Development of Single-Family Dwellings, Short Plats, Subdivisions,
    Two/Three-Unit Homes, Cottage/Carriage Dwellings, and Accessory Structures

5.    Development of Multifamily, Commercial and Mixed Use

a.    High Retention Value Trees

b.    Moderate Retention Value Trees

6.    Conditions to Authorize High Retention Value Tree Removal

7.    Pre-Submittal Procedures

a.    Checklist

b.    Site Visit

c.    Findings

95.32    Tree and Soil Protection During Development Activity

1.    Placing Materials Near Trees

2.    Tree Protection Fence

3.    Grade

4.    Directional Felling

5.    Additional Requirements

95.34    Tree Replacement Standards Related to Development Activity

1.    Trees Required to Be Planted to Meet Tree Density Requirements

2.    Applicability of Tree Credits

3.    Tree Credit Calculation

4.    Minimum Size Replacement Trees

5.    Replacement Tree Locations

a.    On Site

b.    Off Site

6.    Reforestation Incentive

7.    Payment in Lieu of Planting

95.40    Required Landscaping Based on Zoning District

1.    User Guide

2.    Use of Significant Existing Vegetation

a.    General

b.    Supplement

c.    Protection Techniques

3.    Landscape Plan Required

95.41    Supplemental Plantings

1.    General

2.    Standards

95.42    Land Use Buffer Requirements

1.    Buffering Standard 1

2.    Buffering Standard 2

3.    Plant Standards

4.    Location of the Land Use Buffer

5.    Multiple Buffering Requirement

6.    Adjoining Property Containing Several Uses

7.    Subject Property Containing Several Uses

8.    Subject Property Containing School

9.    Encroachment into Land Use Buffer

95.43    Outdoor Use, Activity, and Storage

95.44    Internal Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements

95.45    Perimeter Landscape Buffering for Driving and Parking Areas

1.    Perimeter Buffering – General

2.    Exception

3.    Design Districts

4.    Overlapping Requirements

95.46    Modifications to Required Landscaping and Buffer Standards

1.    Modification to Land Use Buffer Requirements

2.    Modifications to General Landscaping Requirements

a.    Authority to Grant and Duration

b.    Internal Parking Lot Landscaping Modifications

c.    Perimeter Parking Lot and Driveway Landscaping

95.47    Nonconforming Landscaping and Buffers

95.50    Installation Standards for Required Plantings

1.    Compliance

2.    Timing

3.    Grading

4.    Soil Specifications

5.    Plant Selection

6.    Plant Location

7.    Fertilization

8.    Irrigation

9.    Drainage

10.    Mulch

11.    Protection

12.    Final Inspection

95.51    Tree and Landscape Maintenance Requirements

1.    Responsibility for Regular Maintenance

2.    Maintenance Duration

a.    Single-Family Dwellings, Short Plats, Subdivisions,
    Two/Three-Unit Homes, Cottage/Carriage Dwellings, and/or Accessory
    Structures Development

b.    Multifamily, Commercial, and/or Mixed Use Development

3.    Maintenance of Preserved Grove

4.    Maintenance in Holmes Point Overlay Zone

5.    Nonnative Invasive and Noxious Plants

6.    Landscape Plans and Utility Plans

95.52    Prohibited Vegetation

95.55    Enforcement and Penalties

95.57    City Forestry Account

1.    Funding Sources

2.    Funding Purposes

95.05 Purpose and Intent

1.    Trees and other vegetation are important elements of the physical environment. They are integral to Kirkland’s community character and protect public health, safety and general welfare. Protecting, enhancing, and maintaining healthy trees and vegetation are key community values. Comprehensive Plan Policy NE-3.1 describes working towards achieving a healthy, resilient urban forest with a City-wide tree canopy coverage of at least 40 percent. The many benefits of healthy trees and vegetation contribute to Kirkland’s quality of life by:

a.    Minimizing the adverse impacts of land-disturbing activities and impervious surfaces such as runoff, soil erosion, land instability, sedimentation and pollution of waterways, thus reducing the public and private costs for storm water control/treatment and utility maintenance;

b.    Improving the air quality by absorbing air pollutants, mitigating the urban heat island effect, assimilating carbon dioxide and generating oxygen, and decreasing the impacts of climate change;

c.    Reducing the effects of excessive noise pollution;

d.    Providing cost-effective protection from severe weather conditions with cooling effects in the summer months and insulating effects in winter;

e.    Providing visual relief and screening buffers;

f.    Providing recreational benefits;

g.    Providing habitat, cover, food supply and corridors for a diversity of fish and wildlife; and

h.    Providing economic benefit by enhancing local property values and contributing to the region’s natural beauty, aesthetic character, and livability of the community.

2.    Tree and vegetation removal in urban areas has resulted in the loss to the public of these beneficial functions. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a process and standards to provide for the protection, preservation, replacement, proper maintenance, and use of regulated trees, associated vegetation, and woodlands located in the City of Kirkland.

The intent of this chapter is to:

a.    Maintain and enhance canopy coverage provided by trees for the benefits identified in subsection (1) of this section;

b.    Preserve and enhance the City of Kirkland’s environmental, economic, and community character with mature landscapes;

c.    Promote site planning, building, and development practices that work to avoid removal or destruction of trees and vegetation, that avoid unnecessary disturbance to the City’s natural vegetation, and that provide landscaping to buffer the effects of built and paved areas;

d.    Mitigate the consequences of required tree removal in land development through on- and off-site tree replacement with the goals of halting net loss and enhancing Kirkland’s tree canopy to achieve an overall healthy tree canopy cover of at least 40 percent City-wide over time;

e.    Encourage tree retention efforts by providing flexibility with respect to certain other development requirements;

f.    Balance tree protection with other major City-wide interests, including, but not limited to, provision of housing opportunities;

g.    Implement the goals and objectives of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Sustainability Master Plan;

h.    Implement the goals and objectives of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA); and

i.    Manage trees and other vegetation in a manner consistent with the City’s Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan; industry standards; and best management practices established by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for Management of Trees During Site Planning, Development and Construction, Pruning, and Tree Risk Assessment;

j.    Preserve and protect street trees, trees in public parks and trees on other City property.

(Ord. 4865 § 1, 2023; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.10 Definitions

The following definitions shall apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Definitions that apply throughout this code are also located in Chapter 5 KZC.

1.    Arborist Report – Written review and recommendations, submitted by a qualified professional arborist for the purpose of meeting the requirements set forth in this chapter.

2.    Caliper – The industry standard for trunk measurement of nursery stock, applicable to required replacement trees. Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground.

3.    Critical Root Zone (CRZ) –The area encircling the trunk of a tree equal to one foot radius for every inch of DBH. Example: a 24-inch DBH tree has a 24-foot radius CRZ measured from the face of the trunk.

4.    Crown – The area of a tree containing leaf- or needle-bearing branches.

5.    Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) – The diameter or thickness of a tree trunk measured at 4.5 feet above average grade. For trees with multiple trunks at 4.5 feet height, only trunks three inches DBH or greater shall be included. Where a tree splits into several trunks close to ground level, the DBH for the tree is the square root of the sum of the DBH for each individual stem squared (example with three trunks: DBH = square root [(stem1)2 + (stem2)2 + (stem3)2]). If a tree has been removed and only the stump remains that is below 4.5 feet tall, the size of the tree shall be the diameter of the top of the stump.

6.    Dripline – The distance from the tree trunk that is equal to the furthest extent of the tree’s crown. For trees with asymmetrical crowns, the dripline shall be measured in all four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).

7.    Impact – A condition or activity that adversely affects any part of a tree, including, but not limited to, the trunk, branches, or CRZ.

8.    Inner Critical Root Zone (Inner CRZ) – An area half the distance of the CRZ that, when impacted, may compromise the structural integrity of the tree. Example: a 24-inch DBH tree has a 12-foot radius inner critical root zone measured from the face of the trunk.

9.    Prohibited Plant List – A list of trees and vegetation published by the Planning and Building Department that are invasive, noxious, or inappropriate species for retention or replacement trees.

10.    Qualified Professional Arborist – An individual with relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry, having two or more of the following credentials:

•    International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist;

•    Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (TRAQ) as established by the ISA (or equivalent);

•    American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) registered Consulting Arborist;

•    Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certified Forester for Forest Management Plans;

•    Board Certified Master Arborist as established by the ISA.

A qualified professional arborist must have the TRAQ or equivalent qualification for the submittal of tree risk assessment reports related to hazard tree removal. For tree retention associated with a development permit, a qualified professional arborist must have, in addition to the above credentials, a minimum of three years’ experience working directly with the protection of trees during construction and have experience with ascertaining tree survival after construction. A qualified professional arborist must also be able to prescribe appropriate measures for the preservation of trees during land development.

11.    Pruning – The practice of selectively removing branches (or roots) from a tree or other plant, using approved practices, to achieve a specified objective. Pruning that does not follow best management practices in the ANSI A300 Pruning Standards and results in more than 25 percent removal during a pruning event is not an acceptable practice.

12.    Significantly Wooded Site – For a forest stewardship plan, a subject property that has numerous trees with crowns that, when outlined in aerial imagery, cover at least 40 percent of the total area of the property.

13.    Site Disturbance – Any development, construction, or related operation that could alter the subject property, including, but not limited to, soil compaction; tree or tree stump removal; road, driveway, or building construction; installation of utilities; or grading.

14.    Topping – Indiscriminate cuts made between branches that leave a stub, used to reduce the height or crown size of an established tree. Topping is not an acceptable practice pursuant to best management practices in the ANSI A300 Pruning Standards.

15.    Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) – A defined area within and including an outer boundary, as determined by a qualified professional arborist, in which certain activities are prohibited or restricted to prevent or minimize potential impacts from construction or development, applicable to individual trees or groups of tree trunks, roots and soil. TPZ is measured in feet from the face of the trunk and may be determined using critical root zone, dripline, exploratory root excavations or other methodologies. The TPZ is variable depending on species, age and health of the tree, soil conditions and proposed construction. TPZ denotes the location of tree protection fencing.

16.    Tree Removal – The removal of a tree, through either direct or indirect actions, including but not limited to: (1) clearing, damaging, girdling, or poisoning, in each case, resulting in an unhealthy or dead tree; (2) topping that results in the removal of more than 25 percent of the live crown; or (3) damage to roots or trunk that is likely to destroy the tree’s structural integrity.

17.    Trees – A tree or a group of trees may fall under one of the following definitions for purposes of this chapter:

a.    Grove – A group of three or more viable regulated trees with overlapping or touching crowns that are located on a proposed development site; one of which is located in a required yard.

b.    Hazard Tree – A tree/tree part assessed by a qualified professional arborist as having an extreme or high overall risk rating using the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) method in its most current form, as applied in KZC 95.25, that meets all the following criteria:

1)    A tree with a combination of structural defects and/or disease which makes it subject to a high probability of failure;

2)    Is in proximity to moderate to high-frequency occupied targets, persons or property that can be damaged by tree failure; and

3)    The hazard condition of the tree cannot be lessened with reasonable and proper arboricultural practices nor can the target be removed.

c.    Hedge Trees – Five or more trees of the same species with overlapping or touching crowns that have been planted and maintained in a linear formation at maximum eight-foot spacing, typically to function as a screen or barrier.

d.    Landmark Tree – A regulated tree with a minimum 26-inch DBH.

e.    Nuisance Tree – A tree that meets either of the following criteria:

1)    Is causing obvious physical damage to private or public structures, including, but not limited to, a: sidewalk, curb, road, driveway, parking lot, building foundation, or roof; or

2)    Has sustained damage from past maintenance practices or from naturally occurring events such as wind, ice or snow-loading.

