Pasco, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Pasco, 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 diameter
- Over 4 inches at 3 feet high
- Permit authority
- Public Works Director
- Applies to
- Planting strips, drainage swales, public places
- Max fine
- $500.00 per violation
- Continuing violation
- Each day is a separate offense
Summary
Pasco requires a Director's permit before removing or heavily pruning any tree with a trunk over four inches in diameter growing in a planting strip, drainage swale, or other public place. Cutting one down without permission is a code violation carrying a fine up to $500.
No tree having a trunk of more than four inches in diameter at a point three feet above ground level shall be substantially pruned or removed from any planting strip, drainage swale or other public place in the City without permission from the Director.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).
Full Breakdown
080, no tree with a trunk more than four inches in diameter (measured three feet above ground level) may be substantially pruned or removed from a planting strip, drainage swale, or other public place in Pasco without permission from the Director of Public Works. This rule applies to trees in the public right-of-way abutting private lots, not to trees growing entirely on private property. 120. Once an application is approved, the Director issues a permit covering the removal, pruning, or planting work. 100. Roots that have broken or disrupted an adjacent street, curb, or sidewalk must be removed and the damaged surface repaired.
The Director may briefly block a street for this work with the concurrence of the Chief of Police and Fire Chief where detours can be arranged without unreasonable inconvenience to the public. 150 makes it a violation to damage, destroy, or mutilate any tree, shrub, or plant in a public planting strip, including excessive pruning that substantially alters a tree's natural shape, though removing dead or damaged branches is exempted.
Violations & Fines
Removing or substantially pruning a protected right-of-way tree without a Director's permit, or mutilating/damaging one, violates Chapter 12.12 PMC. Any violation of the chapter is subject to a fine of up to $500.00 per PMC 12.12.160, and continuing violations count as a separate offense each day they persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the planting strip in front of my Pasco home?
What happens if I cut down a right-of-way tree without permission in Pasco?
Who repairs curb or sidewalk damage from removed tree roots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco
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