🏔️ Tree Removal Permit Requirements in Washington
Updated 2025 · Covers private residential property within Washington city limits and unincorporated areas
Washington State has no statewide private-property tree removal law. Seattle requires permits for trees over 6" DBH in residential zones. Other cities follow various local rules.
City-by-City Rules in Washington
| City / Area | Permit Rules |
|---|---|
| Seattle | Permit required for trees 6"+ DBH in residential zones; fee $182–$365; 10–20 day review |
| Bellevue | Tree permit required for significant trees; city-level size thresholds apply |
| Tacoma | Tree removal permit required for significant trees within city limits |
| Kirkland | Tree preservation ordinance; permits required for trees above city threshold |
| Redmond | Tech corridor city with active tree preservation; permit requirements in place |
| Spokane | Eastern WA; permit required for significant trees within city limits |
General Guidance for Washington Homeowners
Because Washington has no statewide private-property tree removal law (or state-level rules that vary by city), the only way to be certain about your specific address is to contact your city's Development Services, Building Department, or Urban Forestry office directly. Provide your address and a description of the tree(s) you'd like to remove — most offices can answer in a single call.
How to Find Your City's Tree Removal Rules
- Use our Permit Checker — covers major Washington cities with specific threshold and fee data. Try it now →
- Call your city's Development Services — describe your address and tree. Most offices can confirm permit requirements in one call.
- Search your city's ordinance — "[your city] tree ordinance" or "[your city] urban forestry code" will typically surface the relevant regulations.
Common Exemptions That Apply Statewide
- Trees below each city's size threshold (diameter at breast height)
- Confirmed dead trees (simplified process in most cities)
- Emergency removal of imminent hazard trees (notify city within 24–72 hours)
- Trees on actively farmed agricultural land (check county rules)
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
No — Washington has no statewide private-property tree removal permit requirement (with the exception of specific protected species like saguaro in Arizona, which is governed by state law). All permit requirements are set at the city, county, or municipal level. This means the rules differ significantly between cities — sometimes between neighboring cities with different ordinances.
In cities with active tree ordinances, unpermitted removal of a protected tree can result in fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per tree, plus mandatory replacement planting requirements. The violation can follow the property deed through real estate transactions. See our violation and fines guide for detailed information.
Related: Seattle Wa · Do I Need A Permit · How Long Does It Take