Richland, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Richland, 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
- Permit required for
- Planting, pruning, removing or disturbing public trees
- Issued by
- Municipal arborist, Parks and Recreation Department
- Permit fee
- No fee charged, RMC § 22.14.090
- Removed ROW tree
- Must be replaced or compensated, RMC § 22.14.110
- Tree service license
- Requires $500,000 liability insurance, RMC § 22.14.150
- Appeal
- City manager, $25 fee, 10 days
- Repeat violation
- Third offense becomes a misdemeanor
Summary
Removing, pruning, cutting or otherwise disturbing any tree on Richland's public rights-of-way requires a permit from the municipal arborist under RMC § 22.14.090. No fee is charged, but the arborist can set conditions, and a removed street tree must be replaced or paid for under RMC § 22.14.110.
No person may perform any of the acts in the following subsection, without first obtaining from the municipal arborist a permit for which no fee shall be charged, and nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt any person from the requirements of obtaining any additional permits as required by law. A. Actions Requiring Permit. 1. Plant trees on public rights-of-way or in any public places; 2. Prune, cut, remove or otherwise disturb any public tree. ... ... D. Tree Pruning/Removal Permit Requirements. 1. Prior to pruning or removal of any public tree on private property, application for permit must be made by the property owner or private tree firm currently licensed by the city; 2. Whenever a tree on public rights-of-way is removed, the applicant shall replace the tree removed as a condition of issuance of a permit for removal, unless such requirement is waived by the municipal arborist for good cause shown.
Full Breakdown
The permit duty covers four acts: planting street trees, pruning or removing any public tree, attaching objects to a public tree, and digging or filling within its critical root zone, the area extending 10 feet beyond the drip line. Property owners or their currently licensed tree service must apply to the municipal arborist by mail, phone, fax or email before work starts; the arborist inspects the tree and may attach conditions to the approval. Removing a right-of-way tree requires the applicant to plant a replacement as a permit condition, unless the arborist waives that for good cause, or to make a compensatory payment under RMC § 22.14.110 equal to the tree's appraised value under the International Society of Arboriculture's Guide for Plant Appraisal.
Commercial tree services must hold a city license under RMC § 22.14.150, backed by at least $500,000 in liability and property damage insurance and a staff member with current ISA arborist certification. This chapter reaches street and right-of-way trees and any private tree that threatens public trees or safety; RMC § 22.14.040 states it is not meant to resolve private tree disputes that do not affect public safety. Damaging or destroying a public tree outside a valid permit is also barred as vandalism under RMC § 22.14.100.
Permit or license denials can be appealed to the city manager for a $25.00 fee within 10 days, and from there to the city council for a $50.00 fee within 10 days, under RMC § 22.14.160.
Violations & Fines
Removing, damaging or mutilating a public tree without a permit is unlawful vandalism under RMC § 22.14.100 and a civil violation under RMC § 22.14.120, carrying the civil penalty set in RMC § 10.02.050(E). A third violation of the same or a similar provision at the same location becomes a misdemeanor punishable under RMC § 1.30.010. The arborist can also require a compensatory payment for the tree's appraised value under RMC § 22.14.110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in front of my Richland home?
What happens if I remove a street tree without permission?
Who can legally perform tree removal work for hire in Richland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland
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