🌲 What Counts as a Protected or Significant Tree in Burien
Burien’s Critical Areas and Tree Code protects certain trees based on size, type, and location.
A tree may be considered significant or protected if it meets one or more of these conditions:
- Size: Trees 6 inches Diameter at Standard Height (DSH) or larger are generally regulated.
- Species: Native trees such as Douglas-fir, Western red cedar, and bigleaf maple often receive extra protection.
- Location: Trees within Critical Areas (steep slopes, wetlands, streams, shorelines) or their buffers are protected regardless of size.
- Exceptional Trees: Burien designates certain “exceptional trees” as large for their species; these receive heightened protection.
- Special Designations: The city maintains a Heritage Tree Program for trees of notable size, age, or cultural value.
- Canopy Goals: Burien aims for 40% citywide tree canopy by 2038, so removals are closely monitored.
⚠️ Important: Burien’s tree code was overhauled in October 2022. What was allowed before may now require a permit, and enforcement is stricter.
📝 When You Need a Tree Removal Permit in Burien
You’ll typically need a permit if you plan to:
- Remove a significant, exceptional, or heritage tree.
- Remove more trees in a year than your lot size allows under Burien’s tree credit system.
- Work within a Critical Area or its buffer (steep slope, wetland, shoreline).
- Top a tree or prune more than 25% of the live canopy.
- Remove trees as part of a development or construction project.
Permits are submitted online through
MyBuildingPermit.com — paper applications are no longer accepted.
⚠️ Call Before You Cut! — Burien urges residents to check with the city before removing any tree. Emergency removal of hazardous trees is allowed, but you must file a retroactive permit afterward.
🏗️ Tree Protection Plans & Construction Requirements
If you’re building, remodeling, or adding structures near trees, Burien may require a Tree Protection Plan (TPP) prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist.
A TPP typically includes:
- Tree inventory & condition assessment (species, DSH, health, risk rating).
- Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) mapping to safeguard critical roots.
- Fencing & monitoring during construction.
- Mitigation or replanting recommendations if removal is unavoidable.
These plans keep your project code-compliant and help avoid fines, stop-work orders, and costly redesigns.
🪓 Hazard Trees & Risk Assessments
Burien allows removal of hazardous trees if a qualified arborist determines they pose an unacceptable risk.
A Tree Risk Assessment (TRAQ) performed by an ISA Certified Arborist provides:
- A clear risk rating (Low / Moderate / High / Extreme).
- Evidence for permit approval when removal is necessary.
- Documentation for insurance or safety concerns.
Emergency removals are permitted when a tree is an immediate hazard — but the city requires a retroactive permit and documentation after the work.
🌱 Replanting & Mitigation Requirements
If you remove a tree, you may need to replace it or pay canopy mitigation fees.
Lots must maintain a certain number of tree credits based on size; if removal drops you below this, replanting is required.
Your arborist can help you select replacement species that meet city requirements and prepare proper documentation to avoid delays.
⚖️ A Note on Code Changes & Enforcement
Burien’s tree code is evolving. The major update took effect in October 2022, and reviews are of the current code and at the discretion of the city’s code enforcement officers.
What worked last year may no longer be acceptable today — always verify current requirements before starting work.
✅ Why Work With a Certified Arborist in Burien
- ISA Certified & TRAQ Qualified — reports meet Burien’s standards.
- Local Code Knowledge — we track updates and know how the Urban Forestry Division interprets the code.
- Objective Documentation — trusted by city reviewers and insurers.
- Permit Support — from initial site visit to submitting permit-ready reports.
🌟 How Sound Tree Care Can Help
Our
Arboricultural Consulting Services include:
- ISA TRAQ Tree Risk Assessments for hazardous tree removal approvals
- Permit-Ready Arborist Reports accepted by Burien’s Urban Forestry Division
- Tree Protection Plans (TPPs) &
TPZ Design for construction and remodeling projects
- Plant Health Care &
Tree Preservation Strategies to maintain canopy health
We’ve helped many Burien homeowners and contractors navigate the city’s complex tree code, avoid fines, and keep projects on schedule — while protecting property value and safety.
