Form revised December 9, 2004

FISCAL NOTE FOR NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS

Department:	Contact Person/Phone:	DOF Analyst/Phone:
Legislative	Michael Jenkins/ 615-1674

Legislation Title: An ordinance relating to tree protection, amending Sections 25.11.020, 25.11.030, 25.11.040, and 25.11.100 of the Seattle Municipal Code to implement interim tree protection regulations.

· Summary of the Legislation: This Council-generated legislation amends Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.11, Tree Protection, to provide interim tree protection measures in single-family, lowrise, midrise and commercial zones. These measures would reinforce existing limits on the removal of exceptional trees, and expand limits concerning removal of non-exceptional trees to no more than 3 - 6” diameter trees in one calendar year. The proposal would apply to single family zoned lots 5,000 square feet or greater and all lowrise, midrise and commercially zoned lots. Existing exemptions would be changed to permit tree removal when it is required for the construction of a new structure or for site grading. The proposal would also amend exemption and enforcement provisions of the existing code to clarify these sections and ensure consistency with other existing regulations.

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) staff believes that this legislation would not result in an increase in the number of permit applications or in the length of time necessary to review existing permit applications. DPD staff also believes that existing staff are sufficient to cover the additional enforcement anticipated to result from this legislation. Long-term impacts will be addressed through the permanent tree protection legislation and the annual budget process.

· Background:

DPD and the City Council have expressed concerns about the increasing loss of the city’s tree canopy. These interim measures are designed as a first step towards the adoption of permanent tree retention policies and regulations.

· Please check one of the following:

_X___ This legislation does not have any financial implications.