SDCI Response To Permit Application

Hello, Friends of Hidden Beach, 

No one said it was going to be easy to get our permits in line, and the latest response from the Seattle Dept of Construction and Inspections certainly bears this out. I think we are facing speed bumps, not roadblocks, but here is the latest.

Response from SDCI:
We received comments back last week regarding our SDCI permit to complete work within the shoreline setback. In a nutshell, the reviewer does not agree with the need to remove the unpermitted “grove” of trees adjacent to the northern homeowner’s property or the lengthy hedge installed by the southern homeowner. 

 If this makes you want to throw things, join the crowd. We have waited quite a long time to get this feedback which conflicts with our proposal and seemingly with common sense. Our arborist’s report already contains much of the desired information and rationale for removal and thinning of trees for their health as well as all the vegetation on the streetend. Even more mystifying is the fact that SDOT 's own Urban Forestry Department had already ok’d thinning the unpermitted “grove” of trees months ago. 

This is extremely frustrating, but happily, we are blessed with eloquent professionals - arborist Daniel Collins and landscape architect Emily Van Geldrern - who are crafting a response. We will share it when it is complete. 

From SDCI: 

SDCI requests that we "...address the rationale for each proposed removal and consistency with SMC 23.60A.190. If the tree proposed for removal is not hazardous, what is the reason for removal? The fact that the trees may be planted close together is not sufficient reason to remove based on standards SMC23.60A.190..."

Signage:

In the meantime, signage at the street-end has been helpful in bringing more interest to our project and even some donors. Someone removed all of our signs last week to my dismay, but I anticipated that possibility and voila! … new signs are back up. Please keep an eye out and let me know if signs are removed again. 

Encroaching Laurel:

The latest on trimming back the laurel hedge: It has been partly done, and the homeowner has been advised of the city's regulations for sidewalk clearances with a recommendation that he complete the job in October. We will be following up on that in the fall. 

Speed Buoy/s:

 In progress, we think. 

It’s going to be hot, hot, hot this week. Enjoy our beautiful beach!        Libby