Puyallup, WA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

58 landscaping code. A heritage tree is defined as one designated under the chapter for notable characteristics, including but not limited to age, size, location, species, aesthetics, or association with a significant city event. The nomination process starts with the tree owner, or an authorized nominee, submitting a proposal with a location map, photograph and information on the tree's heritage characteristics. A certified arborist, from the International Society of Arboriculture or an equivalent certification, or another qualified person the city designates, reviews the nomination and inspects the tree, preparing a report on its condition and long-term viability.

The city must notify adjacent property owners and give them a reasonable comment period before deciding whether to approve or deny the nomination, based on criteria including age, size, location, species, aesthetics, viability and historical association. A denied tree owner, or an adjacent owner who timely commented on an approved nomination, may appeal to the city's hearing examiner within 15 days of the decision, paying a reasonable filing fee set by the city. Upon approval, the owner may voluntarily record a city-provided covenant with the Pierce County auditor, with the city covering the recording fee.

City-owned trees can be added to the registry with council approval, bypassing the private nomination steps. A tree owner may likewise petition to have a tree removed from the registry, following a parallel notice, comment, decision and appeal process. The chapter dates to Ordinance 3083 (2015).