Seattle Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

King County, Washington

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

6.0" DBH minimum for protection

Tier 1 (Exceptional): trees 24+ inches DSH or rare species. Tier 2: 12-23.9 inches DSH. Tier 3: 6-11.9 inches DSH. Tier 4: under 6 inches DSH. All trees 6+ inches DSH regulated during development on private property.

Protected Species

Exceptional trees include rare species specimen trees and any tree 24+ inches DSH regardless of species

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Trees designated by Seattle Heritage Tree Program for exceptional size, species, historical, or cultural significance.

Permit Requirements

Tree removal permit required for trees 6+ inches DSH on development sites. Exceptional trees may not be removed except for imminent hazard. SDCI review for development-related removals.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory with DSH, species, condition, risk assessment, preservation plan, replacement plan

Replacement Requirements

Tier-based replacement (2:1 to 3:1 depending on tree tier)

On-site replacement required; payment to Tree Fund if infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$250.00
Max fine/tree
$5,000.00

Tree permit fees vary by tier and project type. Fines up to $5,000/tree for unauthorized removal.

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Seattle Municipal Code Title 25 Chapter 25.11 (Tree Protection)

View full ordinance

Contact

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) - Urban Forestry

(206) 684-8600

treeinfo@seattle.gov

Nearby Cities in King County

Auburn Bellevue Bothell Burien

Other Washington cities

Auburn Issaquah Kirkland Lake Stevens Sammamish Shoreline Spokane Tumwater
See all Washington cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Seattle before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Seattle →

See Washington permit fees compared: How Seattle's $250.00 fee ranks in Washington →

See Washington replacement obligations compared: How Seattle's replacement ratio ranks in Washington →

See Washington heritage criteria compared: How Seattle's heritage designation ranks in Washington →

Need an arborist report for Seattle?

Start your free TRAQ tree risk assessment — designed for Seattle's specific permit requirements.

Start Free TRAQ Assessment