Washington Tree Ordinances
Tree removal permits, protected species, and statute citations for 33 Washington cities.
Washington tree regulation in plain terms
Washington's tree regulation comes from two directions. Cities enforce critical areas ordinances (RCW 36.70A and local equivalents) that protect trees in wetlands, steep slopes, and stream buffers. The Shoreline Management Act adds a second layer inside 200 feet of any marine, lake, or river shoreline with regulated vegetation management.
Outside those buffers, most Seattle-area and Puget Sound cities still require permits for "significant" or "exceptional" trees — typically 6"-24" DBH thresholds depending on the city. Seattle's SMC 25.11 is the reference ordinance most other WA cities model from.
Cities with published ordinances (33)
Auburn
King County
Bellevue
King County
Bellingham
Whatcom County
Bothell
King County
Bremerton
Kitsap County
Burien
King County
Edmonds
Snohomish County
Everett
Snohomish County
Federal Way
King County
Issaquah
King County
Kent
King County
Kirkland
King County
Lacey
Thurston County
Lake Stevens
Snohomish County
Lakewood
Pierce County
Lynnwood
Snohomish County
Marysville
Snohomish County
Mercer Island
King County
Mukilteo
Snohomish County
Olympia
Thurston County
Puyallup
Pierce County
Redmond
King County
Renton
King County
Sammamish
King County
Seattle
King County
Shoreline
King County
Spokane
Spokane County
Spokane Valley
Spokane County
Tacoma
Pierce County
Tumwater
Thurston County
University Place
Pierce County
Vancouver
Clark County
Woodinville
King County
Washington statutes and primary sources
Frequent questions about Washington tree rules
Does Washington have a statewide tree removal permit?
Not a single permit, but state statutes (RCW 90.58 and RCW 36.70A) require cities to protect trees in shorelines, wetlands, steep slopes, and streams. Cities add their own ordinances on top.
What is an exceptional tree in Seattle and other WA cities?
An exceptional tree meets specific size, species, or condition criteria under SMC 25.11 — typically 24" DBH or larger, or a species on the city's exceptional tree list. Removal requires a Director's exception and replacement plan.
Do critical areas rules require an arborist report?
Yes. Tree removal in a critical area buffer almost always requires an arborist report, a mitigation plan, and approval from the city or county's Department of Planning and Development. Reports typically need ISA Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Risk Assessor credentials.
What is the Shoreline Management Act's role in tree removal?
SMA (RCW 90.58) regulates vegetation within 200 feet of marine, lake, and river shorelines. Tree removal in this zone usually requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit in addition to a local tree permit.
Which species are commonly protected across Washington cities?
Garry oak, big leaf maple, western red cedar, Douglas-fir, and Pacific madrone appear on many Puget Sound city lists. Seattle's exceptional tree list also includes any tree 30" DBH or larger regardless of species.
Need a tree report for a Washington city?
Start your free TRAQ assessment — we guide you through the specific permit your city needs.