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.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Issaquah's source.
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.
In the source's own words
“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 2026-09-24
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
Who can do this work in City of Issaquah?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Issaquah and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Community Planning & Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Issaquah tree removal quote.
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. A hazardous or dead tree is usually treated differently, but EXEMPT IS THE WRONG WORD for most cities: the common pattern is that the permit is still required and the FEE is waived, on an arborist's report. Issaquah is the measured case — "No fee is applied when all trees proposed for removal are deemed hazardous" — which is a waiver, not an exemption, and a homeowner told they need no permit would remove a regulated tree without one. Check whether this city waives the fee or the permit.
How to apply yourself
- 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. 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.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull tree removal permits in City of Issaquah every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Community Planning & Development, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
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?
Current fee per the City of Issaquah fee schedule: 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.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.