The problems associated with a nuisance tree must be such that they cannot be corrected by reasonable practices, including, but not limited to: pruning of the crown or roots of the tree, bracing, cabling to reconstruct a healthy crown.

f.    Public Tree – A tree located in parks, within maintained or unmaintained public rights-of-way, in a stormwater facility, or on other property owned by the City.

g.    Regulated Tree – A tree that is at least six inches DBH that is not listed on the Prohibited Plant List.

h.    Retention Value – The Planning Official’s designation of a tree based on information provided by a qualified professional arborist that is one of the following:

1)    High – any of the following trees:

a)    Grove.

b)    Landmark tree.

c)    A viable tree with any portion of the trunk located in a required yard, land use buffer, and/or common open space.

2)    Moderate – A viable tree that is not a high retention value tree.

i.    Street Tree – A public tree located within the public right-of-way; provided, that if the trunk of the tree straddles the boundary line of the public right-of-way and the abutting property, it shall be on the abutting property and subject to the provisions of this chapter.

j.    Viable Tree – A regulated tree on proposed development sites that fits the viable criteria in Table 95.30.2 based on the tree condition ratings pursuant to KZC 95.30. A tree that is not viable is also a tree in an area where removal is unavoidable due to the anticipated development activity after having applied the provisions in this chapter.

k.    Dead Trees – The tree is dead or has been damaged beyond repair or where not enough live tissue, green leaves, limbs, roots or branches exist to sustain life; and/or

l.    Dying Trees – The tree is in an advanced stage of decline due to disease, insect infestation, or rotting and cannot be saved by reasonable treatment or pruning, or must be removed to prevent the spread of a disease/pest that would cause catastrophic decline in tree health and failure.

18.    Wildlife Snag – The remaining trunk of a tree that is intentionally reduced in height and usually stripped of its branches with the intent of providing habitat.

19.    Windfirm – A condition of a tree in which it withstands average peak local wind speeds and gusts.

(Ord. 4876 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.15 Exempt Tree Removal Activities

The following activities are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

1.    Emergency Tree Removal. Any tree that poses an imminent threat to life or property may be removed. The City must be notified within seven days after the emergency tree removal with evidence of the threat for removing the tree to be considered exempt from this chapter. If the Planning Official determines that the emergency tree removal was not warranted or if the removed tree was required to be retained or planted pursuant to a development permit, then the removal will be subject to code enforcement, including fines and restoration. The Planning Official may require that the party obtain a tree removal permit.

2.    Utility Maintenance. Trees may be removed by the City or utility provider in situations involving interruption of services provided by a utility only if pruning cannot solve utility service problems. Utility maintenance shall conform to a City-approved utility vegetation management plan.

3.    Commercial Nurseries or Tree Farms. A nursery or tree farm owner may remove trees that are being grown to be sold as Christmas or landscape trees.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.20 Public Tree – Pruning and Removal

1.    Public tree pruning, including the pruning of street trees, shall conform to the following:

a.    Permit Requirements. Other than City crews, no person, directly or indirectly, shall prune, trim, modify, alter, or damage any public tree without first obtaining a public tree pruning permit as provided in this chapter, unless the activity falls under the exempt tree removal activities per KZC 95.15 or falls within the maintenance exceptions set forth in subsection (1)(b) of this section.

b.    Pruning. It is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain street trees abutting their property, including watering and mulching. Maintenance may include minor pruning of up to 1.5-inch-diameter branches for sidewalk clearance. A public tree pruning permit is required to trim, modify, alter, or substantially prune street tree branches more than 1.5 inches in diameter. The City reserves the right to have City or utility crews perform routine pruning and maintenance of street trees.

c.    Pruning Standards. The most recent version of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standards apply, or as outlined in a City-approved utility vegetation management plan. Tree topping is not allowed. Pruning which results in the removal of more than 25 percent of the live crown is not an acceptable pruning practice.

2.    Public Tree Removal. Other than City crews and City-authorized contractors, no person, directly or indirectly, shall remove any public tree without first obtaining a tree removal permit as provided in this chapter, unless the activity falls under the tree removal exemptions per KZC 95.15. The City will not authorize any public tree removal by any private party unless the tree is determined to be a hazard tree or nuisance tree pursuant to KZC 95.25.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.21 Private Property – Tree Pruning

To ensure that trees function well in their intended landscape, the City of Kirkland promotes the proper care of trees on private property to ensure trees reach their normal life expectancy and contribute optimal benefits to the community. For that reason, tree topping is prohibited and may be considered tree removal per KZC 95.10(14).

A permit is not required to prune trees on private property; however, pruning of the following categories of trees does require prior written approval from the City:

1.    Located within natural greenbelt protective easements and wetlands, streams, or their buffers; or

2.    Grove trees preserved pursuant to KZC 95.51(3).

Pruning shall conform to the most recent version of the ANSI A300 Pruning Standards. Pruning which results in the removal of more than 25 percent of the live crown is not an acceptable pruning practice.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.23 Landmark Trees – Mitigation Requirements

Removal of landmark trees results in immediate loss of significant canopy and associated functions and values. Replacement of canopy loss and associated impacts to the City-wide 40 percent canopy goal requires a long-term strategy for replanting large trees in areas where they can successfully reach mature size.

1.    No person, directly or indirectly, shall remove any landmark tree from public or private property without first meeting the standards as provided in this chapter. In addition to the application requirements established in this chapter, the permit application shall include a landmark tree mitigation plan consistent with the standards in this section.

a.    Landmark trees on private properties pursuant to KZC 95.25 shall not be removed without first obtaining a tree removal permit as provided in this chapter.

b.    Landmark trees associated with a development permit pursuant to KZC 95.30 shall constitute a tree removal permit for purposes of this section.

2.    The Planning Official shall review the tree removal permit or the associated development permit for compliance with the applicable retention standards of KZC 95.25 or 95.30.

3.    If a landmark tree(s) is approved for removal based on compliance with KZC 95.25 and 95.30, the applicant shall install mitigation plantings on the subject property consistent with the following standards:

a.    Mitigation Ratio. For each landmark tree removed, the applicant shall plant three large species selected from the City’s Approved Landmark Tree Mitigation List. Mitigation trees shall be a minimum of six feet tall for a conifer or a minimum of two-inch caliper for a deciduous or broad-leaf evergreen tree at the time of planting.

b.    Location of Mitigation Trees. Mitigation trees shall be planted in a location on the subject property that will allow the trees to reach mature height and width without significant conflicts with existing or proposed improvements on the subject or adjoining properties.

c.    Timing of Plantings and Inspection. Mitigation trees shall be installed within 12 months of the associated tree removal reviewed pursuant to KZC 95.25, or prior to final inspection of a development permit reviewed pursuant to KZC 95.30. Upon completion of the plantings, the applicant shall schedule an inspection by the Planning Official for consistency with the approved mitigation plan.

d.    The applicant shall sign a five-year maintenance agreement, on a form provided by the City and approved by the City Attorney, to maintain the mitigation trees for a period of five years from final inspection. The agreement shall be recorded with the King County Recorder’s office.

e.    The mitigation tree plantings shall be in addition to tree planting otherwise required pursuant to Kirkland Zoning Code or Kirkland Municipal Code.

4.    If a landmark tree(s) meets the definition of dead or dying as evident in a photograph provided to the Planning Official, it will not be subject to mitigation requirements.

5.    The applicant may elect to not plant mitigation trees on the subject property and pay a fee in lieu of planting. The fee in lieu shall be $450.00 per required mitigation tree that is not planted on the subject property. The fee in lieu cost shall be multiplied by the number of required mitigation trees. All fee in lieu payments shall be paid into the City Forestry Account pursuant to KZC 95.57 and shall be used by the City to fund canopy restoration efforts elsewhere in the City. The Planning and Building Director is authorized to adjust the fee in lieu value periodically to reflect current City costs of materials and labor.

(Ord. 4876 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.25 Private Property – Tree Removal, Not Associated with Development Activity

Tree and vegetation removal in urban areas has resulted in the loss of beneficial functions provided by trees to the public. The majority of tree canopy within the City of Kirkland is on private property. The purpose of this section is to establish a process and standards to slow the loss of tree canopy on private property resulting from tree removal, contributing towards the City’s policy goals for a healthy, sustainable urban forest with at least 40 percent tree canopy cover. To slow the loss of canopy cover, the City of Kirkland allows the limited removal of regulated trees on private property.

1.    Tree Removal Activity – Notification Required. Any private property owner of developed property may remove up to a specified number of regulated trees based on property size shown in Table 95.25.1 within a 12-month period with the submittal of a tree removal notification form pursuant to subsection (2) of this section. For any tree removal that is beyond what is allowed in this section, a tree removal permit is required pursuant to subsection (3) of this section. The following activities do not require the submittal of a tree removal permit:

a.    The tree is not a landmark tree. Landmark tree removals are regulated pursuant to subsection (4) of this section;

b.    The tree removal does not result in less than the minimum number of regulated trees to remain on the subject property shown in Table 95.25.1. Trees that qualify as hazard or nuisance trees may be permitted for removal pursuant to subsection (6) of this section with approval of a tree removal permit and tree replacements based on the size of the removed trees shown in Table 95.25.2;

c.    There is no active application for development activity for the subject property. Development activity within 12 or 24 months following tree removal may be subject to the limitations of subsection (5) of this section; and

d.    All of the additional standards for tree removal and tree removal permits as described in subsections (3) through (10) of this section are met.

Table 95.25.1 Regulated Tree Removal Allowances, No Permit Required

Property Size	Maximum Allowance for Tree Removals per 12 Months	Minimum Number of Regulated Trees to Remain on Subject Property
Up to 10,000 sq. ft.	2	2
10,001 to 20,000 sq. ft.	3	3
20,001 sq. ft. or greater	4	4

Table 95.25.2 Tree Replacement Standards for Property Owner Removal of the Last Remaining Trees

Diameter of Removed Tree	Number of Replacement Trees Required
6 to 15 inches DBH	1
16 to 26 inches DBH	2
26 inches DBH or greater	3 (see KZC 95.23)

For example: A property owner of a 15,000-square-foot lot with three existing trees would like to remove a 25-inch DBH maple tree due to its meeting the hazard tree criteria. Because the maple tree is one of the minimum number of trees required on that size property, tree replacements are required. Because of the size of the removed tree, two replacement trees would be required.

2.    Tree Removal Notification Form. No person, directly or indirectly, shall remove any regulated tree from private property without first submitting a tree removal notification form. The Planning and Building Department shall make available a tree removal notification form and will review the notification for the purpose of tracking urban canopy loss and for compliance with applicable City regulations.

