Tree Removal in Seattle

Tree Removal in Seattle: What You Need to Know

City of Seattle, WA (including Shoreline District areas)

Permit & Code Highlights

• Tree removal or major tree work on private property is regulated under SMC 25.11 (Tree Protection Code). Approval from Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is required for removal of protected trees. Seattle+2Seattle+2
• Additional considerations apply if the property is in an “Environmentally Critical Area (ECA)” or within the Shoreline District; removal in these zones may require special permits or exemptions, and may trigger tree‑replacement, public notice, and arborist-report requirements. Seattle+2Seattle+2
• For street or right-of-way trees, a permit from Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is required. Seattle+1

What Canopy Solutions, LLC Can Do
We can:

Coordinate with our registered arborist partners to meet SDCI’s registry requirements for commercial tree work.

Review your property’s zoning, ECA/shoreline designation, and any development plans to determine whether SDCI approval is needed,

Prepare and submit required applications — including site plan, arborist report (if needed), tree replacement plan, and public‑notice documentation,

Ensure compliance with city code and avoid penalties for unauthorized removal, and