Tree removal permit rules in Sammamish, WA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Sammamish has strong tree-retention rules. Removing a 'significant tree' (coniferous 8 inches DBH or larger, deciduous 12 inches DBH or larger) requires a tree removal permit under SDC 21.03.060. Annual and 10-year removal limits scale with lot size. Removed significant trees must be replaced, and unlawful removal carries a civil penalty of $1,500 per inch of trunk diameter (SMC 23.100.010).
Under SDC 21.03.060, a significant coniferous tree is 8 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) or larger and a significant deciduous tree is 12 inches DBH or larger; both require a permit to remove. Per SDC 21.03.060(F), the city limits how many significant trees a property owner may remove based on lot size: under 1/4 acre — 2 trees per year (cap 6 over 10 years); 1/4 to 1/2 acre — 4 per year (cap 12); 1/2 to 1 acre — 6 per year (cap 18); 1 to 2 acres — 8 per year (cap 24); over 2 acres — 10 per year (cap 30). Percentage caps (50% down to 10% of significant trees over 10 years for the same lot tiers) also apply, with the lower figure controlling. When a significant tree is removed, it must be replaced: each significant tree by one new tree, each heritage tree by two, and each landmark tree by three. Replacement conifers must be at least 8 feet tall and replacement deciduous trees at least 2.5 inches DBH, primarily native Washington species. No permit is needed for trees below the significant-size thresholds (unless in a critical area) or for emergency removal of a tree posing imminent danger; visibly dead trees can be removed with photo documentation, and hazard trees require evaluation by a TRAQ-certified ISA arborist.
Removing or damaging a tree in violation of SDC 21.03.060 is enforced under SMC 23.100.010 with a civil penalty of $1,500 per inch DBH, plus mandatory replacement under SMC 23.100.015: 4 trees for an 8-12 inch tree, 6 trees for a 12-16 inch tree, and 8 trees for a 16-inch-or-larger tree. Critical-area violations can reach $25,000 plus restoration.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
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