Tree removal permit rules in Renton, WA β sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances β list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Renton requires a permit to remove significant trees (6-inch DBH or larger) under RMC 4-4-130. Tree retention minimums apply on new development. Critical area trees have stricter protections.
Renton Municipal Code 4-4-130 (Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations) protects trees to preserve canopy cover, slope stability, wildlife habitat, and water quality along Cedar River and Lake Washington. On developed residential single-family lots, owners can remove up to 3 significant trees (6 inches diameter at breast height or larger, or 8 inches for cottonwoods and alders) per calendar year with a minor tree removal approval. Removal of more than 3 trees per year or removal of any tree larger than 30 inches DBH requires a Tree Removal Permit and typically requires replacement plantings at a 2-to-1 ratio. New residential development and subdivisions must retain a minimum percentage of significant trees (commonly 30 percent) per RMC 4-4-130 standards. Trees in critical areas (wetland buffers, stream buffers including May Creek and Cedar River, steep slopes, landslide hazard areas) and shoreline jurisdiction cannot be removed without approval from CED and often require a critical areas report or geotechnical review. Hazard trees dying or threatening structures can be removed with an ISA arborist report submitted to the city, but replacement may still be required.
Civil infractions under RMC 1-10 up to 500 dollars per tree. Critical area tree removal without approval triggers restoration orders and penalties including replacement plantings and fines up to 5,000 dollars under RMC 4-3-050.
Renton, WA
Industrial noise in Renton including Boeing and Cedar River industry is limited to 70 dBA industrial, 60 dBA at residential day, 50 dBA at residential night ...
Renton, WA
Amplified music plainly audible beyond property lines during quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM weekdays, 10 PM-9 AM weekends) violates Renton RMC 8-7, with police resp...
Renton, WA
Aircraft noise from Renton Municipal Airport is regulated by the FAA under federal preemption; Renton runs an FAA Part 150 program and voluntary pilot noise ...
Renton, WA
Persistent dog barking disturbing neighbors is prohibited in Renton under RMC 6-6, with Regional Animal Services of King County issuing citations for habitua...
Renton, WA
Commercial construction in Renton is allowed weekdays 7 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 8 PM, with no work permitted on Sundays or holidays under RMC 4-4-03...
Renton, WA
Under RCW 46.55 and Renton Municipal Code Title 10, vehicles parked more than 72 hours, unlicensed, or inoperable can be marked and impounded. Abandoned vehi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Renton's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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