Everett, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Everett, WA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Evergreen, 8-inch+ trunk diameter
- Protection zone
- 5 feet beyond tree canopy drip line
- Fencing required
- 30-inch temporary fence before grading
- Governing chapter
- EMC 19.37, Critical Areas
- Enforcement
- Restoration plus fine for damage
Summary
Development near a wetland, stream or slope buffer in Everett must fence off and protect any significant evergreen tree at least eight inches in trunk diameter under the city's critical-areas tree protection standards.
If evergreen trees at least eight-inch diameter at breast height are identified on the outer edge of the buffer such that their drip line extends beyond the buffer edge, the following tree protection requirements must be followed:
1. A tree protection area shall be designed to protect each tree or tree stand during site development and construction. Tree protection areas may vary widely in shape, but must extend a minimum of five feet beyond the existing tree canopy area along the outer edge of the drip line of the tree(s), unless otherwise approved by the department.
2. Tree protection areas shall be added and clearly labeled on all applicable site development and construction drawings submitted to the department.
3. Temporary construction fencing at least thirty inches tall shall be erected around the perimeter of the tree protection areas prior to the initiation of any clearing or grading. The fencing shall be posted with signage clearly identifying the tree protection area. The fencing shall remain in place through site development and construction.
4. No clearing, grading, filling or other development activities shall occur within the tree protection area, except where approved in advance by the department and shown on the approved plans for the proposal.
5. No vehicles, construction materials, fuel, or other materials shall be placed in tree protection areas. Movement of any vehicles within tree protection areas shall be prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Everett Municipal Code § 19.37.140(E), if an evergreen tree at least eight inches in diameter at breast height sits at the edge of a critical area buffer with its canopy extending past the buffer line, the developer must mark off a tree protection area extending at least five feet beyond the tree's drip line before any clearing or grading begins. Temporary fencing at least thirty inches tall must be erected and posted with signage, and no vehicles, fuel, materials or nails may enter the protected zone; the fencing must stay up through construction. The rule applies citywide wherever development adjoins a designated wetland, stream or geologically hazardous buffer, separately from the city's general Chapter 19.35 landscaping standards.
Violations & Fines
Violating critical-area buffer or tree-protection standards is enforced under EMC 19.37.190, which can require restoring the damaged area plus a fine equal to the assessed value of the trees lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need city approval to remove a large tree near a stream in Everett?
How close can construction equipment get to a protected buffer tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle tree removal & heritage trees.