Seattle SMC 25.11 Tree Protection plus the Seattle Green Factor in SMC 23.86 require tree retention and landscaping density in development. Citywide canopy goal is 30% by 2037 as a heat-island mitigation strategy.
Seattle treats tree canopy as primary heat-island mitigation. The Tree Protection Ordinance SMC 25.11 (updated 2023 by Ordinance 126821) requires retention of Tier-2, Tier-3, and Tier-4 trees on most properties; removal triggers replacement or in-lieu fees. The Seattle Green Factor SMC 23.86.019 sets minimum landscape coverage scores in commercial, mixed-use, and multifamily zones, weighting mature trees and green roofs heavily. Urban Forestry Management Plan targets 30% canopy by 2037, with equity emphasis in Duwamish, Rainier Valley, and South Park. Cool pavement pilots exist on select arterials. Enforcement via SDCI inspectors during construction and complaint response.
Unpermitted tree removal: fines up to $13,200 per tree (SMC 25.11), plus replacement requirements. Failure to maintain Green Factor landscaping is a Class 1 civil infraction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
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