🌿 When You Need a Tree Removal Permit in Seattle
You’ll need a permit if your tree meets any of the following conditions:
- Located within an Environmentally Critical Area (ECA) — such as a steep slope, wetland, riparian buffer, or shoreline zone.
- Classified as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 tree under SMC 25.11 — generally 24”+ DBH or a significant native species (Douglas-fir, western redcedar, bigleaf maple, etc.).
- A street tree in the public right-of-way (requires a separate permit through SDOT Urban Forestry).
- Being removed as part of development or construction that already requires a building or grading permit.
👉 For help with documentation and ECA analysis, visit our
Arboricultural Consulting Services page.
🌳 Trees You Can Remove Without a Permit
You may not need a permit if your tree:
- Is under 6” DBH, and not located in an ECA.
- Is an invasive species such as English holly, English ivy, or cherry laurel.
- Is confirmed by a TRAQ-qualified arborist to be dead or hazardous.
Always check your property’s zoning and ECA layer using the SDCI GIS Map Viewer before cutting. Unauthorized removals can result in fines exceeding $10,000 per tree.
🪵 Hazardous Tree Removals
If a tree is leaning, dead, or presents an imminent risk, it may qualify for the Hazard Tree Removal exemption under SMC 25.09.070.D.
You’ll still need documentation from a TRAQ-qualified ISA Certified Arborist, but hazardous trees can often be removed under a simplified permit process.
Sound Tree Care can prepare official ISA TRAQ Risk Assessment forms and photographic documentation required by SDCI. Learn more about our
Tree Removal Services.
📄 The Permit Process
- Hire an ISA Certified Arborist (TRAQ preferred) to complete a Tree Risk Assessment.
- Submit an Arborist Report and Site Plan to SDCI or SDOT, depending on tree location.
- The City reviews your materials for compliance with SMC 25.11 (Tree Protection Code) and applicable ECA rules.
- SDCI issues a decision or correction notice (average review time: 2–6 weeks).
- Once approved, removal and replanting can proceed per the permit conditions.
Need help managing submittals and corrections? Our
Arboricultural Consulting team handles complete permit packages from start to finish.
⚖️ Replanting and Mitigation
Seattle requires replacement trees for most removals, especially within ECAs.
Typical replanting ratios are 1:1 or greater, depending on canopy coverage, species, and site conditions.
- Replanting must use native or climate-resilient species.
- Replacement trees must be maintained for at least five years.
- If on-site planting isn’t possible, off-site mitigation or payment in lieu may be approved.
See our
Tree planting blog page for guidance on species selection, spacing, and post-planting care.
🚫 Penalties for Unpermitted Tree Work
Seattle enforces its tree code strictly, especially in ECAs and right-of-way zones. Penalties can include:
- Civil fines up to three times the tree’s appraised value (SMC 25.11.100)
- Stop-work orders and permit holds
- Mandatory replanting or restoration plans
Even unintentional removals can trigger enforcement, so always confirm your permit status before starting any tree work.
🪚 Registered Tree Service Providers (RTSP)
Since August 2024, all tree work in Seattle — including pruning, removal, or planting — must be performed by or under the supervision of a Registered Tree Service Provider (RTSP).
The RTSP program, managed by the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), ensures:
- Compliance with ANSI A300 and ISA best practices
- Proper licensing, insurance, and worker training
- Accountability for work performed under city permits
📌 What Seattle Property Owners, Managers, and Contractors Should Know
If you hire a non-registered tree company, you risk:
- Stop-work orders and penalties
- Permit denials or voided approvals
- Potential civil fines or replanting orders
You can verify a company’s RTSP status through the City of Seattle’s
Registered Tree Service Provider Directory.
✅How Sound Tree Care Fits In
Sound Tree Care LLC is a Registered Tree Service Provider (RTSP) with the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) and a qualified SDOT-approved contractor authorized to perform work on street and right-of-way trees.
Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists and TRAQ assessors, allowing us to legally and safely complete:
- Private property tree removals, pruning, and hazard mitigation
- Street tree pruning, planting, and removals under SDOT permit
- Full arborist reports, TRAQ documentation, and ECA permit packages
We’re equipped to handle everything from Tier 2/3 private trees to SDOT-managed public trees, ensuring your project meets all city codes and safety standards.
🧾 Our Services: How Sound Tree Care Can Help
Our ISA Certified Arborists specialize in Seattle’s ECA permitting, TRAQ risk assessments, and compliance documentation.
We can help you:
- Identify whether your property lies in an ECA or regulated tree zone
- Prepare complete TRAQ reports and arborist documentation
- Submit permit applications and respond to city corrections
- Safely remove and replant trees per Seattle’s reforestation standards
We simplify the process — ensuring safety, compliance, and stewardship of Seattle’s urban forest canopy.