3.    Tree Removal Activity – Permit Required. For removal of regulated trees that does not comply with KZC 95.15 or subsection (1) of this section, the following activities shall require a tree removal permit:

a.    The removal of any landmark tree pursuant to subsection (4) of this section;

b.    Tree removal activity under any of the following conditions. The City shall only issue a permit if the trees qualify as hazard or nuisance trees pursuant to subsection (6) of this section:

1)    Tree removal activity exceeds allowances pursuant to Table 95.25.1;

2)    The property owner is requesting to remove trees located within:

a)    A public park or adjacent City right-of-way pursuant to KZC 95.20;

b)    Wetlands, streams and associated buffers. See Chapter 90 KZC for additional permit requirements;

c)    Landslide hazard areas. See Chapter 85 KZC for additional permit requirements;

d)    Properties in the Holmes Point Overlay Zone. See Chapter 70 KZC for additional permit requirements; or

e)    Shoreline setbacks. See Chapter 83 KZC for additional permit requirements;

3)    The trees were required to be retained, planted or preserved as a grove as a condition of previous development activity;

4)    The trees were required to be retained or planted pursuant to KZC 95.40 through 95.50;

5)    The trees are protected under a voluntary tree preservation covenant.

c.    Tree removal involving the removal of hedge trees. In order to obtain a tree removal permit to remove hedge trees that exceed the allowances set forth in Table 95.25.1, the applicant must demonstrate the replacement standards set forth in Table 95.25.3 will be met.

Prior to approving a tree removal permit, the Planning Official shall find that all of the additional standards for tree removal and tree removal permits as described in subsections (4) through (10) of this section are met.

4.    Landmark Tree Removal Regulations. Any private property owner of developed property may remove one landmark tree within a 12-month period with the submittal of a tree removal permit; provided, that:

a.    The tree removal does not exceed the specified number of regulated trees required to remain on the property shown in Table 95.25.1, unless the tree qualifies as a hazard or nuisance tree pursuant to subsection (6) of this section;

b.    The mitigation standards pursuant to KZC 95.23 are met;

c.    A private property owner of developed property may remove not more than one additional landmark tree; provided, that no more than a total of two landmark trees are removed in any given 24-month period.

For example: A property owner would like to remove two landmark trees during one removal event. The applicant must submit a tree removal permit requesting to bank the additional tree removal and provide a mitigation plan showing six replacement trees satisfying the requirements of KZC 95.23. The property owner will then be prohibited from removing Landmark Trees for an additional 12-month period, or a total of 24 months from the date the permit was issued.

5.    Tree Removal on Private Property Prior to Development Permit Submittal. With the exception of approved removals of hazard trees or nuisance trees, the City will not accept any development permit application with a pending tree removal permit or tree removal notification. In addition, the City will not accept a development permit for detached dwelling units, cottages, carriage units, two/three-unit homes, short plats or subdivisions for a property for a period of 12 months following the most recent removal of a regulated tree or a period of 24 months following the most recent removal of a landmark tree.

The Planning and Building Director may grant an exception and accept a development permit application in unusual and extraordinary circumstances. The Director shall review the exception request and either approve or deny the request based on the following:

a.    A review of available public information; and

b.    A certified declaration from the owner stating that they were not aware the property would be developed at the time of tree removal and description of the unusual or extraordinary circumstances.

If the owner is deceased or incapable of signing the declaration in subsection (5)(b) of this section, the Director may approve a declaration signed by the owner’s representative. The party planning to develop the property cannot be the owner’s representative.

6.    Removal of Hazard or Nuisance Trees. Removal of hazard or nuisance trees does not count toward the tree removal allowances if the nuisance or hazard is supported by a tree risk assessment report prepared by a qualified professional arborist and approved by the City. The City may approve the removal of dead, dying, and/or diseased trees from private property as hazard trees without the submission of a tree removal permit if the applicant provides photographic evidence demonstrating that the tree meets the definition of dead or dying. Tree risk assessment reports shall follow the method for developing a tree risk rating set forth in the most current edition of the ISA Tree Risk Assessment (TRAQ) Manual and include the following:

a.    Explanation of how the tree or tree parts meet the definition of a hazard pursuant to KZC 95.10(17)(b); and

b.    Overall tree risk rating with correlating mitigation measures as follows:

1)    If a potential target does not exist, applicants should consider routine pruning and maintenance to abate the tree issue;

2)    If a tree/tree part is found to have a low or moderate overall risk rating, the Planning Official may approve mitigation measures to reduce the risk; or

3)    If a tree/tree part is found to have a high or extreme overall risk rating and mitigation of the risk through pruning or moving potential targets is not feasible, the Planning Official may approve the removal of the tree as a hazard tree.

7.    Tree Removal Permit Application Form. The City shall provide a tree removal permit application form. Property owners required by this chapter to obtain a tree removal permit shall submit a completed permit application for City review for compliance with applicable City regulations. The tree removal permit application shall require, at a minimum, submittal of the following:

a.    A site plan, map, or aerial photograph showing the approximate location of all regulated trees on the subject property, their DBH, and their species, along with the location of structures, driveways, access ways, and easements on the subject property. Property owners requesting to remove adjacent street trees must indicate the location of the hazard or nuisance tree in the right-of-way; and

b.    For required replacement trees, a planting plan showing the location, size, and species of each replacement tree to be planted on the subject property, in accordance with the tree replacement requirements set forth in this chapter.

8.    Tree Replacement Requirements. To mitigate the consequences of tree removal unrelated to development activity, for tree removal permits the City requires the planting of replacement trees in suitable locations appropriate to the subject property. Replacement trees shall be a minimum six-foot tall conifer or a minimum two-inch caliper deciduous or broad-leaf evergreen tree. Trees planted to form a clipped or sheared hedge or Thuja/Arborvitae (or other slow-growing conifers as listed by the Planning Department) shall not count towards tree replacement requirements.

a.    Tree removal and replacement standards for tree removal permits pursuant to subsection (3) of this section are subject to the following:

 Table 95.25.3 Tree Replacement Standards

Location of Tree Removal	Tree Replacement Standards
Public trees in parks or City right-of-way per KZC 95.20	Minimum 1:1 tree replacement
Significantly wooded properties 25,000 sq. ft. or greater	Determined in approved forest stewardship plan
Hedge trees on private property	1:1 tree replacement (see note)
Holmes Point Overlay Zone – species selection and timing of installation shall be approved by the Planning Official	1:1 tree replacement with native trees. See Chapter 70 KZC
Shoreline setbacks	See Chapter 83 KZC for tree replacement standards
Streams, wetlands and associated buffers – the Planning Official shall determine the required number of replacement trees	1:1 to 3:1 tree replacement with native trees. See Chapter 90 KZC
Required landscaping pursuant to KZC 95.40 through 95.50	Replant to the required landscaping standards of KZC 95.40 through 95.50

Notes:

1. Planning Official may allow reduced replanting requirements for hedge trees based on available space to provide a sustainable planting.

9.    Tree Removal Permit Decision and Appeals.

a.    The City shall review each tree removal permit application for consistency with the applicable regulations and other standards adopted by reference. Tree removal permits shall be reviewed within 21 calendar days and either approve, approve with conditions or modifications, deny, or request additional information. The Planning Official shall review required mitigation trees and has the discretion to modify or waive applicable standards when the subject property has significant canopy that precludes successful mitigation planting or similar unique conditions. Any decision to deny the application shall be in writing along with the reasons for the denial and the appeal process. The decision of the Planning Official is appealable using the applicable appeal provisions of Chapter 145 KZC; and

b.    Time Limit. Tree removal by felling shall be completed within one year from the date of permit approval or the permit is void. Approved tree removals shall not be combined or accumulated.

10.    Forest Stewardship Plan. To support sustainable, stewardship-focused forest management of developed, significantly wooded sites that are at least 25,000 square feet in size, a forest stewardship plan may be submitted where tree removal exceeds the allowances in KZC 95.25. The purpose of a forest stewardship plan is to manage objectives in order to improve the long-term health and condition of existing trees and vegetation. Applicants for a forest stewardship plan are encouraged to seek direction from City staff and the technical assistance, incentives and resources available through local and state agencies that promote forestland best management practices. Property owners shall submit a completed permit application for City review for compliance with applicable City regulations.

a.    A forest stewardship plan shall be developed by a qualified professional arborist and include the following:

1)    A site plan depicting the location of all existing regulated trees with a numbering system of the trees (with corresponding tags on trees in the field). A survey identifying tree locations is not required. The site plan or additional documentation shall include:

a)    The DBH, species, and condition of each regulated tree; and

b)    Identification of trees proposed to be removed, the reasons for their removal and a description of low impact removal techniques pursuant to subsection (10)(b)(4) of this section.

2)    A reforestation plan that addresses the installation and establishment of trees and vegetation, including tree location, size, species; and

3)    A prescribed maintenance plan that ensures perpetuity of the wooded areas, with the sequence of tree removals and reforestation activities specified over a minimum five-year timeline.

b.    The following forest stewardship plan standards shall apply:

1)    Trees to remain should be dominant or co-dominant in the stand, healthy and windfirm;

2)    Unless otherwise permitted by this chapter, there shall be no removal of:

a)    Landmark trees or preserved groves;

b)    Trees located in critical areas and associated buffers;

c)    Trees located in high landslide susceptibility areas; and

d)    Trees that would cause trees on adjacent properties to become hazardous.

3)    The size of planted trees for reforestation shall be a minimum of six feet tall for a conifer and two-inch caliper for deciduous or broad-leaf evergreen tree, unless approved otherwise by the City;

4)    Logging operations shall be conducted to expose the smallest practical area of soil to erosion for the least possible time. To control erosion, native shrubs, ground cover, and stumps shall be retained where feasible. Where not feasible, appropriate erosion control measures to be approved by the City shall be implemented;

5)    Removal of debris shall be done pursuant to Kirkland Fire Department standards; and

6)    The Planning Official may require a performance security pursuant to Chapter 175 KZC in order to ensure that the reforestation requirements of the approved forest stewardship plan are met.

(Ord. 4876 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.30 Tree Retention Associated With Development Activity

The City’s objective is to mitigate the impacts of incremental canopy loss due to development by establishing clear standards for the retention of existing trees and for planting and maintenance of new trees.

This section includes provisions that establish tree retention priorities, incentives, and variations to development standards in order to retain viable trees on development sites. Applicants for a development permit are encouraged to confer with City staff as early in the design process as possible so that the applicable tree retention and planting principles found in this chapter can be incorporated into the design of the subject property. The Planning Official and the applicant shall work in good faith to find reasonable solutions. Applicants may use the pre-submittal procedures in subsection (7) of this section to obtain an early understanding of how tree retention, protection, and planting standards of this code apply to a particular property and proposed project.

1.    Tree Retention Plan Applicability. A tree retention plan is required for any proposed development of the subject property requiring approval through a building permit; land surface modification permit; demolition permit; and/or Design Review, Process I, IIA, or IIB, described in Chapters 142, 145, 150 and 152 KZC, respectively, unless:

a.    Otherwise exempted pursuant to KZC 95.15.

b.    The permit is for additions to and remodels of existing improvements in which the total square footage of the proposed improvements is less than 50 percent of the total square footage of the existing footprint on the subject property and where no development activity is proposed within the CRZ of regulated trees.

2.    Tree Retention Plan Review Authority. The authority to make decisions under this chapter resides with the Planning Official for building permit; land surface modification permit; demolition permit; and/or with the applicable review authority for Design Review, Process I, IIA, or IIB, described in Chapters 142, 145, 150 and 152 KZC. To retain regulated trees, the City shall review for consistency with the provisions set forth in this chapter.

a.    Based on the tree retention plan information submitted by the applicant, subject to the Planning Official’s verification of accuracy, the Planning Official shall designate trees on the subject property as viable high retention value trees, including landmark trees and groves, and/or trees with a moderate retention value using the definitions provided in KZC 95.10, Definitions.

b.    The City does not require tree retention efforts that either (1) would reduce maximum allowed density, number of allowed lots, maximum allowed floor area ratio (FAR) or lot coverage, (2) preclude the ability to construct ADUs consistent with KZC 115.07, or (3) preclude required access and utility connections.

c.    No trees may be removed from a development site until a tree retention plan is approved and permits are issued for the development activity. Tree removal is not authorized during the demolition permitting phase unless approved in writing by the Planning Official.

