Tree Work Permits in the Seattle Area
Do I need a permit to prune or cut down my tree?
There are many site specifics that dictate whether or not a permit or public notification is required for your tree work project. For example:
Is your tree on a Public Right-of-Way?
Does the tree have a diameter of 6 inches or greater?
Is your tree protected by municipal regulations based on its species?
Are any of the branches being pruned 4 inches in diameter or thicker?
Our ISA Certified Arborists are well-versed in the local codes and requirements for the City of Seattle and surrounding municipalities. They’ll let you know what permits apply to your specific situation – and in most cases, they can even handle the paperwork and submit the permit for you.
Because permit rules are constantly being updated, Seattle Tree Care has dedicated specialists who stay up to date with the latest changes in each city to ensure your project stays fully compliant from start to finish.
Check the sections below for permit requirements specific to your city or town, as each area has different rules for tree removal, pruning, and replacement.
DID YOU KNOW?
Why Does Seattle Have a Municipal Tree Code?
Restrictions on tree care can help ensure the continued well-being of our urban forest. Some of the reasons why Seattle (and other cities) require permitting or a notification process include:
- To protect trees: Trees are an important part of the urban environment and provide numerous benefits, such as shade, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. Putting restrictions on tree care helps to ensure that trees are cared for properly and in a way that promotes their health and longevity.
- To prevent over-pruning: Pruning a tree incorrectly or too heavily can cause damage and stress to the tree, which can ultimately lead to its death. Requiring a permit or public notice helps to ensure that tree pruning is done properly and in a way that minimizes the need for later tree removal services.
- To prevent harm to people and property: Improper or unlicensed tree trimming and removal can present a potential safety hazard, as branches or limbs may fall and cause injury or damage. Municipal regulations help to ensure that tree work is done by knowledgeable and experienced tree service companies in a way that minimizes these risks.
Overall, restrictions on tree pruning and removal in Seattle help to protect the city's trees and prevent potential harm to people and property.
Tree Permit Requirements for Specific Cities in the Seattle Area
Before doing any tree work in the greater Seattle or Puget Sound area, we check local tree care regulations for each municipality we work in. Below are the details for some of the locations where we frequently provide tree services.
Seattle
Seattle has some of the most detailed and frequently updated tree regulations in the region to protect the city’s urban forest while still supporting smart development, housing growth, and environmental justice. That means tree removal and even significant pruning can require a permit, depending on the tree’s size, location, condition, and impact on the surrounding area.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required:
- Light pruning or routine maintenance (must follow ANSI A300 standards, and not exceed roughly 15% of live crown in a given year).
- The tree is small — under 6 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground and not in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA).
- The tree is dead, fully uprooted, or fell during a storm – these are considered debris clean up if documentation of the condition is submitted to the city.
Even so, there are still documentation and notification requirements in some of these situations – especially if you’re hiring a commercial tree service.
When a Permit is Required:
Seattle’s tree code lays out four tiers of trees and depending on what type of tree you're working on, a permit might be required for tree removal on private property.
- Tier 1: Includes Heritage Trees and other high-value trees. Removal is rarely allowed unless the tree is hazardous.
- Tier 2:This includes any tree 24 inches or larger in diameter, tree groves (each tree within the grove is treated individually), and certain protected species under 24 inches as outlined in Director’s Rule 7-2024. All of these require a permit before removal.
- Tier 3: Trees 12–24 inches in diameter and not Tier 1 or 2. Permit required for removal.
- Tier 4: Trees 6–12 inches in diameter and not tier 1 or 2. Up to 2 Tier 4 trees may be removed every 3 years per property if they are not in an ECA and not restricted by active development permits.
All trees located in Environmentally Critical Areas require a permit for removal, regardless of tier.
Hazardous Trees
Seattle also has strict rules around hazardous trees . Even if a tree is at risk of falling, it must be evaluated by someone with an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). If the tree is given an extreme risk rating, removal can be completed immediately without a permit, as long as a retroactive tree removal permit is applied for within 10 calendar days of the removal.
Environmentally Critical Areas
Seattle’s Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) include steep slopes, landslide-prone areas, riparian corridors, shorelines, wetlands, and their associated buffers. These zones are protected to maintain slope stability, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and preserve habitat.
Here’s what’s allowed without a permit:
- Routine maintenance under 750 sq. ft., such as pruning or maintaining existing paths or landscapes (pruning must follow ANSI A300 standards)
- Emergency hazard tree removal, with retroactive tree removal permitting applied for within 10 calendar days of the removal.
- Invasive species removal with hand tools, if under 2,500 sq. ft.
