Sammamish, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Routine pruning outside critical areas
- Exempt from clearing/grading permit
- Small-tree exemption
- Conifer under 8 in. DBH, deciduous under 12 in. DBH
- Governing chapter
- SMC § 16.15.050(9), cross-ref. SMC 21.03.060
- Unlawful removal penalty
- $1,500 per inch DBH
- Replacement ratio (16 in.+ DBH)
- 8 replacement trees
Summary
Sammamish exempts routine tree pruning, limbing and general maintenance outside critical areas from its clearing and grading permit, but the same work inside a critical area or its buffer must follow the tree retention standards, and unlawful removal or damage draws steep civil penalties.
(7) The following activities are exempt from the clearing requirements of this chapter and no permit shall be required:...(d) Pruning and limbing of vegetation for maintenance of above-ground electrical and telecommunication facilities; (8) The cutting and removal of any coniferous tree of less than eight inches DBH or any deciduous tree of less than 12 inches DBH; (9) The pruning, limbing, and general maintenance of trees outside of environmentally critical areas and buffers, consistent with the requirements of SMC 21.03.060;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance O2026-598, and legislation passed through August 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020, but lists exemptions for activity outside those areas when tied to an approved land use. 060,' meaning a homeowner can trim, limb or maintain trees on an ordinary lot without a clearing and grading permit. Subsection (8) separately exempts cutting and removing any coniferous tree under eight inches DBH or deciduous tree under 12 inches DBH regardless of location. Subsection (7)(d) also exempts pruning and limbing of vegetation performed to maintain above-ground electrical and telecommunication facilities. 090(2)(a)(iii)(B).
Violations & Fines
Any person responsible for damage to or removal of a tree in violation of SDC 21.03.060 is jointly and severally liable for mitigation under SMC 23.100.015 and must pay a civil penalty of $1,500 per inch of diameter at breast height of the tree removed or damaged. Mitigation requires replacement trees: four trees for a removed or damaged conifer 8 to 12 inches DBH, six trees for 12 to 16 inches DBH, and eight trees for 16 inches DBH or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim trees on my property in Sammamish?
What counts as a 'significant tree' Sammamish protects?
What is the penalty for illegally cutting down a tree in Sammamish?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sammamish
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle tree trimming.