3.    Tree Retention Plan Requirements. Tree retention plans shall contain the following information, unless waived by the Planning Official:

a.    Inventory with the following information:

1)    All existing regulated trees on the subject property identified by a numbering system that is consistent throughout the arborist report, site plan and on-site tree tags. The inventory must also include regulated trees that are on adjacent properties that appear to have CRZs extending onto the subject property;

2)    Identification of all existing trees in the public right-of-way adjacent to the subject property, regardless of tree size;

3)    The CRZ and the proposed TPZ of all existing regulated trees specified in feet from the face of each tree trunk. The inventory must also include the approximate CRZ and proposed TPZ of regulated trees on adjoining properties that appear to have CRZs extending onto the subject property;

4)    DBH of all existing regulated trees, including the approximate DBH of regulated trees on adjoining properties that appear to have CRZs extending onto the subject property;

5)    Proposed tree removals;

6)    Viability status of each regulated tree based on the combined condition ratings pursuant to KZC 95.30(3)(c);

7)    Tree species and/or common name; and

8)    Potential landmark trees and groves.

b.    Site Plan. The site plan must be drawn to scale showing the following:

1)    Location of all proposed improvements, including building footprint, access, utilities, applicable required yards, buffers, and required landscaped areas clearly identified;

2)    Surveyed location of regulated trees on the subject property. The site plan must also show the approximate trunk location of regulated trees that are potentially impacted on adjacent properties;

3)    Trees labeled corresponding to the tree inventory numbering system per subsection (3)(a) of this section;

4)    CRZs drawn to scale around all trees potentially impacted by site disturbance resulting from grading, demolition, or construction activities (including approximate CRZs of all trees that are potentially impacted on adjacent properties). Site plans shall include site disturbances associated with over-excavation of foundations, retaining walls, and similar improvements;

5)    Location of tree protection fences at the proposed TPZs, with distances from the applicable trunks to fences noted on the site plan. Specific tree protection standards during construction, as described in KZC 95.32 or recommended by the qualified professional arborist, shown on demolition, grading, and building permit plans;

6)    Trees proposed to be removed, noted by an ‘X’ or by ghosting out; and

7)    Proposed locations of any replacement trees to be planted to meet tree density credits or mitigation requirements, including the proposed size and species, as outlined in KZC 95.34.

c.    Qualified professional arborist report with the following:

1)    A combined overall viability status based on the condition ratings of both health and structure for each regulated tree, including regulated trees on adjoining properties that appear to have CRZs extending onto the subject property. The condition ratings for each regulated tree shall be assessed using the following criteria:

 Table 95.30.1 Tree Condition Ratings

Condition Rating	Tree Health Twig and leaf density, size and growth, pest/pathogen issues	Tree Structure Root flare, trunk condition, branch assembly
Excellent	High or above average vigor with little or no twig dieback, discoloration or defoliation.	Trunk and root flare exhibit no visible defects or cavities. Branch structure and attachments are normal for species and free of defects.
Good	Vigor is normal for species. No significant damage due to diseases or pests. Any twig dieback, defoliation or discoloration is minor (up to 10% of the crown).	Well-developed structure. Defects are minor and can be corrected. Codominant stem formation may be present. Trees in groves may have asymmetries/deviations from an open-grown form of the same species.
Fair	Reduced vigor. Twig dieback, defoliation, discoloration, and/or dead branches up to 30% of the crown. Obvious signs of pest problems contribute to a lesser condition but is not likely to be fatal.	Visible evidence of trunk damage or cavities, large girdling roots or branch attachments that require moderate corrections.
Poor	Poor vigor, unhealthy and declining. Low foliage density with extensive (more than 50%) twig and/or branch dieback. Smaller-than-normal leaf size and little evidence of new growth.	Structural problems cannot be corrected, such as recent change in tree orientation, extensive trunk decay or poor branch attachments. Tree/tree part failure may occur at any time.

Based on the condition ratings for health and structure in Table 95.30.1, the tree’s overall viability shall be assessed as follows in Table 95.30.2:

Table 95.30.2 Tree Viability

		Tree Health
	Tree Structure
		Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
	Excellent	Viable	Viable	Viable	Not viable
	Good	Viable	Viable	Viable	Not viable
	Fair	Viable	Viable	Not viable	Not viable
	Poor	Not viable	Not viable	Not viable	Not viable

For example: an oak tree on a proposed development site rated as ‘Fair’ tree structure and ‘Good’ tree health has an overall viability status based on the tree condition ratings of ‘Viable.’

2)    For trees rated as not viable, a description of the reason(s) for removal must be given based on the existing health condition; high risk of failure due to existing structure, other defects, or unavoidable isolation (windfirmness); or unsuitability of species, etc., and for which no reasonable alternative action is possible (pruning, cabling, etc.). The City shall review the viability ratings for consistency with the condition ratings in Table 95.30.1 and Table 95.30.2;

3)    The qualified professional arborist’s description of the method(s) used to determine TPZs (i.e., CRZ formula, exploratory root excavations, or a case-by-case basis description for individual trees);

4)    Any special instructions specifically outlining any work proposed within the CRZ of retained trees (i.e., additional protection from soil compaction, hand-digging, tunneling or boring, root pruning, mitigating any grade changes, monitoring during development activity, watering during summer and aftercare), including potentially impacted trees on adjacent properties;

5)    If development proposals result in the retention and/or removal of high retention value trees (including landmark trees and groves) provide an explanation of how tree retention was prioritized based on retention feasibility and proposed construction impacts;

6)    A discussion of timing and installation of tree protection measures that must include fencing in accordance with the tree protection standards in KZC 95.32, including any anticipated changes to tree protection fence location or other activity within the CRZ of retained trees during project construction (e.g., material delivery, equipment access, landscaping);

7)    Describe the impact of necessary tree removal on the trees to be retained, including those on adjacent properties;

8)    The suggested location and species of replacement trees to be planted. The report shall include planting and maintenance specifications pursuant to KZC 95.50, 95.51, and 95.52; and

9)    Arborist reports that are based on field work collected three or more years prior to submittal shall be updated with current tree data.

d.    A description of additional tree retention and protection requirements that apply to properties with development projects proposed within:

1)    Shoreline setbacks as set forth in Chapter 83 KZC;

2)    Critical areas and associated buffers as set forth in Chapters 85 and 90 KZC; and

3)    Holmes Point Overlay Zone areas as set forth in Chapter 70 KZC.

4.    Development of Single-Family Dwellings, Short Plats, Subdivisions, Two/Three-Unit Homes, Cottage/Carriage Dwellings, and Accessory Structures. Tree retention plan review and approval shall be based on compliance with the following provisions:

a.    High Retention Value Trees. In order to retain trees located in required yards, land use buffers, and/or common open spaces, and to retain landmark trees and groves located anywhere on the subject property, the applicant shall consider, and the Planning Official (or Public Works Official, where applicable) is authorized to require, compliance with the following standards:

1)    Site Plan Alterations. Site plan alterations, including the following:

a)    Shift or flip (mirror) the location of proposed building footprints and driveways;

b)    Selection of the required front yard on corner lots in the RSA and RSX zones and selection of the required side yard to meet the 15-foot total required in RS zones;

c)    Shift the building footprint on the lot to utilize the variations to development standards allowed in subsection (3) of this section;

d)    Relocate utilities when feasible, taking into account gravity and location of existing mains;

e)    Adjust deck, patio, and path designs;

f)    Avoid rockery/retaining walls located within TPZs to maintain existing grades.

2)    Arboricultural Methods. Arboriculture methods to retain trees, such as, but not limited to, air excavations, boring under roots instead of trenching within TPZs for utilities less than two inches diameter, and using additional protection per KZC 95.32.

3)    Variations to Development Standards. Variations to development standards, such as, but not limited to:

a)    Reduce required front yard by up to five feet;

b)    Reduce required rear yards by up to five feet where the rear yard is adjacent to an access easement, tract, or alley;

c)    Allow variations to the garage requirements of KZC 115.43(3);

d)    Allow variations to increase the maximum lot coverage by not more than 10 percent where necessary to extend access due to building footprint location while ensuring that the driveway width does not exceed a width of 20 feet;

e)    Allow minimum 18-foot by 18-foot parking pads;

f)    Modify right-of-way frontage improvement requirements, such as adjusting the location of any required landscape strip;

g)    Allow up to a five-foot increase in building height where the additional height is clearly related to tree retention (e.g., locating mechanical equipment in the attic, avoiding excavation or fill); and

h)    With short plats and subdivisions, allow clustering per subsection (4)(d) of this section.

b.    In order to retain landmark trees and groves located anywhere on the subject property, in addition to the site plan alterations and variations to development standards listed in subsection (4)(a) of this section, the applicant shall consider, and the Planning Official (or Public Works Official, where applicable) is authorized to require, the following additional standards:

1)    Site Plan Alterations. Site plan alterations, including the following:

a)    Reasonable modifications to the proposed building footprints and driveways;

b)    Shore basements and other extensive excavations in order to avoid impact within CRZs;

c)    Cantilever structures over CRZs; and

d)    With short plats and subdivisions, clustering per subsection (4)(d) of this section, rearrangement of property lines within the applicable short plat or subdivision, relocation of access roads, and relocation of utilities.

2)    Arboricultural Methods. Arboricultural methods to retain landmark trees and groves such as, but not limited to, air excavations, boring under roots instead of trenching, and using additional protection per KZC 95.32.

3)    Variations to Development Standards. Variations to development standards, such as, but not limited to:

a)    Allow required side yards to be reduced to three feet where those yards are internal within a proposed short plat or subdivision;

b)    Allow required yards to be reduced to 10-foot front and five-foot rear;

c)    Reductions and variations in required parking and driveways.

c.    Moderate Retention Value Trees. The following incentives are available in order to protect moderate retention value trees:

1)    An applicant may propose to modify their development proposal in the same manner as provided for high retention value trees in subsections (4)(a) and (b) of this section and the Planning Official (or Public Works Official, where applicable) is authorized to approve these variations to development standards for viable trees that are deemed to have excellent/good health and structure per the Tree Condition Table 95.30.1.

2)    When landmark trees cannot be feasibly retained after pursuing the variations in subsections (4)(b)(3)(a) and (b) of this section, the applicant may propose to retain moderate retention value trees to satisfy landmark tree mitigation requirements and/or pay associated fees-in-lieu pursuant to KZC 95.23. The applicant shall indicate tree protection areas on site plans and clearly indicate a request for this incentive.

3)    When viable trees located in required yards, land use buffers, and/or common open spaces cannot be feasibly retained after pursuing the variations in subsections (4)(b)(3)(a) and (b) of this section, the applicant may propose to retain moderate retention value trees instead. The Planning Official may approve this incentive; provided, that the size and condition of the moderate retention value tree(s) are equal or superior to that of the tree removed in the required yard, land use buffer, and/or common open space.

d.    Additional Tree Retention Standards for Short Plats and Subdivisions.

