News and Updates
Tree Protection Ordinance
In May 2023, City Council passed and Mayor Harrell signed the updated Tree Protection Ordinance. A history of the activity leading to development and passage of the ordinance can be found on the UFC's Resources page. The new ordinance takes effect on July 31, 2023. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections has posted information on the upcoming changes in tree regulations on their Building Connections webpage.
One Seattle Plan Update Process
The Office of Planning and Community Development is managing the process to the update the city's Comprehensive Plan. Visit the Community Engagement Hub for information on this effort. They have started the process of creating an approach for the project’s environmental analysis, called scoping. Below is a timeline for this process.
Scoping Period Timeline
Scoping Period Begins - June 23
Scoping Period Ends - August 22
Updated topics and alternatives released; initial analysis begins - October 2022
Draft EIS and Plan released - April 2023
Final EIS and Mayor's Recommended Plan released - April 2024
Urban Forestry Commission Mailing List
To keep track of Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) activity, please join the mailing list. You will receive notices of agendas, meeting minutes, and copies of any recommendations or other documents created by the UFC.
UFC By-Laws
The UFC amended its Bylaws on November 1, 2023.
About Us
The City of Seattle set the bold goal of achieving 30% tree canopy cover by 2037 to increase the environmental, social, and economic benefits trees bring to Seattle residents. The Seattle Urban Forest Stewardship Plan (UFSP), adopted in 2013, is a comprehensive strategy for increasing Seattle's tree canopy cover to meet the 30% target. The UFSP lays out goals and a broad range of actions to be implemented over time to preserve, maintain, and plant trees as well as restore the public forested areas remaining in the city.
The City passed Ordinance 123052 in August 2009 establishing Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) to advise the Mayor and City Council concerning the establishment of policy and regulations governing the protection, management, and conservation of trees and vegetation in the City of Seattle. The Ordinance was updated in 2017 to increase the membership with Ordinance 125415.
Who We Are
The UFC is composed of thirteen members, six appointed by the Mayor, six appointed by City Council, and one (Position #9) is elected by the Urban Forestry Commission.
All positions serve without compensation, are confirmed by City Council, and have three-year terms after the initial round of appointments, which were staggered. Appointments can be renewed once. Position #10 (Get Engaged) has a one-year non-renewable term.
Commissioners will have knowledge in the areas specific to the position for which they are applying and a willingness to devote approximately 10 hours a month to UFC meetings and other Commission duties.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis and press releases are sent out before each series of interviews, which occur when there are vacancies.