Tree removal permit rules: Auburn vs Everett, 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 Everett ordinance page.

Side-by-side comparison

Field Auburn Everett
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. Tree preservation and replacement required during development per landscaping code.
Heritage / landmark trees Not documented Not documented
Who can apply Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report
Replacement ratio Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard Based on retention percentage and tree unit standard
Replacement details On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible.
Typical processing time 4-6 weeks 4-6 weeks
Permit fee Not documented Not documented
Permitting department Community Development Planning and Community Development
Municipal code View ordinance → View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Auburn or Everett?
Neither Auburn nor Everett documents a heritage / landmark tree program in its ordinance — protected status follows each city's standard DBH and species criteria.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Auburn or Everett?
Auburn publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks; Everett publishes 4-6 weeks. Compare each city's published timeline and plan removal accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may shorten the wait in either city.
Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Auburn or Everett?
Auburn requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard. Everett requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage and tree unit standard. Auburn: On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. Everett: On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible.

Filing in Auburn or Everett?

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