1)    Clustering of Lots. The Planning and Building Director (for short plat applications) or Hearing Examiner (for preliminary plat applications) may approve variations to minimum lot size, maximum floor area ratio, and lot coverage requirements in order to facilitate retention of high retention value trees where necessitated by retention of trees in protective tracts or where lot sizes are averaged in order to retain trees. The following standards shall apply:

a)    Lot sizes may be averaged, with no minimum lot size specified, provided there is no increase in the allowed density or number of lots otherwise allowed for the subject property;

b) The subject property is entitled to maintain the total aggregate maximum floor area ratio (FAR) and maximum lot coverage that would otherwise be permitted for the subject property under a conventional short plat or subdivision. The maximum FAR and/or maximum lot coverage requirements may be adjusted proportionate to the lot size reduction(s), provided there is no net increase in the aggregate FAR and/or aggregate lot coverage otherwise allowed for the subject property;

c)    The variations and resultant restrictions shall be included in a recorded agreement and be binding on future owners of the lots.

2)    Modifications to Tree Retention Plans for Short Plats and Subdivisions. Modifications to an approved tree retention plan may be approved by the Planning and Building Director pursuant to the following criteria:

a)    The need for the modification was not known and could not reasonably have been known before the tree retention plan was approved;

b)    The modification is necessary because of special circumstances that are not the result of actions by the applicant regarding the size, shape, topography, or other physical limitations of the subject property relative to the location of proposed and/or existing improvements on or adjacent to the subject property; and

c)    There is no practicable or feasible alternative development proposal that results in fewer additional tree removals.

3)    Public Notice for Modifications. The Planning and Building Director shall not approve or deny a modification pursuant to this subsection without first providing notice of the modification request consistent with the noticing requirements for the short plat or subdivision and providing opportunity for comments for consideration by the Planning and Building Director. Said comment period shall not be less than 14 calendar days. The fee for processing a modification request shall be established by City ordinance.

5.    Development of Multifamily, Commercial and Mixed Use. Tree retention plan review and approval shall be based on compliance with the following provisions:

a.    High Retention Value Trees. In order to retain trees located in required yards and/or land use buffers, the applicant shall consider, and the Planning Official (or Public Works Director, where applicable) is authorized to require, compliance with the following standards:

1)    Site Plan Alterations. Site plan alterations, including the following:

a)    Adjust deck, patio, and path designs;

b)    Relocate utilities when feasible, taking into account gravity and location of existing mains;

c)    Avoid rockery/retaining walls located within CRZs to maintain existing grades;

d)    Shore basements and other extensive excavations in order to avoid impact within CRZs;

e)    Cantilever structures over CRZs.

2)    Arboricultural Methods. Arboriculture methods to retain trees such as, but not limited to, air excavations, boring under roots instead of trenching within TPZs for utilities less than two inches diameter, and using additional protection per KZC 95.32.

3)    Variations to Development Standards. Variations to development standards, such as, but not limited to:

a)    Allow required yards to be reduced to 10-foot front;

b)    Allow variations to the maximum lot coverage by not more than 10 percent where necessary to extend access due to building footprint location while ensuring that the driveway width does not exceed a width of 20 feet;

c)    Modify right-of-way frontage improvement requirements, such as adjusting the location of any required landscape strip;

d)    Allow up to a five-foot increase in building height where the additional height is clearly related to tree retention (e.g., locating mechanical equipment in the attic, avoiding excavation or fill);

e)    Vary parking lot design and/or access driveway requirements when the Public Works Official and Planning Official both determine the variations to be consistent with the intent of City policies and codes;

f)    Vary requirements pertaining to stormwater if approved by the Public Works Official under KMC 15.52.060; and

g)    Vary the physical features of any required common recreational open space.

b.    Moderate Retention Value Trees. The following incentives are available in order to protect moderate retention value trees:

1)    An applicant may propose to modify their development proposal in the same manner as provided for high retention value trees in subsection (5)(a) of this section and the Planning Official (or Public Works Official, where applicable) is authorized to approve these variations to development standards for viable trees that are deemed to have Excellent/Good health and structure per the Tree Condition Table 95.30.1.

2)    The applicant may propose to retain moderate retention value trees to satisfy landmark tree mitigation requirements and/or associated fees-in-lieu pursuant to KZC 95.23. The applicant shall indicate tree protection areas on site plans and clearly indicate a request for this incentive.

6.    Conditions to Authorize High Retention Value Tree Removal. The Planning Official will authorize the removal of high retention value trees otherwise required by this chapter to be retained; provided, that the following conditions are met:

a.    After utilizing the required site plan alterations and allowed variations to development standards listed in KZC 95.30(4) and (5), there is no practicable or feasible alternative development proposal that results in fewer tree removals; or

b.    Retention of such tree or trees would either (1) reduce maximum allowed density, number of allowed lots, maximum allowed floor area ratio (FAR) or lot coverage, (2) preclude the ability to construct ADUs consistent with KZC 115.07, or (3) preclude required access and utility connections.

7.    Pre-Submittal Procedures. Applicants may use the pre-submittal procedures in this section to obtain an early understanding of how tree retention, protection, and planting standards of this chapter apply to a particular property and proposed project.

a.    Checklist. The Planning and Building Department shall maintain a publicly accessible checklist for applicants identifying the information needed and process for the City to make a preliminary determination whether a proposal complies with this chapter as provided in subsection (7)(c) of this section.

1)    As part of a pre-submittal meeting for a Process I, IIA, or IIB application, or as a separate pre-submittal meeting, an applicant should submit prior to the meeting the completed checklist, together with a preliminary tree inventory and/or survey, and proposed site plan. Applicants are encouraged to submit accurate information that identifies existing landmark trees and should specify trees proposed for retention and removal with a brief narrative discussion of why the applicant selected the trees for removal.

2)    The Planning Official will review the checklist and documentation provided by the applicant at the pre-submittal meeting. The Planning Official shall determine if the applicant needs to submit additional information specified in subsection (7)(a)(1) of this section.

b.    Site Visit. The applicant may request a pre-submittal site visit. If a site visit is conducted, then the applicant may incur additional pre-submittal fees.

c.    Findings. Following the pre-submittal meeting, and after all information submitted by the applicant has been reviewed, the Planning Official shall advise the applicant, in writing, of their preliminary determination and this document will be saved with the associated pre-submittal case file. This preliminary determination shall address tree retention, protection, and planting standards of this chapter as applied to the applicant’s property and proposed project, and the applicant may use this preliminary determination in preparing an application. This preliminary determination is not a final land use decision under the Land Use Petition Act and new or changed conditions or information could impact this determination. The Planning Official will issue the preliminary determination consistent with the target timelines published by the Planning and Building Department and will use best efforts to ensure a timely review following the submittal of the required documents pursuant to subsection (7)(a) of this section.

(Ord. 4876 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4865 § 1, 2023; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.32 Tree and Soil Protection During Development Activity

Prior to development activity or initiating tree removal on the site, vegetated areas, individual trees, and soil to be preserved shall be protected from potentially damaging activities during development activity per ISA and ANSI standards for tree protection as follows:

1.    Placing Materials Near Trees. No person may conduct any activity within the TPZ of any tree designated to remain, including, but not limited to, operating or parking equipment, placing solvents, storing building material or stockpiling any materials, or dumping concrete washout or other chemicals. During construction, no person shall attach any object to any tree designated for protection.

2.    Tree Protection Fence. Before development, land clearing, filling, or any land surface modifications, the applicant shall:

a.    Erect and maintain readily visible temporary protective tree fencing at the approved TPZ which completely surrounds the protected area of all retained trees, groups of trees, vegetation, and native soil. Fences shall be constructed of chain link and be at least six feet high unless another type of fencing is authorized by the Planning Official.

b.    Install highly visible signs spaced no further than 15 feet along the entirety of the tree protection fence. Said signage must be approved by the Planning Official and shall state at a minimum “Tree and Soil Protection Area, Entrance Prohibited” and provide the City phone number for Code Enforcement to report violations.

c.    Site plans showing approved tree retention/protection shall be displayed on development sites in plain view with the general contractor or other responsible party’s phone number.

d.    Prohibit excavation or compaction of soil or other potentially damaging activities within the fence; provided, that the Planning Official may allow such activities approved by a qualified professional arborist and under the supervision of a qualified professional arborist retained and paid for by the applicant.

e.    If any disturbance is proposed within the inner critical root zone of one or more regulated trees on a neighboring property, the applicant shall provide evidence that the owner of said tree(s) has been notified in writing of the potential impact. The Planning Official may waive this requirement if the applicant’s qualified professional arborist can demonstrate, through noninjurious methods such as pneumatic root excavations, that there are no roots within the inner critical root zone.

f.    Maintain the tree protection fence in its approved location for the duration of the project until the Planning Official authorizes its removal.

g.    Ensure that any approved landscaping done in the protected zone subsequent to the removal of the barriers shall be accomplished with machinery from outside the protected zone or by hand.

h.    In addition to the above, the Planning Official may require the following:

1)    If equipment is authorized to operate within the CRZ, the soil and CRZ of a tree must be covered with mulch to a depth of at least six inches or with plywood, steel plates or similar material in order to protect roots and soil from damage caused by heavy equipment.

2)    Minimize root damage by hand-excavating a two-foot-deep trench, at the edge of the CRZ, to cleanly sever the roots of trees to be retained. Never rip or shred roots with heavy equipment.

3)    Corrective pruning performed on protected trees in order to avoid damage from machinery or building activity.

4)    Maintenance of trees throughout construction period by watering and fertilizing.

3.    Grade.

a.    The grade shall not be elevated or reduced within the CRZ of trees to be preserved without the Planning Official’s authorization based on recommendations from a qualified professional arborist in compliance with ANSI A300 Part 5 Standard Practices for the Management of Trees and Shrubs During Site Planning, Site Development and Construction.

b.    If the grade adjacent to a preserved tree is raised such that it could slough or erode into the tree’s CRZ, it shall be permanently stabilized to prevent soil erosion and suffocation of the roots.

c.    The applicant shall not install an impervious surface within the CRZ of any tree to be retained without the authorization of the Planning Official. The Planning Official may require specific construction methods and/or use of aeration devices to ensure the tree’s survival and to minimize the potential for root-induced damage to the impervious surface.

d.    To the greatest extent practical, utility trenches shall be located outside of the CRZ of trees to be retained. The Planning Official may require that utilities be tunneled under the roots of trees to be retained if the Planning Official determines that trenching would significantly reduce the chances of the tree’s survival.

e.    Trees and other vegetation to be retained shall be protected from erosion and sedimentation. Clearing operations shall be conducted so as to expose the smallest practical area of soil to erosion for the least possible time. To control erosion, it is encouraged that shrubs, ground cover and stumps be maintained on the individual lots, where feasible.

4.    Directional Felling. Directional felling of trees shall be used to avoid damage to trees designated for retention.

5.    Additional Requirements. The Planning Official may require additional tree protection measures that are consistent with accepted urban forestry industry practices, including maintenance pursuant to KZC 95.51.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.34 Tree Replacement Standards Related to Development Activity

This section establishes the minimum tree planting requirements for development permits using a tree credit system. This section does not establish a maximum retention standard for existing trees. Required tree retention may exceed the standards in subsection (1) of this section.

1.    Trees Required to Be Planted to Meet Tree Density Requirements. The required minimum tree density for replanting is 50 tree credits per acre for single-family dwellings, short plats, subdivisions, two/three-unit homes, cottage/carriage dwellings, and/or accessory structures and associated demolition and land surface modification.

