Washington Statewide Rule

Washington State Forest Practices Act Tree Removal

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: RCW 76.09
Permit Authority: Department of Natural Resources
Conversion Class: Class IV-General
Max Penalty: $10,000 per violation

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Washington State Legislature

Summary

Washington's Forest Practices Act (RCW 76.09) governs commercial timber harvest on forestlands statewide through Department of Natural Resources permits. Cities cannot regulate qualifying forest practices that follow state class IV applications.

For those forest practices over which the board and the department maintain regulatory authority no county, city, municipality, or other local or regional governmental entity shall adopt or enforce any law, ordinance, or regulation pertaining to forest practices, except that to the extent otherwise permitted by law, such entities may exercise any:

Source: Washington State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

RCW 76.09 (Forest Practices Act) requires Forest Practices Applications (FPAs) for most commercial timber harvests, with the Department of Natural Resources approving harvests under classes I-IV. Riparian buffers, road construction, and reforestation rules apply statewide. Class IV-General applications involve land conversion to non-forest use, where local governments take over zoning review. RCW 76.09.240 permits cities and counties to assume regulatory authority over forest practices on lands platted as urban or planned for conversion. Critical areas under the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.060) provide separate tree protection for wetlands, fish-bearing streams, and geological hazards.

Violations & Penalties

Conducting forest practices without an approved FPA carries civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation under RCW 76.09.170 plus restoration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove trees in my yard?

Residential tree removal is generally regulated by city ordinances, not the Forest Practices Act. The state law primarily governs commercial timber harvest on forestlands of significant size.

What is a Class IV-General Forest Practice?

A Class IV-General application is required when timber is harvested in conjunction with conversion to non-forest use; the local government then handles development and zoning review.

Sources

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