Tree Protection in Renton, WA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Renton, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Renton requires a land development or routine vegetation management permit before removing a landmark tree, defined as 24 inches caliper or more (30 inches for big leaf maple, black cottonwood, and red alder). Removal is allowed only for high-risk trees, documented property damage, solar access, or Administrator-approved necessity under RMC 4-4-130.
Renton Landmark Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsRMC 4-4-130(F)(2)(c)
c. Removal of Landmark Tree: A land development permit or routine vegetation management permit shall be required for the removal of a landmark tree, as defined by RMC 4-11-200, Definitions T, from any property. Replacement trees are required if the minimum tree credit requirement for the subject property is not maintained upon removal of the landmark tree pursuant to subsection H1b of this Sect...
Protected Tree Species
Renton's tree code protects any 'significant tree,' six inches caliper or larger (eight inches for alder and cottonwood), once a property holds an active land development permit. RMC 4-4-130(H)(1)(a) requires developers to retain at least 30% of all significant trees on site, backed by a tree-credit system favoring larger, higher-priority species.
Renton Protected Tree Retention Rules
Some RestrictionsRMC 4-4-130(H)(1)(a)
1. Protected Trees: Trees required to be retained or planted pursuant to this subsection H1 are considered protected trees, as defined in RMC 4-11-200, Definitions T. Protected trees shall be retained or planted as follows: a. Minimum Tree Retention Requirements: Properties subject to an active land development permit shall retain a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of all significant trees on site.
Parkway Planting
Renton requires at least one street tree per lot planted in the right-of-way planting strip between curb and sidewalk, selected from the City's Approved Street Tree List, with a minimum 2-inch caliper and spacing set by the tree's mature size under RMC 4-4-070.F2.
Renton Street Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsRMC 4-4-070.F2
2. Street Trees and Landscaping Required Within the Right-of-Way on Public Streets: Minimum planting strip widths between the curb and sidewalk are established according to the street development standards of RMC 4-6-060. Street trees and, at a minimum, groundcover per subsection L2 of this Section shall be planted within planting strips pursuant to the following standards, provided there shall...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Renton city rules.
Tree Protection in King County →