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

Renton's tree retention chapter, RMC 4-4-130, sets the baseline at 4-4-130.C9: property owners without an active land development permit may remove up to two significant trees within a one-year period, and no more than five within five years, provided the tree is not a protected or landmark tree, is not within ten feet of a lot with ten or more parking spaces, and is not one of only two significant trees left on the lot. Removing more than that, or cutting on undeveloped land at all, triggers a routine vegetation management permit under 4-4-130.F2.

High-risk trees certified by an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification arborist can come down without any permit, up to three per year, but a permit is required beyond that or for high-risk landmark trees. Once a land development permit is active, 4-4-130.H1a requires retaining at least 30% of significant trees on site, and 4-4-130.H1b requires 30 tree credits per net acre, met through retention, new planting, or both, using a credit table that scores preserved trees from 4 credits (6-9 caliper inches) up to 13 credits (37+ inches).

Landmark trees may only be removed if high-risk, causing documented structural damage, blocking solar access, or by Administrator determination under 4-4-130.F2c. Clearing land ahead of a development application, before any permit is approved, is expressly prohibited under 4-4-130.D1, and topping a tree the City has not approved for removal is also barred under 4-4-130.D5. The Community and Economic Development Administrator enforces the chapter and can require independent arborist review at the applicant's expense.