Pierce County, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Pierce County, 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
- Per-tree private permit
- Generally none
- Development sites
- Tree-conservation plan
- Significant-tree retention
- Minimum 30%
- Clearing permit
- Site development permit
- Critical-area removal
- Title 18E + replant
Summary
Pierce County has no standalone permit for cutting a tree on an ordinary developed private lot, but development sites need a tree-conservation plan under PCC 18J.15.030 (retain 30% of significant trees), and clearing or removal in critical areas or beyond limits requires a site development permit.
Significant Trees. At a minimum, 30 percent of significant trees on site shall be retained, preferably reflective of the diversity of species and age within the stand, up to the minimum tree density requirements. All retained significant trees shall be shown to be windfirm.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Homeowners obtain no per-tree removal permit for ordinary developed lots outside a critical area or tree-retention condition. The permitting framework is tied to development and clearing. Under PCC 18J.15.030 (Tree Conservation), new uses and land divisions must file a tree-conservation plan, and 'at a minimum, 30 percent of significant trees on site shall be retained.' Significant trees are defined by species and diameter at breast height in Table 18J.15.030-1. Douglas Fir at 24-inch or greater, and any 40-inch-plus tree is a Legacy tree. PCC 18J.15.020 requires site-development permits before clearing and caps independent clearing at 35 percent. Retained trees may be removed only as a documented hazard. In critical areas, Title 18E requires hazard-tree replacement (commonly two per tree).
Violations & Fines
Clearing or removing trees without a required site-development permit, exceeding clearing limits, or removing plan-retained or significant trees without an approved hazard justification violates PCC Chapters 18J and 18E; Planning & Public Works can require replacement plantings plus stop-work orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Pierce County?
What counts as a significant tree?
How many trees must a development retain?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
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