In Sammamish, heavy pruning of a significant tree is regulated like removal. The tree standards (SDC 21.03.060) treat pruning that removes more than one-third of a tree's branches as equivalent to removal, requiring a tree removal permit. Tree topping is discouraged by the Urban Forest Management Program. Right-of-way street trees need a Right-of-Way permit.
Sammamish's development code (SDC 21.03.060, Trees) governs significant trees: significant coniferous trees are 8 inches DBH or larger and significant deciduous trees are 12 inches DBH or larger. Routine, light pruning of your own trees is generally allowed, but pruning that removes more than one-third of a tree's existing branches is considered equivalent to removing the tree and therefore triggers the tree removal permit requirement. The city's Urban Forest Management Program publishes guidance on tree topping, explaining what topping is and why it is harmful, and offering pruning alternatives. Trees located within critical areas, critical area buffers, or the public right-of-way are subject to additional protections; right-of-way trees require a Type B Right-of-Way permit. Because over-pruning that damages a protected tree can be treated as 'damage' under the code, the same civil penalties that apply to unlawful removal ($1,500 per inch DBH) can apply to severe pruning damage.
Damaging a regulated tree through excessive pruning can be enforced as a violation of SDC 21.03.060. Under SMC 23.100.010, unlawful tree removal or damage carries a civil penalty of $1,500 per inch of diameter at breast height of the tree damaged, plus mandatory replacement under SMC 23.100.015.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Sammamish parks, open spaces, trails, and marine areas are open from dawn to 30 minutes after sunset. No one may enter or remain during hours of closure exce...
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Sammamish requires outdoor light fixtures to be fully shielded, pointed downward, and maintained so they cause minimal or no light trespass onto adjacent pro...
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Sammamish requires outdoor light fixtures to be fully shielded and pointed downward, and caps outdoor lighting at 5.0 lumens per square foot of hardscape out...
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Sammamish does not have a separate garage-sale-sign rule. Directional or event signs are handled under the general temporary-sign provisions. A small A-frame...
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Sammamish regulates political signs content-neutrally as non-commercial temporary signs. On private property a sign may be up to 32 sq ft and 8 ft tall for u...
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Sammamish has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A permanent tiny house on a foundation is treated as a detached ADU, capped at 1,000 sq ft, and the city allow...
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