Tree removal permit rules in Snohomish County, WA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Retained or replacement significant trees on Snohomish County development sites cannot be removed unless a certified arborist certifies a hazard in writing. Any retained significant tree damaged or removed during development must be replaced three-for-one, plus a fine.
Under SCC 30.25.016(11), retained significant trees, trees planted to replace significant trees, and trees planted to meet canopy requirements may not be removed except when a certified arborist determines in writing that the tree is a hazard; removal without that documentation triggers a fine under SCC Ch. 30.85. SCC 30.25.016(12) adds that any significant tree shown on a landscape plan for retention that is later damaged or removed during site development must be replaced at three trees for each one lost, also subject to a Ch. 30.85 fine. Removal of hazardous, dead, or diseased trees (with an arborist letter) is exempt under SCC 30.25.016(1)(a). These rules apply to development in unincorporated urban growth areas; a homeowner not doing a permitted
Removing a retained/replacement significant tree without certified-arborist hazard documentation, or failing the 3:1 replacement, is subject to a fine set under SCC Ch. 30.85.
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