2.    Applicability of Tree Credits. The tree credit value that corresponds with DBH is found in Table 95.34. The maximum number of credits awarded to any one individual tree is 11 credits. Existing native conifers (or other conifer species as listed by the Planning Department) shall count at 1.5 times credits for retention. Trees located on property lines shall count for half tree density credits. For trees that fall between size categories listed in Table 95.34, credits shall be rounded down. For individual lots in a short plat or subdivision with an approved tree retention plan, the required tree density shall be calculated for each lot within the short plat or subdivision. Trees planted in the following locations shall not count towards tree density credit requirements.

a.    In the public right-of-way, areas to be dedicated as public right-of-way, and vehicular access easements not included as lot area within the approved short plat or subdivision.

b.    Existing trees transplanted to an area on the same site unless approved by the Planning Official based on transplant specifications provided by a qualified professional arborist that will ensure a high probability for survival.

Table 95.34 Tree Credits for Existing Regulated Trees

		Regulated Tree
										Landmark Tree
DBH:	3"-5"	6"-10"	12"	14"	16"	18"	20"	22"	24"	26"	28"	30+"
Tree Credits:	0.5	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11

3.    Tree Credit Calculation. To calculate required tree credits, divide the square footage of the subject lot by 43,560 (the square footage of one acre). The resulting number is then multiplied by 50, the minimum tree credit requirement for one acre. In calculating required tree credits, any fraction of credits shall be rounded up to the next whole number from a 0.5 or greater value.

Example: an 8,500-square-foot lot would need 10 tree credits (8,500/43,560 = 0.195 x 50 = 9.75, or 10 credits). The tree density for the lot would be met by retaining one 16-inch DBH native conifer tree (four credits x 1.5) and two 12-inch DBH non-native trees (worth two credits each) for a total of 10 tree credits, resulting in no required supplemental trees. Tree densities may be exceeded to retain landmark and high retention value trees.

4.    Minimum Size Replacement Trees. The required minimum size of a replacement tree worth one tree credit shall be six feet tall for native or other conifers and two-inch caliper for deciduous or broad-leaf evergreen trees. Additional credits may be awarded for larger replacement trees as decided by the Planning Official. Trees planted to form a clipped or sheared hedge will not be counted toward tree density credits. Supplemental Thuja/Arborvitae (or other slow-growing conifers as listed by the Planning and Building Department) planted on development sites shall not count towards tree density credits on a lot. The installation and maintenance shall be pursuant to KZC 95.50 and 95.51 respectively.

5.    Replacement Tree Locations. In designing a development and in meeting the required tree density, the replacement trees shall be planted pursuant to KZC 95.50 in the following order of priority:

a.    On Site. The preferred locations, in order of priority, for new trees are:

1)    On the subject property;

2)    Site perimeter – the area of the subject property that is within 10 feet from the property line;

3)    In preserved groves, critical areas or critical area buffers, or required land use buffers;

4)    Adjacent to stormwater facilities as approved by Public Works under KMC 15.52.060;

5)    Entrance landscaping, traffic islands, and other common areas within the residential subdivision development.

b.    Off Site. When room is unavailable for planting the required replacement trees on site, then they may be planted at another approved location in the City. Trees that are planted off site from the subject property shall be subject to a five-year maintenance agreement.

6.    Reforestation Incentive. In order to encourage planting of replacement trees that will in the future achieve environmental functions provided by grove trees, the Planning Official may authorize a reduction of the required tree credits per acre to 30 credits, subject to the following standards:

a.    A minimum of three replacement trees, selected from the City-approved Landmark Tree Mitigation List, shall be planted in a staggered manner with adequate spacing that allows the trees to reach mature size and where canopies will overlap after 20 years of growth; and

b.    At least one of the three replacement trees shall be planted in a required yard.

7.    Payment in Lieu of Planting. When the Planning Official determines on-site and off-site locations are unavailable, then the applicant shall pay an amount of money in lieu of planting set at $450.00. The fee in lieu cost shall be multiplied by the number of required tree credits or mitigation trees. All fee in lieu payments shall be paid into the City forestry account pursuant to KZC 95.57. The Planning and Building Director is authorized to adjust the fee in lieu value periodically to reflect current City costs of materials and labor.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.40 Required Landscaping Based on Zoning District

1.    User Guide. Chapters 15 through 56 KZC containing the use zone or development standards tables assign a landscaping category to each use in each zone. This category is either “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “E.” If you do not know which landscaping category applies to the subject property, you should consult the appropriate use zone or development standards tables.

Requirements pertaining to each landscaping category are located throughout this chapter, except that Landscaping Category E is not subject to this section.

Landscape Categories A, B, C, D, and E may be subject to additional related requirements in the following other chapters:

a.    Various use zone charts or development standards tables, in Chapters 15 through 56 KZC, establish additional or special buffering requirements for some uses in some zones.

d.    Chapter 110 KZC and Chapter 19.36 KMC address vegetation within rights-of-way, except for the I-405 and SR-520 rights-of-way, and the Cross Kirkland Corridor railbanked rail corridor or the Eastside Rail Corridor.

e.    KZC 115.135, Sight Distance at Intersections, which may limit the placement of landscaping in some areas.

f.    KMC Title 22 addresses trees in subdivisions.

2.    Use of Significant Existing Vegetation.

a.    General. The applicant shall apply KZC 95.30, Tree Retention Plan Procedure, to retain existing native trees, vegetation, and soil in areas subject to the landscaping standards of this section. The Planning Official shall give substantial weight to the retained native trees and vegetation when determining the applicant’s compliance with this section.

b.    Supplement. The City may require the applicant to plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover according to the requirements of this section to supplement the existing vegetation in order to provide a buffer at least as effective as the required buffer.

c.    Protection Techniques. The applicant shall use the protection techniques described in KZC 95.32 to ensure the protection of significant existing vegetation and soil.

3.    Landscape Plan Required. In addition to the tree retention plan required pursuant to KZC 95.30, application materials shall clearly depict the quantity, location, species, and size of plant materials proposed to comply with the requirements of this section and shall address the plant installation and maintenance requirements set forth in KZC 95.50 and 95.51. Plant materials shall be identified with both their scientific and common names. Any required irrigation system must also be shown.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.41 Supplemental Plantings

1.    General. The applicant shall provide the supplemental landscaping specified in subsection (2) of this section in any area of the subject property that:

a.    Is not covered with a building, vehicle circulation area or other improvement; and

b.    Is not in an area to be planted with required landscaping; and

c.    Is not committed to and being used for some specific purpose.

2.    Standards. The applicant shall provide the following at a minimum:

a.    Living plant material which will cover 80 percent of the area to be landscaped within two years. If the material to be used does not spread over time, the applicant shall replant the entire area involved immediately. Any area that will not be covered with living plant material must be covered with nonliving groundcover, i.e., mulch. Preference is given to using native plant species. See Kirkland Native Tree/Plant Lists.

b.    One tree for each 1,000 square feet of area to be landscaped. At the time of planting, deciduous trees must be at least two inches in caliper and coniferous trees must be at least six feet in height.

c.    If a development requires approval through Process I, IIA or IIB as described in Chapters 145, 150 and 152 KZC, respectively, the City may require additional vegetation to be planted along a building facade if:

1)    The building facade is more than 25 feet high or more than 50 feet long; or

2)    Additional landscaping is necessary to provide a visual break in the facade.

d.    In RHBD, varieties of rose shrubs or ground cover along with other plant materials shall be included in the on-site landscaping.

e.    If development is subject to Design Review as described in Chapter 142 KZC, the City will review plant choice and specific plant location as part of the Design Review approval. The City may also require or permit modification to the required plant size as part of Design Review approval.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.42 Land Use Buffer Requirements

The applicant shall comply with the provisions specified in the following chart and with all other applicable provisions of this chapter. Land use buffer requirements may apply to the subject property, depending on what permitted use exists on the adjoining property or, if no permitted use exists, depending on the zone that the adjoining property is in.

LANDSCAPING CATEGORY ↓	ADJOINING PROPERTY →	Public park or low density residential use or if no permitted use exists on the adjoining property then a low density zone.*	Medium or high density residential use or if no permitted use exists on the adjoining property then a medium density or high density zone.	Institutional or office use or if no permitted use exists on the adjoining property then an institutional or office zone.	A commercial use or an industrial use or if no permitted use exists on the adjoining property then a commercial or industrial zone.
A		Must comply with subsection (1) (Buffering Standard 1)	Must comply with subsection (1) (Buffering Standard 1)	Must comply with subsection (2) (Buffering Standard 2)
B		Must comply with subsection (1) (Buffering Standard 1)	Must comply with subsection (1) (Buffering Standard 1)
C		Must comply with subsection (1) (Buffering Standard 1)	Must comply with subsection (2) (Buffering Standard 2)
D		Must comply with subsection (2) (Buffering Standard 2)
E
Footnotes:		*If the adjoining property is zoned Central Business District, Juanita Business District, North Rose Hill Business District, Commercial Mixed Use, Rose Hill Business District, Bridle Trails Neighborhood Center (BCX Zone), Finn Hill Neighborhood Center, Houghton/Everest Neighborhood Center, Business District Core or is located in TL 5, this section KZC 95.42 does not apply.

This chart establishes which buffering standard applies in a particular case. The following subsections establish the specific requirement for each standard:

1.    Buffering Standard 1. For standard 1, the applicant shall provide a 15-foot-wide landscaped strip with a six-foot-high solid screening fence or wall. Except for public utilities, the fence or wall must be placed on the outside edge of the land use buffer or on the property line when adjacent to private property. For public utilities, the fence or wall may be placed either on the outside or inside edge of the landscaping strip. A fence or wall is not required when the land use buffer is adjacent and parallel to a public right-of-way that is improved for vehicular use. See KZC 115.40 for additional fence standards. The land use buffer must be planted as follows:

a.    Trees planted at the rate of one tree per 20 linear feet of land use buffer, with deciduous trees of two-inch caliper, minimum, and/or coniferous trees six feet in height, minimum. At least 70 percent of trees shall be evergreen. The trees shall be distributed evenly throughout the buffer, spaced no more than 20 feet apart on center.

b.    Large shrubs or a mix of shrubs planted to attain coverage of at least 60 percent of the land use buffer area within two years, planted at the following sizes and spacing, depending on type:

1)    Low shrub – (mature size under three-foot tall), one- or two-gallon pot or balled and burlapped equivalent;

2)    Medium shrub – (mature size from three- to six-foot tall), two- or three-gallon pot or balled and burlapped equivalent;

3)    Large shrub – (mature size over six-foot tall), five-gallon pot or balled and burlapped equivalent.

c.    Living ground covers planted from either four-inch pot with 12-inch spacing or one-gallon pot with 18-inch spacing to cover within two years 60 percent of the land use buffer not needed for viability of the shrubs or trees.

2.    Buffering Standard 2. For standard 2, the applicant shall provide a five-foot-wide landscaped strip with a six-foot-high solid screening fence or wall. Except for public utilities, the fence or wall must be placed on the outside edge of the land use buffer or on the property line when adjacent to private property. For public utilities, the fence or wall may be placed either on the outside or inside edge of the landscaping strip. A fence or wall is not required when the land use buffer is adjacent and parallel to a public right-of-way that is improved for vehicular use. See KZC 115.40 for additional fence standards. The landscaped strip must be planted as follows:

a.    One row of trees planted no more than 10 feet apart on center along the entire length of the buffer, with deciduous trees of two-inch caliper, minimum, and/or coniferous trees at least six feet in height, minimum. The spacing may be increased to 15 feet to accommodate larger species and avoid long-term crowding. At least 50 percent of the required trees shall be evergreen.

b.    Living ground covers planted from either four-inch pot with 12-inch spacing or one-gallon pot with 18-inch spacing to cover within two years 60 percent of the land use buffer not needed for viability of the trees.