Tree Replacement After Removal
In almost all cases involving Tier 1, 2, or 3 trees, you are required to plant new trees. Here’s what the city expects:
- Replacement trees must be appropriate size and species and aim to restore similar canopy cover once mature
- Replacement trees are to be planted within 1 year of the issued permit. If the tree species is deciduous, the tree needs to be 1.5 inch caliper at the time of planting. If evergreen, the tree needs to be 4–6 feet tall.
- Site restoration is required, including removal of invasive plants and no replanting with invasive species
- Ongoing care and documentation for 5 years, including watering, replanting failed trees, and keeping photo records
Shoreline
The City of Shoreline is committed to preserving and expanding its urban forest – but also recognizes that property owners have the right to maintain, develop, and improve their land. That’s why Shoreline’s tree regulations aim to strike a balance between protecting the most valuable trees while allowing for responsible management and thoughtful development.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required:
- The tree is less than 6 inches in diameter (measured 4.5 feet from the ground) and not in an ECA.
- You're pruning less than 25% of the canopy using accepted arboricultural standards.
- The tree is 100% dead and not in an ECA. A permit exemption can be applied for through the city.
- You’re removing up to three significant trees under 24 inches DSH on a residential lot within a 36-month period, and the property is:
- Not located in or near a Critical Area (wetlands, steep slopes, streams, etc.)
- Smaller than 7,200 square feet (larger lots may allow more removals)
Note: Even when using the tree removal allowance, you must notify the city so they can track removals and ensure compliance.
When a Permit is Required:
- The tree is 6 inches or more in diameter (DBH)
- You’re removing more trees than allowed under the exemption in a 36-month period
- The tree is located in or near a Critical Area or its buffer (wetlands, streams, slopes)
- The removal is associated with a construction or development project
- The tree is located in the public right-of-way (street trees)
- You’re removing a multi-stemmed tree that averages 6” DBH or more
- Removal of any tree 24 inches DBH or greater now requires payment of a "fee in lieu." The base fee is $3,325 for a 24" tree, plus $100 per additional inch above 24".
- The city requires retention of at least 35% of significant trees (≥ 6" DBH) outside Critical Areas (up from 25%).
Permits require submitting a Tree Removal Permit application, which includes a site plan showing the tree’s location, nearby structures, and property lines. Trees on certain commercial or mixed-use properties may be exempt unless they were part of required landscaping.
Hazardous Trees
If a tree is an immediate threat to life or property, such as:
- Uprooted by wind or flooding
- Leaning dangerously toward a structure
- Split or cracked
- Contacting power lines
...it may be removed without a permit. Just make sure to take photos and document the condition of the tree, especially before removal if possible.
Critical Area Trees
If your property includes or is near:
- Streams or wetlands
- Steep slopes or landslide-prone areas
- Other protected ecological zones
...your trees may be in what's called a Critical Area or its protective buffer. These areas come with extra review steps and restrictions:
- A site-specific review by the city is required before removal
- At least 30% of all significant trees must be retained (versus 35% in non-Critical Areas)
- Permit approvals in these zones often involve environmental assessments and mitigation
- Hazardous trees may be eligible for a non-imminent hazard exemption.
Not sure if your tree is in a Critical Area? STC can help you figure that out – or you can contact the City of Shoreline Planning & Community Development team to speak with a planner.
Tree Replacement After Removal
Removal of significant trees almost always requires replacement trees, especially if the removal is associated with development, hazard mitigation, or a Critical Area.
Here’s what the City of Shoreline requires:
- 1 tree if the size of the tree removed (DBH) was 6.0” – 8.9”
- 2 trees if the size of the tree removed (DBH) was 9.0” – 11.9”
- 3 trees if the size of the tree removed (DBH) was 12.0” or more
Street Trees
Trees located along sidewalks or between the street and the property line are public right-of-way trees (also called “street trees”) and are regulated separately from trees on private property.
To remove a street tree, you must contact the City of Shoreline’s Public Works Department and obtain a permit.
Edmonds
The City of Edmonds has taken a strong stance on protecting its urban canopy while still allowing homeowners to maintain and responsibly develop their properties. If you’re considering tree work – especially removal – it's important to understand when a permit is required and how the city defines a significant or protected tree.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required:
- You’re removing a tree from an improved single-family residential lot, unless that tree is in a critical area or its buffer
- You’re removing a non-significant tree (under 6" DBH and not otherwise protected)
- You’re pruning or maintaining your trees following ANSI A300 standards and not topping them
- You’re removing trees as a public utility, fire, or parks department under permitted circumstances
- The tree is clearly dead, hazardous, or a nuisance, and proper documentation is submitted to the city
Note: Routine maintenance and landscaping – like removing invasive species, pruning less than 25% of the tree’s canopy, and general brush management – are also exempt from permits.
