Tree removal permits in City of Issaquah: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in City of Issaquah, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Community Planning & Development.
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Issaquah?
A Tree Permit is required in most cases for removal, excessive pruning (IMC 18.102.090), and creating a wildlife snag. A significant tree is 6" DBH or greater, or 8" DBH or greater for alder and cottonwood; DBH is measured 4.5 feet above average grade. The most common exemption is removal of nonsignificant trees not protected by any other means. Replacement is required at not less than 1:1 and must provide canopy coverage equal to or greater than the tree(s) removed (IMC 18.812.060) — waivable if the site still meets canopy targets after removal.
From City of Issaquah's own page
“In most cases, a Tree Permit will be required by the City for tree-related activities including, but not limited to, removal, excessive pruning as defined in the Issaquah Municipal Code (IMC) 18.102.090, and creating a wildlife snag.”Source ↗verified 2026-08-11
Required submittals
- tree removal plan identifying significant trees
- replacement planting plan meeting canopy coverage
Inspection sequence
- site verification (arborist or planner)
- final replacement compliance
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city planning / urban forestry. Replacement requirements common (e.g. 1:1 or 2:1 by canopy area). Critical-area parcels (steep slope, salmon stream buffer) have stricter rules. Emergency / dead-hazardous removal usually exempt with arborist letter.
Tree removal permit fee estimate in City of Issaquah
Worked example for a $25,000 tree removal project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $391.25 |
| Plan review | $254.31 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $650.06 |
Fee assessed at time of permit application per IMC 3.64.010; a decision may not be made until fees are paid. No fee applies when all trees proposed for removal are deemed hazardous. Computed from the City of Issaquah fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Issaquah tree removal — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (2).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Community Planning & Development ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Fee assessed at time of permit application per IMC 3.64.010; a decision may not be made until fees are paid. No fee applies when all trees proposed for removal are deemed hazardous.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Tree removal permits in City of Issaquah — FAQ
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Issaquah?
A Tree Permit is required in most cases for removal, excessive pruning (IMC 18.102.090), and creating a wildlife snag. A significant tree is 6" DBH or greater, or 8" DBH or greater for alder and cottonwood; DBH is measured 4.5 feet above average grade. The most common exemption is removal of nonsignificant trees not protected by any other means. Replacement is required at not less than 1:1 and must provide canopy coverage equal to or greater than the tree(s) removed (IMC 18.812.060) — waivable if the site still meets canopy targets after removal.
How much does a tree removal permit cost in City of Issaquah?
For a $25,000 tree removal project, the estimated City of Issaquah permit fee is about $650.06 — building fee $391.25 + plan review $254.31 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.