Do you need a tree removal permit in Seattle, WA?

Yes. Seattle requires a city permit before removing at least some private trees. Seattle lists a Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) permit as required to remove a tree on private property. Rules depend on the tree's size tier, species, zoning and whether construction is planned. Companies you hire for tree work in Seattle must be on the city's Tree Service Provider registry. Our confidence: high. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Protection depends on the tree's size tier (Tier 1 to Tier 4), species, zoning and whether construction is proposed; the city pages we opened do not list the tier sizes. Trees 6 inches DSH (diameter at standard height) or larger fall under the registry's public notice rules. Environmentally critical areas and the Shoreline District have extra rules.

Under Seattle ordinance 124166 you must get a permit from SDOT (Seattle Department of Transportation) before removing any tree on a City right-of-way. Pruning trees in the right-of-way also has an SDOT permit step. Questions: 206-684-TREE (8733).

The pages we opened say a Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form completed by a qualified TRAQ professional may be needed with a removal application, if it applies. Removing a hazard tree on private property in a mapped environmentally critical area follows SDCI Tip 331B. We could not confirm fee or exemption details for dead or hazard trees; ask SDCI.

Outside a construction project, apply with the Tree Removal and Vegetation Restoration application in the Seattle Services Portal (site plan, financial responsibility form, and an arborist report, risk form or photos if they apply). Tree removal requires online public notice six full business days before the work, and the notice is posted on site during commercial tree work and for five days after. Questions: sdci-trees@seattle.gov or (206) 233-5185.

The city says both property owners and tree service providers may face financial penalties for tree code violations, calculated under Director's Rule 17-2018. The city says crews who cannot show a required permit are subject to a stop-work order. The pages we opened do not give amounts.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.