3.    Plant Standards. All plant materials used shall meet the most recent American Association of Nurserymen Standards for nursery stock: ANSI Z60.1.

4.    Location of the Land Use Buffer. The applicant shall provide the required buffer along the entire common border between the subject property and the adjoining property.

5.    Multiple Buffering Requirement. If the subject property borders more than one adjoining property along the same property line, the applicant shall provide a gradual transition between different land use buffers. This transition must occur totally within the area which has the less stringent buffering requirement. The specific design of the transition must be approved by the City.

6.    Adjoining Property Containing Several Uses. If the adjoining property contains several permitted uses, the applicant may provide the least stringent land use buffer required for any of these uses.

7.    Subject Property Containing Several Uses. If the subject property contains more than one use, the applicant shall comply with the land use buffering requirement that pertains to the use within the most stringent landscaping category that abuts the property to be buffered.

8.    Subject Property Containing School. If the subject property is occupied by a school, land use buffers are not required along property lines adjacent to a street.

9.    Encroachment into Land Use Buffer. Typical incidental extensions of structures such as chimneys, bay windows, greenhouse windows, cornices, eaves, awnings, and canopies may be permitted in land use buffers as set forth in KZC 115.115(3)(d); provided, that:

a.    Buffer planting standards are met; and

b.    Required plantings will be able to attain full size and form typical to their species.

(Ord. 4802 § 1, 2022; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022; Ord. 4784 § 1, 2022)

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95.43 Outdoor Use, Activity, and Storage

Outdoor use, activity, and storage uses (KZC 115.105(3)) must comply with required land use buffers for the primary use, except that the following outdoor uses and activities, when located in commercial or industrial zones, are exempt from KZC 115.105(3)(c)(1) and (3)(c)(2) as stated below:

1.    That portion of an outdoor use, activity, or storage area which abuts another outdoor use, activity, or storage area which is located on property zoned for commercial or industrial use.

2.    Outdoor use, activity, and storage areas which are located adjacent to a fence or structure which is a minimum of six feet above finished grade, and do not extend outward from the fence or structure more than five feet; provided, that the total horizontal dimensions of these areas shall not exceed 50 percent of the length of the facade or fence (see Plate 11).

3.    If there is an improved path or sidewalk in front of the outdoor storage area, the outdoor use, activity, or storage area may extend beyond five feet if a clearly defined walking path at least three feet in width is maintained and there is adequate pedestrian access to and from the primary use. The total horizontal dimension of these areas shall not exceed 50 percent of the length of the facade of the structure or fence (see Plate 11).

4.    Outdoor dining areas.

5.    That portion of an outdoor display of vehicles for sale or lease which is adjacent to a public right-of-way that is improved for vehicular use; provided, that it meets the buffering standards for driving and parking areas in KZC 95.45(1); and provided further, that the exemptions of KZC 95.45(2) do not apply unless it is fully enclosed within or under a building, or is on top of a building and is at least one story above finished grade.

6.    Outdoor Christmas tree lots if this use will not exceed 30 days, and outdoor amusement rides, carnivals and circuses, and parking lot sales which are ancillary to the indoor sale of the same goods and services, if these uses will not exceed seven days.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.44 Internal Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements

Internal parking lots shall be designed to maximize the use of plants and soils to shade paved surfaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect and to naturally improve surface water functions. The following internal parking lot landscape standards apply to each parking lot or portion thereof containing more than eight parking stalls.

1.    The parking lot must contain 25 square feet of landscaped area per parking stall planted with at least one deciduous tree two inches in caliper, or one coniferous tree six feet in height for every 150 square feet of landscaped area;

2.    Groundcover shall be selected and planted to achieve 60 percent coverage within two years;

3.    The applicant shall arrange the required landscaping throughout the parking lot in a manner that:

a.    Maximizes shading of paved surfaces by tree canopy to reduce potential heat island effect;

b.    Creates natural drainage landscapes (such as rain gardens, bio-infiltration swales and bioretention planters) designed in compliance with the stormwater design manual adopted in KMC 15.52.060 (refer to Public Works Pre-Approved Plans);

c.    Provides generous planting areas for large trees;

d.    Groups trees with other shrubs and perennials to enhance growing conditions;

4.    Minimum Soil Volume and Improvement. Soils within landscaped areas shall be prepared for landscape installation to promote healthy growth of new plants including topsoil rich in organic material and amended to a depth of at least 30 inches.

a.    A soil improvement detail and notes, including the removal of all construction debris and existing compacted soil and the proposed soil improvement mix, shall be provided with the landscape plan;

b.    Landscaped areas must be surrounded by a six-inch-high vertical curb. Gaps in curbs are allowed for stormwater runoff to enter the landscaped area;

c.    Exception. The requirements of this subsection do not apply to any area that is fully enclosed within or under a building.

5.    Rooftop Parking Landscaping. For a driving or parking area on the top level of a structure that is not within the CBD zone or within any zone that requires design regulation compliance, the parking lot must contain five square feet of landscaped area per parking stall, consisting of planters with a soil depth of at least 30 inches. Planters must contain at least one deciduous tree two inches in caliper or one coniferous tree six feet in height for every 30 square feet of landscaped area. The landscaping plan for the project shall include an irrigation plan for the rooftop planting. The applicant shall arrange the required landscaping throughout the parking lot in a manner that:

a.    Utilizes tree and/or shrub species suited to the size of the container and the specific site conditions, including desiccating winds, and is clustered with other planters near driving ramps or stairways to maximize visual effect;

b.    Consolidates planting areas of trees into larger groupings with appropriate soil volumes;

c.    Maximizes shading of paved surfaces by tree and shrub canopy to reduce potential heat island effect.

6.    If development is subject to Design Review as described in Chapter 142 KZC, the City will review the parking area design, plant choice and specific plant location as part of the Design Review approval. The City may also require or permit modification to the required landscaping and design of the parking area as part of Design Review approval.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.45 Perimeter Landscape Buffering for Driving and Parking Areas

1.    Perimeter Buffering – General. Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, the applicant shall buffer all parking areas and driveways from abutting rights-of-way and from adjacent property with a five-foot-wide strip along the perimeter of the parking areas and driveways planted as follows (see Figure 95.45.A):

a.    One row of trees, two inches in caliper for deciduous trees or six-foot tall for conifer trees and planted 30 feet on center along the entire length of the strip.

b.    Living groundcover planted to attain coverage of at least 60 percent of the strip area within two years.

c.    Natural drainage landscapes (such as rain gardens, bio-infiltration swales and bioretention planters) are allowed when designed in compliance with the stormwater design manual adopted in KMC 15.52.060. Perimeter landscape buffering requirements for trees in driving and parking areas still apply. Refer to Public Works Pre-Approved Plans.

2.    Exception. The requirements of this section do not apply to any parking area that:

a.    Is fully enclosed within or under a building; or

b.    Is on top of a building and is at least one story above finished grade; or

c.    Serves single-family dwellings exclusively; or

d.    Is within any zone that requires design regulation compliance. See below for design district requirements.

3.    Design Districts. If subject to Design Review, each side of a parking lot that abuts a street, through-block pathway or public park must be screened from that street, through-block pathway, or public park by using one or a combination of the following methods (see Figures 95.45.A, B, and C):

a.    By providing a landscape strip at least five feet wide planted consistent with subsection (1) of this section, or in combination with the following:

b.    The hedge or wall must extend at least two feet, six inches, and not more than three feet above the ground directly below it.

c.    The wall may be constructed of masonry or concrete, if consistent with the provisions of KZC 92.35(1)(g) in building material, color and detail, or of wood if the design and materials match the building on the subject property.

d.    In JBD zones:

1)    If the street is a pedestrian-oriented street, the wall may also include a continuous trellis or grillwork, at least five feet in height above the ground, placed on top of or in front of the wall and planted with climbing vines. The trellis or grillwork may be constructed of masonry, steel, cast iron and/or wood.

2)    If the wall abuts a pedestrian-oriented street, the requirements of this subsection may be fulfilled by providing pedestrian weather protection along at least 80 percent of the frontage of the subject property.

e.    If development is subject to Design Review as described in Chapter 142 KZC, the City will review plant choice and specific plant location as part of the Design Review approval. The City may also require or permit modification to the required plant size as part of Design Review approval.

4.    Overlapping Requirements. If buffering is required in KZC 95.42, Land Use Buffering Standards, and by this subsection, the applicant shall utilize the more stringent buffering requirement.

Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping

FIGURE 95.45.A

Perimeter Parking – Examples of Various Screen Wall Designs

FIGURE 95.45.B

Perimeter Parking – Examples of Various Screen Wall Designs

FIGURE 95.45.C

(Ord. 4855 § 1, 2023; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.46 Modifications to Required Landscaping and Buffer Standards

1.    Modification to Land Use Buffer Requirements. The applicant may request a modification of the requirements of the buffering standards in KZC 95.42. The Planning Official may approve a modification if:

a.    The existing topography or other characteristics of the subject property or the adjoining property, or the distance of development from the neighboring property decreases or eliminates the need for buffering; or

b.    The modification will be more beneficial to the adjoining property than the required buffer by causing less impairment of view or sunlight; or

c.    The Planning Official determines that it is reasonable to anticipate that the adjoining property will be redeveloped in the foreseeable future to a use that would require no, or a less intensive, buffer; or

d.    The location of pre-existing improvements on the adjoining site eliminates the need or benefit of the required landscape buffer.

2.    Modifications to General Landscaping Requirements.

a.    Authority to Grant and Duration. If the proposed development of the subject property requires approval through Design Review or Process I, IIA, or IIB, described in Chapters 142, 145, 150, and 152 KZC, respectively, a request for a modification will be considered as part of that process under the provisions of this section. The City must find that the applicant meets the applicable criteria listed in subsections (2)(b) and (2)(c) of this section. If granted under Design Review or Process I, IIA, or IIB, the modification is binding on the City for all development permits issued for that development under the building code within five years of the granting of the modification.

If the above does not apply, the Planning Official may grant a modification in writing under the provisions of this section.

b.    Internal Parking Lot Landscaping Modifications. For a modification to the internal parking lot landscaping requirements in KZC 95.44, the landscape requirements may be modified if:

1)    The modification will produce a landscaping design in the parking area comparable or superior to that which would result from adherence to the adopted standard; or

2)    The modification will result in increased retention of significant existing vegetation; or

3)    The purpose of the modification is to accommodate low impact development techniques as approved by the Planning Official.

c.    Perimeter Parking Lot and Driveway Landscaping. For a modification to the perimeter landscaping for parking lots and driveways, the buffering requirements for parking areas and driveways may be modified if:

1)    The existing topography of or adjacent to the subject property decreases or eliminates the need for visual screening; or

2)    The modification will be of more benefit to the adjoining property by causing less impairment of view or sunlight; or

3)    The modification will provide a visual screen that is comparable or superior to the buffer required by KZC 95.45; or

4)    The modification eliminates the portion of the buffer that would divide a shared parking area serving two or more adjacent uses but provides the buffer around the perimeter of the shared parking area.

(Ord. 4844 § 1, 2023; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.47 Nonconforming Landscaping and Buffers

1.    The landscaping requirements of KZC 95.40, Required Landscaping Based on Zoning District, KZC 95.43, Outdoor Use, Activity and Storage, KZC 95.44, Internal Parking Lot Landscaping, and KZC 95.45, Perimeter Landscape Buffering for Driving and Parking Areas, must be brought into conformance as much as is feasible, based on available land area, in either of the following situations:

a.    An increase of at least 10 percent in gross floor area of any structure; or

b.    An alteration to any structure, the cost of which exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost of the structure.