When a Permit is Required:
- Removal of significant trees (6” DBH or greater) not otherwise exempt
- Excessive pruning or topping of significant trees
- Tree work as part of new development, unless processed through a related building or subdivision permit
- Removal of protected trees, including those in native growth protection easements or critical areas
- Any tree removal that does not clearly fall under one of the city’s exemptions
In most cases, tree removal is processed as a Type I permit unless part of an active development project.
Protected trees, trees on vacant lots, and those in demolition zones cannot be removed unless special circumstances apply (e.g., hazard, nuisance). Even then, replacement will likely be required.
Hazardous Trees
Hazardous trees can often be removed without a permit – especially if they pose an immediate risk to life or property. That said, the city usually requires:
- Documentation from an ISA Certified Arborist (especially if the tree is not in immediate danger)
- A tree risk assessment report
Dead or declining trees outside of critical areas also may be exempt, but it’s important to consult with a tree care professional before removal to avoid violations and penalties.
Trees in New Development
If your tree work is tied to construction, redevelopment, or subdivision activity, you’ll likely need to submit a Tree Retention and Protection Plan. The city requires these plans for:
- Subdivisions and short subdivisions
- New single-family or multifamily development
- Demolitions with replacement structures
The plan must include a tree inventory, site plan, arborist report, and details on which trees will be retained or replaced. Retention goals are:
- 30% of significant trees for new single-family, short subdivision, or subdivision
- 25% of significant trees for multifamily development or unit lot projects
If you can’t retain the required number of trees, the city offers on-site planting of replacement trees or fee-in-lieu payments (up to $2,500 per tree not replanted).
Tree Replacement After Removal
Replacement trees are required unless the original tree was dead, declining, or relocated. Here is what you need to know:
- 1 tree if the size of tree removed (DBH) was 6” – 10”
- 2 trees if the size of tree removed was 10.1” – 14”
- 3 trees if the size of tree removed was 14.1” – 24”
- Minimum sizes for replacement trees are 1.5 inches caliper for deciduous trees and 6 feet tall for evergreens
- Species should be native and appropriate to the site whenever possible
- Must be planted within Edmonds or its urban growth area
Burien
The City of Burien adopted tree regulations in 2022 to help preserve its tree canopy and support the goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Climate Action Plan and Green Burien Urban Forest Stewardship Plan.
Whether you’re thinking about pruning a large tree or clearing space for a project, knowing when a permit is required helps you make decisions that benefit your property – and the whole neighborhood.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required:
- The tree is less than 6 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground
- You’re pruning a hedge
- You’re removing only one tree per year and your lot is under 5,000 square feet
- The tree is not exceptional and its removal doesn’t bring you below the required tree credit density for your lot size
When a Permit is Required:
- Removing exceptional trees, which are trees that are large for their species
- Removing more than one tree per year, or any trees on lots larger than 5,000 sq. ft. that exceed the annual allowance
- Topping a tree
- Pruning more than 25% of a tree’s canopy
- Any tree removal that reduces your lot’s tree credit density below the required minimum based on its size
Types of Tree Removal Permits:
- Minor Tree Removal Permit: Needed for removing exceptional trees, pruning over 25% of the canopy, topping, or if your lot falls below tree credit density
- Major Tree Removal Permit: Required when tree removal is part of a construction or development project and significant or exceptional trees are affected; this is processed alongside the associated land use or building permit
Note: Every residential lot – both single-family and multifamily – must maintain a minimum number of tree credits, which are based on the size of the lot. If removing trees would drop your lot below the minimum, you'll need to replant trees to make up the difference.
Hazardous Trees
If a tree is clearly dead, dying, or poses an immediate risk to life or property, it may be eligible for removal without going through the full permitting process. However, documentation – such as a report from an ISA Certified Arborist – is often recommended or required.
Even in emergency situations, if the tree is located in a critical area or shoreline, a permit is still required.
Trees in Critical Areas
Special rules apply to trees in or near:
- Shorelines
- Streams and wetlands
- Landslide-prone slopes (geologically hazardous areas)
Any tree work in these locations – including pruning – requires city approval and additional permitting steps:
- A Vegetation Management Plan is needed if vegetation will be disturbed
- A Tree Pruning Permit is required for any pruning in these sensitive zones
These areas are regulated to protect water quality, prevent erosion, and maintain natural habitats. STC can help create the necessary plans and handle permit submission for these complex sites.
