Lacey, WA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Chapter 12.20 of the Lacey Municipal Code, Street Trees, regulates trees in the public right-of-way of the City of Lacey. Its stated intent in section 12.20.010 is to maintain right-of-way trees in a healthy, nonhazardous condition through ANSI A300 tree care standards and to provide guidance for planting, maintenance and protection.

Permit first. Section 12.20.020 requires a right-of-way access permit from the city public works department before the planting, major pruning or removal of any street tree. A separate permit is needed for each work location. Removing a tree from private property is a different process: a land clearing permit or exemption from the community development department under Chapter 14.32 LMC.

What gets planted. Section 12.20.030(B) requires every tree in the right-of-way to be planted in accordance with Section 4G.100 of the City of Lacey Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards, including species, size and location. An alternate species cannot be used unless the city forester approves it.

After planting, the owner's portion of right-of-way fronting the property is the owner's job, and community associations share it. Under section 12.20.030(D), dead or severely damaged street trees must be removed and replaced, and hazardous street trees must be removed or pruned, with replacement after any removal. Trees must be planted and maintained so they do not damage utilities, streets or sidewalks, and diseased or insect infested trees must be replaced if the city forester deems it necessary. The right-of-way must be kept reasonably clean of branches, leaves, flowers and fruit.

Topping is unlawful for any street tree, park tree or other tree on public property under section 12.20.030(C). The city forester can require removal and replacement of an improperly pruned street tree that cannot reach its mature size or full environmental function. Section 12.20.060 gives the city the right, but not the obligation, to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees within street lines, and section 12.20.070 gives the Public Works Department enforcement authority.