Tree Regulations Update

Overview

The Department of Planning and Development is undertaking a comprehensive update of private property tree regulations for the first time since the creation of the Tree Protection code (SMC 25.11) in 2001. This update is part of a city-wide effort to reevaluate existing goals, policies, and regulations to implement the Urban Forest Management Plan, released in April 2007. 

In July of 2010, DPD released a draft proposal for updating tree regulations. Public outreach on the proposal was conducted through the end of 2010. A summary of comments received during this period is currently available on the Related Documents page. We are now in the process of reevaluating the proposal before drafting legislation.

This effort focuses primarily on the Tree Protection code, Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 25.11, as well as the landscaping standards of the Land Use Code, SMC 23. Regulations for Environmentally Critical Areas were recently updated in 2006 and are not being modified as part of this process. For more information on existing regulations go to DPD Tree & Landscaping Regulations page.

Over the course of the update process, this website will serve as a central point for disseminating information about the update, posting reports as they become available, and announcing opportunities for public involvement.
 
 

 

Last Updated:

January 25, 2011