Bellevue
Trees are an important part of Bellevue’s identity – they clean the air, slow stormwater runoff, support wildlife, and help maintain property values. Because it takes decades for new trees to deliver the same benefits as mature ones, the City of Bellevue has adopted tree regulations to ensure the urban canopy remains strong even as the city grows.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required:
- You're pruning less than 25% of a tree's canopy and it's not located in a regulated zone
When a Permit is Required:
- Removal of any landmark tree (typically 24 inches or more in diameter, or smaller for certain slow-growing native species)
- Removal of any significant tree (6 inches or more in diameter)
- Tree removal in a critical area, buffer, or structure setback
- Tree removal within 50 feet of a shoreline or in the Vegetation Conservation Area
- Trees in native growth protection areas, vegetation retention easements, or tracts
- Tree removal on commercial or multifamily zoned properties
- Topping or pruning more than 25% of a tree's canopy
Hazardous Trees
If a tree is posing an immediate danger to people or property, it can be removed in an emergency – but you should document the situation carefully. Before removing the tree:
- Contact Bellevue Land Use if possible
- Take clear photos
- Have a qualified tree professional (such as a certified arborist or forester) assess the hazard
After the tree is removed, a permit is still required to document the removal. If the city cannot verify the hazard, you may be required to plant replacement trees and could face penalties.
Trees in New Development
For construction or redevelopment projects, Bellevue places a strong emphasis on tree retention and meeting minimum tree density requirements. Replanting is always required on nonresidential properties unless minimum density is maintained.
For residential properties outside of regulated areas, you may remove a limited number of significant or landmark trees per year without replacement – so long as the property still retains a minimum number of trees:
- Properties up to 10,000 square feet may remove 1 landmark or 2 significant trees per year, as long as 2 trees remain on the property.
- Properties between 10,001 and 20,000 square feet may remove 1 landmark or 3 significant trees, but 3 trees remain.
- Properties between 20,001 and 40,000 square feet may remove 1 landmark or 4 significant trees, provided 4 trees remain.
- Properties larger than 40,000 square feet may remove 1 landmark or 4 significant trees per year, but must retain at least 8 trees on the lot.
These limits reset annually. Exceeding them – or removing trees from protected areas – triggers replanting requirements.
Public Property and Right-of-Way
You’re not allowed to remove or prune trees on public land or city-owned rights-of-way without explicit permission. This includes trees near sidewalks or in medians, even if they are next to your home.
For trees in the public right-of-way, contact Bellevue’s Right-of-Way Division: 425-452-7840.
Note: Removing or damaging trees on public property without approval may result in civil penalties – up to three times the tree’s assessed value, or even criminal charges in serious cases.
Clyde Hill
Clyde Hill has long worked to strike a thoughtful balance between urban development and the preservation of its green, tree-lined character. With maturing landscapes and growing homes built to take advantage of sweeping views, the city provides clear guidance to help residents manage trees and vegetation while protecting both scenic value and environmental benefits.
View Protection and Regulations
With some of the region’s most sought-after panoramic views, Clyde Hill prioritizes view and sunlight access as part of its municipal code.
Residents may file view obstruction concerns if tree growth unreasonably blocks:
- Views of Lake Washington, Seattle skyline, or the Olympic Mountains
- Natural sunlight on a neighboring property
If restorative pruning or maintenance efforts fail to resolve the issue, tree removal may be considered, provided the tree is replaced with species that won’t create future obstructions. The city maintains a list of recommended replacement species.
Living Fences
In addition to trees, living fences – vegetation barriers like tall hedges – are subject to regulation:
- Living fences may not exceed 8 feet in height from original grade
- If built on top of a retaining wall, the combined height (fence + wall) may not exceed 8 feet
- Must be located at least two feet from the City right-of-way line
- Some exceptions are allowed for recreational use fences
Medina
As a proud Tree City USA community with decades-long commitment tree preservation, the City of Medina protects it’s canopy by enforcing a detailed tree management code that balances environmental stewardship with homeowners’ rights to views, sunlight, and safe, enjoyable outdoor spaces.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required:
- The tree is less than 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), unless it is part of a tree replacement or density requirement
- You’re doing routine pruning or maintenance that follows ANSI standards
- You need to perform emergency removal or hazard pruning for a tree that poses an imminent threat (though you must notify the city within 7 days and provide evidence)
- The tree is dead and determined by the city to have died from natural causes
When a Permit is Required:
Permits are required for most significant tree removals and pruning activities, including:
- Any removal or pruning of a tree 6 inches or larger in DBH located in a public right-of-way
- Removal of significant trees, especially those over 50 inches DBH (which triggers a non-administrative permit)
- Pruning of more than 25% of a tree’s canopy or removal of limbs greater than 3 inches in diameter
- Tree removal associated with construction or development (including changes to impervious surfaces or grading)
- Removal of legacy (≥36" DBH) or landmark trees (≥50" DBH), which must follow specific replacement guidelines
Permits are also required for any work on trees in or adjacent to critical areas or buffers, or for tree-related work impacting views, public infrastructure, or adjoining right-of-way.
