Tree removal permits in City of Kirkland: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in City of Kirkland, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com..

Permit required?
Yes — see threshold below
Permit fee
Tree-removal permits commonly $50-$300 per tree; replacement bonds in some cities. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com. Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com.
Review timeline

When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Kirkland?

Triggered by removal of trees meeting the city's "significant tree" / "exceptional tree" / "tier" threshold. Common thresholds: ≥6in DBH (Bellevue tier 2+), ≥24in DBH (Seattle exceptional), or specific listed species. Single-family lots are sometimes exempt for non-exceptional trees.

Required submittals

  • site plan with tree locations + DBH
  • arborist report (sometimes)
  • replacement / mitigation plan

Inspection sequence

  1. site verification (arborist or planner)
  2. 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.

How to apply

  1. 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup on the main permits page — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
  2. 2. Assemble submittals (3).
  3. 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com.
  4. 4. Track review (typical: ). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
  5. 5. Pay issuance fees (Tree-removal permits commonly $50-$300 per tree; replacement bonds in some cities. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com. Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
City of Kirkland resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