On February 26, 2025, the Bonney Lake Hearing Examiner dismissed the appeal of the tree removal permit issued by the City of Bonney Lake for the Gardenia Plat, which is located in the general vicinity of Myers Road and 77th Street East. The request to dismiss the appeal was filed by the Developer of the Gardenia Plat. A copy of the Hearing Examiner’s reasons for dismissing the appeal can be found in the Hearing Examiner’s decision which is available at the following link: Order of Dismissal Ford et. al. vs City Bonney Lake and Caliber Company.
The individuals that were part of the initial appeal of the tree removal permit can appeal the Hearing Examiner’s decision to the Pierce County Superior Court. The City has informed the Developer that the City will not issue the tree removal permit until the close of this appeal window.
The Bonney Lake Hearing Examiner is a land use attorney who services independent third-party to hear appeals of administrative land use decisions issued by City. The Hearing Examiner is not an employee of the City of Bonney Lake. More information on the Bonney Lake Hearing Examiner system can be found at the following link: Bonney Lake Hearing Examiner.
The Gardenia Plat, the associated permits, to include the tree removal permit, and the most recent appeal was not before or approved by the Bonney Lake City Council. The City Council does not hear or issue decisions in these types of permit decisions or hearings.
As this is still pending litigation the City cannot comment further on this matter.