Routine pruning of private trees under 25 percent of canopy is allowed without a permit in Redmond, but significant trees and trees in critical areas require review under RMC 21.72 Tree Protection.
Redmond adopted a strong tree protection ordinance in RMC Chapter 21.72 that regulates pruning and removal of significant trees (generally 6 inches DBH or larger for most species, smaller for designated species). Light maintenance pruning that removes less than 25 percent of a trees live canopy and does not damage structural integrity is permitted without a permit. Topping, which is the indiscriminate cutting back of large limbs to stubs, is prohibited for significant trees because it causes long-term decline. Trees located within critical areas, critical area buffers, or native growth protection easements require a Critical Areas Report under RMC 21.64 for any work beyond basic deadwood removal. Street trees in the public right-of-way are owned by the City, and pruning requires a Right-of-Way Use Permit. Arborist reports from ISA Certified Arborists are standard for work on significant trees.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Redmond, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle tree trimming.
See how Redmond's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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