Lacey, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 12.20.040 of the Lacey Municipal Code puts routine tree maintenance on any person, community association or corporation in possession of private property next to public right-of-way in the City of Lacey. Trees on that property that affect the right-of-way must be kept in a safe, healthy condition. Branches that overhang sidewalks or streets must be pruned to give vertical clearance so they do not interfere with public travel: sidewalk clearance is ten feet high and road clearance is fourteen feet high. Debris from the work (wood, branches and leaves) must come off public property by sunset of the day on which any tree work is done.

Topping is off limits. Section 12.20.040(B) makes it unlawful for any person or city department to top any tree on private property, though trees severely damaged by storms, or certain trees under utility wires where other pruning is impractical, can be exempted at the determination of the city forester.

Street trees in the planting strip follow a separate permit rule. Under section 12.20.020, a right-of-way access permit from Public Works is required for major pruning, defined as more than thirty percent of the canopy, and a separate permit is required for each work location. Normal and minor pruning of less than thirty percent of the canopy needs no permit. Section 12.20.030(D) adds that owners fronting a street tree must keep it from obstructing sight lines, traffic signs and signals, and pedestrian and vehicular use of streets and sidewalks.

Section 12.20.050 declares a tree a public nuisance when it is a hazard to public safety, obstructs the free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or public street lighting, or harbors pests that can harm public trees. The city can serve written notice personally or by mail. If the owner does not abate by the date in the notice, the city can do the work itself and charge the reasonable cost to the property owner. Unrecovered costs can become a lien against the property or be assessed on taxes. Under section 9.52.010(F), vegetation that overhangs a sidewalk or street so as to obstruct or impair passage is also a nuisance. The Lacey Public Works Department enforces Chapter 12.20 under section 12.20.070.