Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Auburn or Edmonds?

Edmonds has a heritage tree program (Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance.). Auburn does not document a heritage / landmark designation in its ordinance, so heritage protections are stricter in Edmonds.

Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Auburn or Edmonds?

Auburn publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks. Edmonds does not publish a typical processing time, so confirm the current turnaround directly with Edmonds's permitting department.

Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Auburn or Edmonds?

Auburn requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard. Edmonds does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Auburn.

Tree removal permit rules: Auburn vs Edmonds, Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from each city's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying full ordinance text, see the Auburn ordinance page or the Edmonds ordinance page.

Side-by-side comparison

Field	Auburn	Edmonds
Protected tree definition	Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Tree preservation and replacement requirements apply during development per zoning and landscape code.	Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Landmark trees designated for exceptional size or character.
Heritage / landmark trees	Not documented	Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance.
Who can apply	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report	Not documented
Replacement ratio	Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard	Not documented
Replacement details	On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.	On-site replacement preferred for significant-tree (6 inch DBH) and landmark-tree removal under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations); fee-in-lieu to tree fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.
Typical processing time	4-6 weeks	Not documented
Permit fee	Not documented	Not documented
Permitting department	Community Development	Development Services
Municipal code	View ordinance →	View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Auburn or Edmonds?: Edmonds has a heritage tree program (Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance.). Auburn does not document a heritage / landmark designation in its ordinance, so heritage protections are stricter in Edmonds.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Auburn or Edmonds?: Auburn publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks. Edmonds does not publish a typical processing time, so confirm the current turnaround directly with Edmonds's permitting department.
Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Auburn or Edmonds?: Auburn requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard. Edmonds does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Auburn.

Auburn next steps

Edmonds next steps

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