Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Edmonds or Federal Way?

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

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

Federal Way 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, Edmonds or Federal Way?

Federal Way requires a replacement ratio of Based on tree unit standard per acre and replacement schedule. Edmonds does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Federal Way.

Tree removal permit rules: Edmonds vs Federal Way, Washington

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

Side-by-side comparison

Field	Edmonds	Federal Way
Protected tree definition	Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Landmark trees designated for exceptional size or character.	Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Tree retention required during development per tree units per acre standard. Landmark trees receive enhanced protection.
Heritage / landmark trees	Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance.	Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value.
Who can apply	Not documented	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report
Replacement ratio	Not documented	Based on tree unit standard per acre and replacement schedule
Replacement details	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.	On-site replacement to meet tree unit standard; fee-in-lieu when infeasible.
Typical processing time	Not documented	4-6 weeks
Permit fee	Not documented	Not documented
Permitting department	Development Services	Community Development
Municipal code	View ordinance →	View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Edmonds or Federal Way?: Both Edmonds and Federal Way maintain heritage / landmark tree designations. Edmonds: Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance. Federal Way: Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Edmonds or Federal Way?: Federal Way 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, Edmonds or Federal Way?: Federal Way requires a replacement ratio of Based on tree unit standard per acre and replacement schedule. Edmonds does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Federal Way.

Edmonds next steps

Federal Way next steps

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