Tree removal permits in Kent: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in Kent, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Kent Economic and Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Kent's source.
When does tree removal need a permit in Kent?
Outside a critical area and its buffer, Kent sets no tree removal permit for a lot that already has a building on it. On undeveloped land, every tree 6 in or more across, measured 4.5 ft above the ground, is kept where it grows (KCC 15.08.240 B, D.2). The rule reaches a new house or duplex: its development permit issues only after the City approves a tree retention plan, and that plan is the only way such a tree comes down (15.08.240 C.1, E). Multifamily, commercial, institutional and industrial development is exempt from it (C.2). A tree removed illegally from undeveloped land, or one a plan kept that is damaged or destroyed, is replaced by two new trees for one of 6 in, and one more for each further 3 in, up to six (15.08.240 I). In a critical area or its buffer, removing a tree, a hazard tree included, needs the City's critical area review or the director's approval first, on any lot (11.06.030 A.6, B); the hazard tree exemption covers only a public agency's work on public property (11.06.040 A.14). Planting, removing, trimming, pruning or cutting a tree between the property line and the curb needs the parks director's written permit (6.10.060 B), and removing a tree anywhere in the public right-of-way needs the public works director's permit, given only for a fire, safety or health hazard (8.07.050 C, 8.07.090 A).
From Kent's own code
“Except as provided for in this section, on undeveloped property in the city, all trees of a six-inch diameter or greater shall be retained on the property where they are growing.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-28
Required submittals
- Site plan with tree locations + DBH
- Arborist report (sometimes)
- Replacement / mitigation plan
Inspection sequence
- Site verification (arborist or planner)
- Final replacement compliance
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Kent?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Kent and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Kent Economic and Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Kent 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. Cities treat a dead, dying or hazardous tree differently, so check this city's rule before removing one. Some need no permit for it (Lynnwood: no permit for a dead, diseased or dangerous tree, LMC 17.15.150). Some allow emergency removal if the city is told afterward (Kirkland: within seven days, KZC 95.15). Some still require the permit and waive the fee (Issaquah: no fee when every tree proposed for removal is deemed hazardous).
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Kent tree removal — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (3).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Kent Economic and Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Kent's fee schedule sets them) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Kent Economic and Community Development, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in Kent — FAQ
When does tree removal need a permit in Kent?
Outside a critical area and its buffer, Kent sets no tree removal permit for a lot that already has a building on it. On undeveloped land, every tree 6 in or more across, measured 4.5 ft above the ground, is kept where it grows (KCC 15.08.240 B, D.2). The rule reaches a new house or duplex: its development permit issues only after the City approves a tree retention plan, and that plan is the only way such a tree comes down (15.08.240 C.1, E). Multifamily, commercial, institutional and industrial development is exempt from it (C.2). A tree removed illegally from undeveloped land, or one a plan kept that is damaged or destroyed, is replaced by two new trees for one of 6 in, and one more for each further 3 in, up to six (15.08.240 I). In a critical area or its buffer, removing a tree, a hazard tree included, needs the City's critical area review or the director's approval first, on any lot (11.06.030 A.6, B); the hazard tree exemption covers only a public agency's work on public property (11.06.040 A.14). Planting, removing, trimming, pruning or cutting a tree between the property line and the curb needs the parks director's written permit (6.10.060 B), and removing a tree anywhere in the public right-of-way needs the public works director's permit, given only for a fire, safety or health hazard (8.07.050 C, 8.07.090 A).
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Kent?
Where tree removal in Kent needs the City's critical area review, a critical areas exempt determination is $246.82, plus a technology fee of 3%, at least $10. A street tree, between the property line and the curb, needs the parks director's written permit first. Apply through the City of Kent Permit Portal (https://sso.kentwa.gov/).