Issaquah, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Land Use Code § 18.812.050 opens with one sentence: a tree permit is required for all actions under Chapter 18.812 unless explicitly exempt in 18.812.030. Approval can come as a tree permit, or inside a landscape, grading, site work, or building permit. The exemptions cover removal of nonsignificant trees not protected by any other means, pruning that does not meet the definition of excessive pruning, removal by a public agency or franchised utility in a public right-of-way or upon a public easement, and removal tied to mineral resource extraction. Under 18.812.040, removal of protected trees is prohibited except as provided in 18.812.050, removal from a vacant lot before approved project development is prohibited, and in critical areas and native growth protection easements removal is prohibited except through 18.812.050.

A permit can be granted when one or more criteria are met: a nuisance tree; replacing dead significant trees; dying or diseased trees, which require written recommendations from a qualified professional arborist; species on the King County noxious weed list; thinning a heavily wooded area on arborist recommendation; solar access for buildings with an active solar energy system; sight line or traffic hazards that pruning cannot resolve; and wildfire risk mitigation based on a Wildfire Risk Assessment with Eastside Fire and Rescue. Replacement is required at not less than one tree for every tree removed, providing canopy coverage equal to or greater than the removed tree, unless the site still meets its canopy coverage targets.

Landmark trees (greater than 30 inches DBH) carry a stricter track: an abbreviated tree plan, a mitigation evaluation by a qualified professional arborist, and replacement at two trees for every landmark tree removed. Hazardous trees need an abbreviated tree plan and TRAQ forms or an arborist report, with no report needed for a tree that is completely dead. Emergency removal is allowed before a permit if an application reaches the Department within three business days following the unpermitted action and the stump stays available for City inspection. Permits expire 180 calendar days after issuance, with one extension of up to six months on a written request before expiration. A fee in lieu of replacement under 18.812.110 requires Director approval and payment before the permit issues.