2.    Land use buffers must be brought into conformance with KZC 95.42 in either of the following situations:

a.    An increase in gross floor area of any structure (the requirement to provide conforming buffers applies only where new gross floor area impacts adjoining property); or

b.    A change in use on the subject property and the new use requires larger buffers than the former use.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.50 Installation Standards for Required Plantings

All required trees, landscaping and soil shall be installed according to sound horticultural practices in a manner designed to encourage quick establishment and healthy plant growth. All required landscaping shall be installed in the ground and not in above-ground containers, except for landscaping required on the top floor of a structure.

When an applicant proposes to locate a subterranean structure under required landscaping that appears to be at grade, the applicant will: (1) provide site-specific documentation prepared by a qualified professional arborist to establish that the design will adequately support the mature size of specified trees and other vegetation species; and (2) enter into an agreement with the City, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, indemnifying the City from any damage resulting from development activity on the subject property which is related to the physical condition of the property. The applicant shall record this agreement with the King County Recorder’s Office.

1.    Compliance. It is the applicant’s responsibility to show that the proposed landscaping complies with the regulations of this chapter.

2.    Timing. All landscaping shall be installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, except that the installation of any required tree or landscaping may be deferred during the summer months to the next planting season, but never for more than six months. Trees should be planted in the fall, winter, or early spring, between October and April, or must be irrigated.

Deferred installation shall be secured with a performance bond pursuant to Chapter 175 KZC prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

3.    Grading. Berms shall not exceed a slope of two horizontal feet to one vertical foot (2:1).

4.    Soil Specifications. Soils in planting areas shall have soil quality equivalent to Washington State Department of Ecology BMP T5.13. The soil quality in any landscape area shall comply with the soil quality requirements of the Public Works Pre-Approved Plans. See subsection (9) of this section for mulch requirements.

5.    Plant Selection.

a.    Plant selection shall be consistent with the appropriate Kirkland Plant Lists, which is shown on the Planning and Building Department webpage and available in the Planning and Building Department. Species diversity is encouraged by planting species other than those listed, with Planning Official approval.

b.    Plants shall be selected and sited to produce a hardy and drought-resistant landscape area. Selection shall consider soil type and depth, the amount of maintenance required, spacing, exposure to sun and wind, the slope and contours of the site, and compatibility with existing native vegetation preserved on the site. Preservation of existing vegetation is strongly encouraged.

c.    Plants listed in the Kirkland Prohibited Plant List shall not be planted. Additionally, there are other plants that may not be used if identified in the Kirkland Plant List as potentially damaging to sidewalks, roads, underground utilities, drainage improvements, foundations, or when not provided with enough growing space.

d.    All plants shall conform to American Association of Nurserymen (AAN) grades and standards as published in the “American Standard for Nursery Stock” manual.

e.    Plants shall meet the minimum size standards established in other sections of the KZC.

f.    Multiple-stemmed trees may be permitted as an option to single-stemmed trees for required landscaping provided that such multiple-stemmed trees are at least 10 feet in height and that they are approved by the Planning Official prior to installation.

6. Plant Location. Newly planted replacement trees should generally be planted at least three feet away from property lines. Large trees shall not be planted under or within proximity to overhead utilities. Newly planted replacement trees may be checked for the approved locations as a final inspection procedure on development sites. Replacement trees must be planted in a manner that allows the tree species to mature to its full height and width. Trees shall be located with the appropriate spacing from buildings and other trees, soil volume should not be restricted for the mature size of the tree and soil should be amended in accordance with the storm water code. Trees shall be installed so that the root flare is at or slightly above the finished ground elevation in order to promote a healthy root structure and identify any girdling roots at the time of planting.

7.    Fertilization. All fertilizer applications to turf or trees and shrubs shall follow Washington State University, National Arborist Association or other accepted agronomic or horticultural standards. Fertilizer may include soil drenches to increase fungal biota and chemical root growth stimulators.

8.    Irrigation. The intent of this standard is to ensure that plants will survive the critical establishment period when they are most vulnerable due to lack of watering. All required plantings must provide an irrigation system, using either Option 1, 2, or 3 or a combination of those options. Selected irrigation option shall be specified on the landscape or tree plan. For each option irrigation shall be designed to conserve water by using the best practical management techniques available. These techniques may include, but not be limited to: drip irrigation to minimize evaporation loss, moisture sensors to prevent irrigation during rainy periods, automatic controllers to ensure proper duration of watering, sprinkler head selection and spacing designed to minimize overspray, and separate zones for turf and shrubs and for full sun exposure and shady areas to meet watering needs of different sections of the landscape.

Exceptions, as approved by the Planning Official, to the irrigation requirement may be approved for xeriscape (i.e., low water usage plantings), plantings approved for low impact development techniques, established indigenous plant material, or landscapes where natural appearance is acceptable or desirable to the City. However, those exceptions will require temporary irrigation (Option 2 and/or 3) until established.

a.    Option 1. A permanent built-in irrigation system with an automatic controller designed and certified by a licensed landscape architect as part of the landscape plan.

b.    Option 2. An irrigation system designed and certified by a licensed landscape architect as part of the landscape plan, which provides sufficient water to ensure that the plants will become established. The system does not have to be permanent if the plants chosen can survive adequately on their own, once established.

c.    Option 3. Irrigation by hand, which includes the use of water bags. If the applicant chooses this option, an inspection will be required one year after final inspection to ensure that the landscaping has become established.

9.    Drainage. All landscapes shall have adequate drainage, either through natural percolation or through an installed drainage system. A percolation rate of one-half inch of water per hour is acceptable.

10.    Mulch.

a.    Required plantings, except turf or areas of established ground cover, shall be covered with two inches or more of organic mulch to minimize evaporation and runoff. Mulch shall consist of materials such as yard waste, sawdust, and/or manure that are fully composted.

b.    All mulches used in planter beds shall be kept at least six inches away from the trunks of shrubs and trees.

11.    Protection. All required landscaped areas, particularly trees and shrubs, must be protected from potential damage by adjacent uses and development, including parking and storage areas. Protective devices such as bollards, wheel stops, trunk guards, root guards, etc., may be required in some situations.

12. Final Inspection. These requirements shall be completed prior to final inspection.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.51 Tree and Landscape Maintenance Requirements

The following maintenance requirements apply to all trees, including street trees, and other vegetation required to be planted or preserved by the City:

1.    Responsibility for Regular Maintenance. Required trees and vegetation, fences, walls, and other landscape elements shall be considered as elements of the project in the same manner as parking, building materials, and other site details. The applicant, landowner, or successors in interest shall be responsible for the regular maintenance of required landscaping elements. It is also the responsibility of the property owner to maintain street trees abutting their property pursuant to KZC 95.21.

2.    Maintenance Duration. Maintenance shall be ensured in the following manner except as set forth in subsections (3), (4) and (5) of this section:

a.    Single-Family Dwellings, Short Plats, Subdivisions, Two/Three-Unit Homes, Cottage/Carriage Dwellings, and/or Accessory Structures Development. Any existing trees or trees planted pursuant to KZC 95.34 or other existing vegetation designated for preservation in a tree retention plan shall be maintained for a period of five years following issuance of the certificate of occupancy. A five-year tree maintenance agreement shall be recorded with the King County Recorder’s office on the document approved by the City Attorney. After five years, all trees on the property are subject to KZC 95.25 unless:

1)    Trees are in a grove that is protected pursuant to subsection (3) of this section;

2)    The tree or vegetation is considered to be a public benefit related to approval of a planned unit development;

3)    The tree or vegetation was retained to partially or fully meet requirements of KZC 95.40 through 95.45, Required Landscaping and Zoning.

b.    Multifamily, Commercial, and/or Mixed Use Development.

1)    Any existing trees or trees planted with the development designated for preservation in a tree retention plan shall be maintained for a period of five years following issuance of the certificate of occupancy. A five-year tree maintenance agreement shall be recorded with the King County Recorder’s office on the document approved by the City Attorney.

2)    All required landscaping installed pursuant to KZC 95.40 through 95.45 shall be maintained throughout the life of the development and are subject to KZC 95.25(3). Plants that die must be replaced in kind.

3.    Maintenance of Preserved Grove. Any applicant who has a grove of trees identified for preservation on an approved Tree Retention Plan pursuant to KZC 95.30(2) shall provide prior to occupancy a legal instrument acceptable to the City to ensure preservation of the grove in perpetuity, except that the agreement may be extinguished if the Planning Official determines that preservation is no longer appropriate.

4.    Maintenance in Holmes Point Overlay Zone. Vegetation in designated protected natural areas in the Holmes Point Overlay Zone is to be protected in perpetuity pursuant to KZC 70.15(8)(a). Regulated trees in the remainder of the lot shall be protected in perpetuity pursuant to KZC 70.15(8)(b).

5.    Nonnative Invasive and Noxious Plants. It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove nonnative invasive plants and noxious plants from the vicinity of any tree or other vegetation that the City has required to be planted or protected per the City’s Prohibited Plant List, King County, and Washington weed agencies. Removal must be performed in a manner that is not injurious to required trees and vegetation. Best management practices, including stump treatment or removal, may be required to prevent invasive vegetation from re-growing.

6.    Landscape Plans and Utility Plans. Landscape plans and utility plans shall be coordinated. In general, the placement of trees and large shrubs should adjust to the location of required utility routes both above and below ground. Location of plants shall be based on the plant’s mature size both above and below ground. See the Kirkland Plant List for additional standards.

(Ord. 4876 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.52 Prohibited Vegetation

Plants listed in the Kirkland Prohibited Plant List shall not be planted in the City or required to be retained.

For landscaping not required under this chapter, this prohibition shall become effective on February 14, 2008. The City may require removal of prohibited vegetation if installed after this date. Residents and property owners are encouraged to remove pre-existing prohibited vegetation whenever practicable.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.55 Enforcement and Penalties

Upon determination that there has been a violation of any provision of this chapter, the City may pursue code enforcement and penalties in accordance with the provisions of KMC 1.12.100, Special Provisions Relating to Code Enforcement of Tree Regulations in Chapter 95 KZC.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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95.57 City Forestry Account

1.    Funding Sources. All civil penalties and money received under this chapter shall be used for the purposes set forth in subsection (2) of this section. In addition, the following sources may be used for the purposes set forth in this section:

a.    Agreed upon payment in lieu of planting replacement trees under KZC 95.23, 95.25, 95.30, and 95.34;

b.    Agreed upon restoration payments imposed under KZC 95.55 or settlements in lieu of penalties;

c.    Sale of trees or wood from City property where the proceeds from such sale have not been dedicated to another purpose;

d.    Donations and grants for tree purposes;

e.    Sale of seedlings by the City; and

f.    Other monies allocated by the City Council.

2.    Funding Purposes. The City shall use money received pursuant to this section for the following purposes:

a.    For fee in lieu contributions pursuant to KZC 95.23, 95.25, 95.30 and 95.34, money shall be used for canopy restoration and tree planting projects City-wide;

b.    Acquiring, maintaining, and preserving wooded areas within the City;

c.    Planting and maintaining trees within the City;

d.    Establishment of a holding public tree nursery;

e.    Urban forestry education;

f.    Implementation of a tree canopy monitoring program; or

g.    Other purposes relating to trees as determined by the City Council.

(Ord. 4786 § 1, 2022)

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