Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting - February 10, 2025

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing on interim tree protection regulations, and a discussion of proposed tree removal fee options. Key topics included balancing housing development with tree preservation, and the council directed staff to bring back revised fee options for a vote on March 3, 2025.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): Workshop dinner meeting minutes of January 13, 2025, regular meeting minutes of January 13, 2025, and expenses and payroll as of January 31, 2025, in the amount of $5,942,823.24.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathleen Russell (Shoreline, Tree Preservation Code Team) advocated for the team's submitted Option 5 for tree removal fees, citing a 37% tree canopy in Shoreline compared to 45% or more in neighboring cities.
• Larry Owens (Shoreline) urged the council to call for hearings on House Bill 1449 and Senate Bill 5233 establishing the Washington Health Trust, arguing it could save employees and residents money on healthcare.
• Mathew DeAngelis (Shoreline) emphasized the importance of trees but argued that excessively high tree removal fees could make it unprofitable to build housing, pushing development elsewhere and causing deforestation.
• Katie Lorah (Shoreline) expressed concern that excessive fees could hinder housing development and climate goals, supporting Options 2, 3, or 4 as balanced approaches.
• Gabriel Sneed (Shoreline) advocated for Option 3 or 4 to balance tree preservation with housing density.
• Jonelle Kimmerling (Shoreline) encouraged the city to work with organizations that design around trees to preserve them while building affordable, sustainable housing.
• Bill Fibs (Edmonds) commented that 60 inches DBH was too large for the interim regulation, suggesting a 30-inch threshold for conifers, and supported stronger restrictions on tree removal.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 1031 – Interim Tree Regulations (Public Hearing): Senior Planner Sierra Carson presented that the council adopted interim regulations on January 27, 2025, prohibiting removal of trees 60 inches DBH or greater in Town Center 3 and Town Center 4 zones, effective for six months. A public hearing was required within 60 days. Public comment: Bill Fibs (Edmonds) argued the threshold was too high and recommended 30 inches for conifers. Council discussion: Councilmember Ademasu referenced the Maui banyan tree as an example of a landmark tree preserved after disaster; Councilmember Scully noted the interim regulations are a stopgap until a comprehensive tree code update is completed. No further action was needed.
• Resolution No. 541 – Tree Removal Fee Schedule: Senior Planner Carson outlined six options:
  • Option 1: $9,000/tree (24–30 inches DBH) and $15,000/tree (>30 inches) – current for cottage housing.
  • Option 2: $150/tree (24–30 inches) and $500/tree (>30 inches) – aligns with peer cities.
  • Option 3 (Staff recommendation): $900 for 24 inches + $100 per additional inch – based on 20-year ecological value using iTree.
  • Option 4: $3,325 per tree (24 inches+) – based on city's tree in lieu fee.
  • Option 3A (Councilmember Ademasu): $2,500 for 24 inches + $200 per additional inch.
  • Option 5 (Tree Preservation Code Team): $3,325 for 24 inches + $100 per additional inch.
  • Councilmembers debated the trade-offs between tree preservation and housing affordability. Councilmember Scully supported 3A; Councilmember Pobee questioned the impact on unit costs; Councilmember Robertson supported Option 2; Deputy Mayor Mork supported 3A and 5; Councilmember Ademasu elaborated on 3A and proposed waivers for low-income seniors and affordable housing; Councilmember Ramsdell expressed concern about fees burdening seniors and supported staff recommendation; Mayor Roberts asked for clarifying language that the fee applies only to residential zones and cautioned against exemptions.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved unanimously (7-0).
• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 1031 was held and closed; no further action taken.
• For Resolution No. 541, the council agreed to remove Options 1, 2, and 4 from consideration. City Manager Ellington recommended staff bring back a revised fee structure incorporating Option 3A and Option 5, with the intent to vote on March 3, 2025.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.