Heritage & Protected Trees: Auburn vs Seattle
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Auburn, WA
King County
Cities across King County operate heritage tree programs that designate notable specimens for protection, while King County itself protects landmark trees indirectly through the Critical Areas Ordinance and historic preservation designations.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle Municipal Code 25.11, overhauled in 2023, classifies trees into four tiers. Tier-1 (Exceptional) trees 24+ inch DBH and Tier-2 trees 12–24 inch DBH are highly protected. Removal requires a SDCI tree permit, certified arborist report, public notice, and in-kind replacement or in-lieu fee under the new ordinance.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle program | Heritage Tree registry | - |
| County tool | KCC 16.82 retention | - |
| State remedy | RCW 64.12.030 treble damages | - |
| Historic overlap | KCC 20.62 landmarks | - |
| Tier-1 (Exceptional) | - | 24-inch DBH or designated heritage |
| Tier-2 | - | 12–24 inch DBH significant trees |
| Permit | - | SDCI tree-removal permit required |
| Heritage Tree program | - | Council-designated specimens |
| In-lieu fee | - | $2,833 per caliper inch (2024 rate) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
How do I nominate a heritage tree?
Contact your city's urban forestry program. Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland each accept nominations with photos, measurements, and owner consent.
Does heritage status apply to private property?
Yes, but in most programs registration is voluntary and does not strip ownership. It does add review steps before pruning, removal, or nearby construction.
Seattle FAQ
Is my 30-inch fir an Exceptional Tree?
Almost certainly yes. Most species reach Tier-1 (Exceptional) status at 24 inches DBH. Western red cedar, Douglas fir, big-leaf maple, and Garry oak hit Tier-1 at lower thresholds.
Do I need a permit on a single-family lot?
Yes, after the 2023 ordinance update. Even on undeveloped single-family lots, removing a Tier-1 tree requires an SDCI permit. Tier-2 protection on SF lots was a major change.
Can I pay a fee instead of replanting?
Yes, the in-lieu fee (around $2,833 per caliper inch in 2024) goes to the Tree Replacement and Restoration Fund. SDCI may require on-site replanting for Heritage trees.
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