Tree removal permits in Mercer Island: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in Mercer Island, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Mercer Island Community Planning & Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Mercer Island's source.
When does tree removal need a permit in Mercer Island?
Removing a tree on Mercer Island needs a permit approval, either a tree removal permit or approval within another construction permit, unless MICC 19.10.030 exempts it (MICC 19.10.020 B). Outside critical areas and their buffers and off public property, three things are exempt: removing a small tree, under 10 in across measured 4.5 ft above the ground, that is not an exceptional tree and was not planted as a replacement tree; removing a species on the state or King County noxious, invasive or weeds of concern lists; and pruning, as the code defines it, on private property (MICC 19.10.030, 19.16.010). An exceptional tree needs a permit at any size: a tree over 36 in, a tree in a grove (eight or more trees of 10 in or more forming a continuous canopy), or a tree at or over its species' size in the Exceptional Tree Table, as small as 6 in for a madrona, Pacific dogwood or Garry oak (MICC 19.16.010). In a critical area or its buffer every tree needs a permit, at any size. Removal includes cutting a tree, taking it out through site grading, and destroying roots so that it becomes hazardous. A tree posing an imminent threat to life or property may come down first, with the permit applied for within 14 days (MICC 19.10.020 B). A tree in the street right-of-way is a public tree: cutting or pruning one needs a tree permit, granted only on the code's criteria (MICC 19.10.100).
From Mercer Island's own code
“A permit approval is required prior to removing any tree, except for trees that are exempt pursuant to MICC 19.10.030”Source ↗verified 2026-10-27
What Mercer Island says in its own permit handout
From Tree Inventory and Replacement Submittal Information (dated 02/2022), published by Mercer Island. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“no replacement tree is needed if the tree fits all of the following; Less than 10 inches in diameter, not an exceptional tree, and not a replacement tree from another tree permit.”Checklist ↗read 2026-09-05
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
Who can do this work in Mercer Island?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Mercer Island and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Mercer Island Community Planning & Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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: Mercer Island Community Planning & Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Tree-removal permit fees are set per permit or per tree in the local fee schedule; some cities require replacement bonds.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull tree removal permits in Mercer Island every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Mercer Island Community Planning & Development, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in Mercer Island — FAQ
When does tree removal need a permit in Mercer Island?
Removing a tree on Mercer Island needs a permit approval, either a tree removal permit or approval within another construction permit, unless MICC 19.10.030 exempts it (MICC 19.10.020 B). Outside critical areas and their buffers and off public property, three things are exempt: removing a small tree, under 10 in across measured 4.5 ft above the ground, that is not an exceptional tree and was not planted as a replacement tree; removing a species on the state or King County noxious, invasive or weeds of concern lists; and pruning, as the code defines it, on private property (MICC 19.10.030, 19.16.010). An exceptional tree needs a permit at any size: a tree over 36 in, a tree in a grove (eight or more trees of 10 in or more forming a continuous canopy), or a tree at or over its species' size in the Exceptional Tree Table, as small as 6 in for a madrona, Pacific dogwood or Garry oak (MICC 19.16.010). In a critical area or its buffer every tree needs a permit, at any size. Removal includes cutting a tree, taking it out through site grading, and destroying roots so that it becomes hazardous. A tree posing an imminent threat to life or property may come down first, with the permit applied for within 14 days (MICC 19.10.020 B). A tree in the street right-of-way is a public tree: cutting or pruning one needs a tree permit, granted only on the code's criteria (MICC 19.10.100).
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Mercer Island?
Current fee per the Mercer Island fee schedule: Tree-removal permit fees are set per permit or per tree in the local fee schedule; some cities require replacement bonds. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.