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When You Need a Tree Removal Permit in Tacoma
Tacoma generally requires a permit to remove or significantly prune trees when any of the following apply:
π³ Significant Trees — Trees ≥6″ DBH (diameter at breast height) on single-family lots and ≥12″ DBH in commercial or multifamily zones.
π‘ Development-Related Removal — Any tree removal associated with new construction or redevelopment usually triggers review.
πΏ Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) — Wetlands, steep slopes, streams, and shorelines require special review and often stricter standards.
π Right-of-Way / Street Trees — Street trees and those in the planting strip are protected; you must use a city-approved contractor to work on them.
β οΈ Tip: If you’re not sure whether your tree counts as “significant” or is in an ECA, it’s safest to schedule a assessment by an ISA certified arborist.
π Tacoma’s 2025 Tree Code Highlights
Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Program defines protection standards for private and public trees:
Tree Density & Replacement:
Removed significant trees usually must be replaced at a set ratio (often 1:1 or 2:1).
Replacement trees must be on the Tacoma approved species list and meet size requirements (commonly 1.5″–2″ caliper at planting).
Construction Protection:
You must install Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) π around retained trees during construction — fencing must be placed at the dripline or as required by the city arborist.
Learn more in our TPZ Explained guide.
Hazard Trees:
Trees posing an imminent hazard may qualify for expedited removal, but documentation by an ISA Certified Arborist is strongly recommended.
π² Significant, Landmark & Street Trees in Tacoma
- Significant Trees: Generally ≥6″ DBH (residential) or ≥12″ DBH (commercial/multifamily).
- Landmark Trees: Exceptional species or specimens recognized by the city — require special permission to remove.
- Street Trees: Located in the public right-of-way or planting strip; maintenance/removal needs a city-issued right-of-way permit.
π§ Note: Working on street trees without authorization can result in fines and penalties. Always verify ownership and permit requirements.
π οΈ Working in ECAs & Steep Slopes
If your property is within an ECA (steep slope, wetland buffer, stream corridor, or shoreline), extra review is required:
- A critical area permit or exception is often needed.
- The city may require a Tree Inventory & Protection Plan prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist (TRAQ preferred).
- Only minimal encroachment into the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is typically allowed, and you may need to justify any modifications due to property lines, hardscape, or existing structures.
π Required Documents for Tacoma Tree Permits
When applying for a tree removal or construction permit in Tacoma, expect to provide:
A Tree Inventory Table — species, DBH, canopy spread, health condition, and location (onsite/offsite).
Site Plan with TPZ fencing — show driplines and critical root zones.
Risk Assessment Report — when claiming a tree is hazardous.
Replanting Plan — species, size, and planting locations for required replacements.
π We can prepare complete arborist reports, TRAQ-based risk assessments, and city-compliant TPZ plans to keep your project moving.
π± Replanting Requirements & Native Tree Options
When removal is approved, you must replant according to Tacoma’s canopy replacement rules:
Replace with native or climate-adapted species from the approved list.
Minimum caliper size is typically 1.5″–2″ at planting.
In ECAs, only native species may be allowed.
Explore native options such as Douglas fir, western red cedar, vine maple, and shore pine.
πΏ Need help selecting the right replacement trees? Sound Tree Care’s Tacoma Tree Services
can recommend and plant compliant species.
πΈ Penalties for Unpermitted Tree Removal
Tacoma enforces penalties for cutting protected trees without approval:
Fines can include the appraised value of the tree using CTLA standards π³.
Stop-work orders and delays on building permits may also be imposed.
Violations in ECAs can bring steeper environmental penalties.
π Related Guides
Looking for tree service in Tacoma, WA? π² Our team of ISA Certified Arborists helps homeowners, HOAs, and contractors with tree removal permits in Tacoma, significant tree evaluations, tree risk assessments, TPZ (Tree Protection Zone) plans, and ECA (Environmentally Critical Area) tree compliance. Whether you need hazard tree removal, stump grinding, or help understanding the Tacoma tree code 2025, Sound Tree Care LLC provides expert guidance to keep your project safe and fully permitted.
π² Seattle Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code – 2025 Complete Guide
π² Bellevue Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code – 2025 Complete Guide
π² Shoreline Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code – 2025 Complete Guide
π² Burien Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code – 2025 Complete Guide
π Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) Explained — What Homeowners & Contractors Need to Know
π³ Tree Risk Assessments in Washington — When You Need One & What to Expect
π· How Sound Tree Care Helps Tacoma Property Owners
Permit-Ready Reports & Inventories π — Complete DBH tables, TPZ plans, and risk assessments.
Hazard Tree Evaluations π³β οΈ — Qualified Tree Risk Assessments with clear recommendations.
Tree Removal &
Stump Grinding πͺ — Safe, code-compliant removal when needed.
Replanting & Mitigation π± — Select and install replacement trees that satisfy city rules.