Mercer Island
Towering evergreens, shady streets, and wooded greenbelts aren’t just part of Mercer Island’s scenery – they’re part of its identity. With nearly half the city covered in tree canopy, Mercer Island is one of the most forested communities in the region. That’s why the City has strong protections in place for tree removal, pruning, and replacement.
Knowing the rules ahead of time can help you avoid delays and make decisions that protect both your property and the island’s natural legacy.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required
- You’re pruning or performing standard maintenance on a tree on your own property (no more than 25% of the tree’s total leaf area)
- You’re trimming branches that extend over your property line (but not beyond)
- You’re removing a small tree (under 6” DBH) that’s outside a critical area or buffer
- The tree is classified as a noxious or invasive weed by Washington or King County
- It’s an emergency removal due to imminent danger to life or property (though a permit must be filed within 14 days, along with supporting documentation like arborist reports or clear photos)
Note: The Land Use and Planning Division does not offer consulting or assessment services. Homeowners should contact a Certified Arborist for evaluation.
When a Permit is Required
- The tree is within a critical area or buffer (wetlands, steep slopes, or watercourses)
- You’re removing a tree larger than 6 inches DBH
- The tree is located in the City right-of-way (including what may appear to be part of your front yard)
- The tree is being removed to support a development or construction project
- The work may impact slope stability, stormwater functions, or habitat value
Trees in Critical Areas
In critical areas, tree removal is only permitted if a Certified Arborist (or qualified professional) determines the tree is:
- A hazard
- Diseased, declining, or non-viable
- Or that removal will improve slope stability or ecosystem health
In these cases, you’ll also need to submit a restoration plan, prepared by a qualified professional, that outlines how ecological functions (e.g. erosion control, habitat, stormwater retention) will be preserved or enhanced.
Tree Replacement After Removal
Replacement trees are required for most removals. Here’s what you need to know:
- 1 tree if the removed tree was under 10” DBH
- 2 trees if it measured 10” to 24” DBH
- 3 trees if it measured 24” to 36” DBH
- 6 trees if it was over 36” DBH or classified as exceptional
- Must be at least 6 feet tall for evergreens and 1.5 inches caliper for deciduous trees at time of planting
- Species should be native and suited to site conditions
- Trees must be planted on-site, in priority areas like critical zones or near other groves – unless a fee-in-lieu is approved by the City
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining new trees in a healthy condition for 5 years. If a replacement tree dies or is removed, it must be replanted.
Bainbridge
From protecting Puget Sound to preserving groundwater, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and wildfire prevention, the City of Bainbridge Island’s tree code is designed to ensure trees are removed only when necessary – and with the right care and process.
When a Permit Isn’t Usually Required
- Routine pruning or vegetation maintenance, such as removing invasive species or pruning for plant health, done according to ANSI A300 standards
- Emergency removals (trees that pose an immediate threat to life or structures) – just be sure to apply for a permit afterward within 14 days
- Removal of dead or fallen trees, especially when left in place as wildlife habitat or nurse logs, when possible
- Wildfire mitigation work within 30 feet of a structure, such as removing ladder fuels or thinning trees to reduce crown contact
- Limited tree removals, depending on your lot size:
- Up to 6 trees per 36 months on parcels larger than one acre
- Up to 3 trees per 36 months on parcels one acre or less
When a Permit is Required:
- Any removal in areas required to be preserved as part of a prior land use approval or development plan
- More than 6 significant trees removed on a large lot, or more than 3 trees on a small lot, within 36 months
- Tree removals outside of the Mixed Use Town Center or High School Road zoning districts, if the tree is 8 inches DBH or larger
- Tree work in a critical area, such as wetlands or steep slopes (this usually requires a separate Critical Area Permit)
- Properties in zoning districts R-2.9, R-3.5, and R-4.3 must maintain a minimum of 30 tree units per acre, and replanting is required if removals bring the site below that threshold
Note: No vegetation removal is allowed in erosion or landslide hazard zones between October 1 and April 1, unless it’s to conduct a risk inspection by a Certified Arborist, a waiver has been granted by the director, or it’s required due to an emergency involving immediate danger to life or property.
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