Tree Removal Permits in Seattle, Bellevue & Kirkland
Whether you need a permit to remove a tree in the Seattle area depends on the city, the tree's size and species, the property type, and whether the removal is an emergency. This is a plain-English overview — always confirm current rules with your city before removing anything.
Seattle: SMC 25.11 and the 2024 tree protection update
The City of Seattle regulates tree removal on private property through the Tree Protection Ordinance (SMC 25.11), which was substantially expanded in 2023–2024. Removal of most 'significant' trees (generally 6" DBH and up on developed lots, with tighter rules for 'tier' trees and exceptional trees) now typically requires a Tree Service Provider registered with SDCI and, in many cases, a permit or notification through the Seattle Services Portal. Rules differ for single-family, multifamily, and undeveloped lots — check the SDCI Trees page before doing anything.
Seattle: emergency & hazard tree exceptions
Seattle's ordinance carves out exceptions for hazard trees and emergency removals where the tree poses an imminent threat to life or property. Even in an emergency, SDCI generally expects photo documentation before removal and, in some cases, an arborist report and post-removal notification. Save wide and close-up photos of the defect (lean, split, root plate, contact with structure) before any cutting starts.
Bellevue: LUC 20.20.900 and critical areas
Bellevue regulates tree removal primarily through the Land Use Code (LUC 20.20.900) and separate critical-area rules. On most single-family lots, removal of a set number of trees per year may be allowed without a permit, but removal in critical areas (steep slopes, wetlands, streams, their buffers) or of landmark trees typically requires a Clear and Grade or Critical Areas Land Use permit. Development-related removals follow a different track. Check the City of Bellevue Development Services tree pages for current thresholds.
Kirkland: KZC Chapter 95 tree management
Kirkland's tree regulations live in Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) Chapter 95. Removal of landmark trees, trees in native growth protection areas, and trees on properties in active development generally require a tree removal permit through the city's Planning & Building department. On established single-family lots there are typically per-year removal allowances for non-landmark trees, but the specific counts and definitions change — verify with Kirkland Planning before removing any mature tree.
Emergency vs. standard removal — the practical difference
Standard removal: plan ahead, apply for the permit (or verify no permit is needed), and schedule the work. Emergency removal: a tree is on a structure, in contact with power lines, has visibly failed at the root plate, or has a fresh trunk split that puts an occupied structure at risk. Every Puget Sound city we've looked at recognizes some form of hazard/emergency exception — but 'emergency' is a defined term, not a homeowner's judgment call. Document the hazard before removal, and file any required post-removal notification promptly.
What dispatched crews expect from you
For non-emergency work, tell dispatch which city the property is in and whether the tree is in a critical area, near a shared property line, or in a designated protection zone. For emergency work, take photos of the defect before the crew arrives — carriers and cities both ask for them later.
How to verify current rules
Rules change. Before any planned removal, search 'tree removal permit' plus your city name on the city's official .gov site, or call the city's permit counter. For Seattle: SDCI Trees. For Bellevue: Development Services. For Kirkland: Planning & Building. Do not rely on this guide — or any tree contractor — as a substitute for the city's current requirements.
This is general information, not legal advice
Permitting rules, thresholds, and fees change frequently and vary by parcel. Confirm with your city's permitting office before removing a mature tree. When in doubt, get it in writing from the city.
For any tree job, ask the contractor for proof of current license and general liability insurance before work begins, and confirm coverage details with your homeowners insurance carrier. This is standard consumer guidance for any tree work — not a claim about the specific crew dispatched to you.