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

Both Bothell and Edmonds maintain heritage / landmark tree designations. Bothell: Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. Edmonds: Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance.

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

Bothell 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, Bothell or Edmonds?

Bothell requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage (typically 35% for residential). Edmonds does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Bothell.

Tree removal permit rules: Bothell vs Edmonds, Washington

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

Side-by-side comparison

Field	Bothell	Edmonds
Protected tree definition	Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH for conifers, 8+ inches DBH for deciduous. Heritage trees designated for exceptional significance, size, or historical association.	Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Landmark trees designated for exceptional size or character.
Heritage / landmark trees	Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value.	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 (typically 35% for residential)	Not documented
Replacement details	On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu 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, Bothell or Edmonds?: Both Bothell and Edmonds maintain heritage / landmark tree designations. Bothell: Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. Edmonds: Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Bothell or Edmonds?: Bothell 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, Bothell or Edmonds?: Bothell requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage (typically 35% for residential). Edmonds does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Bothell.

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Edmonds next steps

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