Tree Removal
What Is It?
Our Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 25.11, Tree Protection, limits the number, size, and type of trees that may be removed from your property. We regulate the removal of trees because they are important for human and environmental health.
See our Trees & Codes webpage for more information on tree requirements on private property, tree service providers, tree public notice, and additional resources.
Do You Need SDCI Approval?
Our tree protection requirements vary based on the size (tree tier), species, whether there is construction occurring or proposed on the lot, and the zoning of the property. Certain trees are protected and may not be removed unless specific requirements are met. If you unlawfully remove a tree, the penalties can be expensive. If you are planning a construction project and your site contains large trees, please contact SDCI early to understand the protection requirements or opportunities for removal if certain conditions exist on your lot.
There are a series of Tips related to Seattle’s tree regulations that provide more detailed information and guidance about specific regulations for property owners and tree service providers. So far these include:
- Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements
- Tip 242A, Tree Requirements Associated with Development
- Tip 242B, Tree Removal on Private Property
- Tip 242C, SDCI Tree Service Provider Registry
- Tip 242D, Tree Public Notice
- Tip 331B, Hazard Trees, provides guidance for removal of a hazard tree on private property that is in a mapped environmentally critical area
In addition, you should also be familiar with any associated Director’s Rules that support the Tree codes. So far these include:
- Director’s Rule 7-2023, Designation of Tier 2 Trees
- Director’s Rule 8-2023, Payment in lieu of tree replacement pursuant to Tree Protection Code
- Director’s Rule 10-2023, Administration of the SDCI Tree Service Provider Registry
How Much Does It Cost?
The fee for tree removal varies depending on the type of request, summarized below. The fee is charged when you apply. If it takes SDCI more time than the fee assigned to review an application, additional time will be charged on an hourly basis. The Land Use rate is subject to change, so be sure to look at the current fee subtitle
|
Minimum Land Use (LU) Fee Calculation for Tree Removal Requests by Type1 |
|
| Request Type | Minimum Fee Calculation |
| ADA/Elderly Access | No LU fee |
| Dead | No LU fee |
| Emergency | 0.5 x LU hourly rate |
| Hazard Tree Removal | 1 x LU hourly rate |
| Insect/Pest/Pathogen | 0.5 x LU hourly rate |
| Invasive/Nuisance | No LU fee |
| Obvious Damage to building foundations or utility infrastructure | 0.5 x LU hourly rate |
| Response to Tree Code Violation (25.11) | 0.5 x LU hourly rate |
| Thinning Tier 3 and Tier 4 trees that were initially overplanted resulting in 40% or higher canopy cover | 0.5 x LU hourly rate |
| Vegetation Restoration | 1 x LU hourly rate |
| 1 Additional SDCI fees may apply in environmentally critical areas. | |
How Long Does It Take?
We try to finish the initial review within two weeks.
How long it takes to get the final approval depends on how complex your project is and how many corrections, if any, you need to make.
Steps to Get Your Approval
Research your tree. Determine whether you need SDCI approval, your tree tier category, and whether the tree is located in an environmentally critical area.
Use the resources below to determine if you need a permit or SDCI approval before removing your tree.
- Tip 242A, Tree Requirements Associated with Development
- Tip 242B, Tree Removal on Private Property
- Tip 331B, Hazard Trees, provides guidance for removal of a hazard tree on private property that is in a mapped environmentally critical area
- Director’s Rule 7-2023, Designation of Tier 2 Trees
- Tree Service Provider Directory: find a registered tree service provider to help determine the size, species, and hazard status of your tree
- GIS map: determine whether or not your property contains an environmentally critical area
Ask our experts. The best way to contact our staff is via email at sdci-trees@seattle.gov or through SDCI’s Submit a Request form. To help route your request, indicate that you need help with “Permits, codes, zones, plans,” then select “Land Use” as the type of help you need, and then select “Trees” in the description field. If necessary, we can set up a virtual meeting to discuss potential or actual projects.
Customers may also contact us at (206) 233-5185 if you have questions and/or need interpretation services (please be prepared to share your preferred language to help us locate the appropriate support).
Start your application. Tree removal associated with a construction project is typically reviewed through the SDCI record authorizing the construction. When SDCI review and approval is required to remove a tree outside of development, you can request approval using the Tree Removal and Vegetation Restoration application through the Seattle Services Portal. Either login to your existing account or create a new account if necessary. Instructions for submitting this application are at: How to Apply for SDCI Approval for Tree Removal and Vegetation Restoration.
The following forms are required with your application:
- Statement of Financial Responsibility Form
- Site Plan (See Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements)
- Arborist Report, if applicable
- Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form, if applicable (must be completed by a qualified TRAQ professional)
- Photos of tree, if applicable
- Replanting Plan (for voluntary restoration in environmentally critical areas only)
Pay fees. We will notify you if you need to pay any final fees before we issue your approval or denial.
Print your results letter. Your results letter will be available in the Seattle Services Portal after you pay your fees.
You don't need an inspection unless it is specifically noted on your approval.
Create an online public notice. Visit Seattle Services Portal Trees to create your public notice.
- Reportable work requires online public notice three full business days in advance of the work.
- Tree removal requires online public notice six full business days in advance of the work.
Print your notice. Print your notice and post it on-site during the commercial tree work and for five days after work.