Tree removal permits in Redmond: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in Redmond, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Redmond Planning and Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Redmond's source.
When does tree removal need a permit in Redmond?
Removing a tree on a lot in Redmond turns on its trunk diameter, measured 4.5 ft above the ground (RZC 21.78.130). A significant tree is a healthy tree of 6 in or more, or a tree of 4 in or more that the City finds significant for its age, height, value or function (RZC 21.78.280); cutting down or removing any significant tree, or any stand of three or more trees whose drip lines touch (RZC 21.78.290), needs a tree removal permit from the City first (RZC 21.72.020.A). On a developed single-family lot the City permits up to 2 significant trees a year on a lot up to 10,000 sq ft, 4 on a lot of 10,001 to 20,000 sq ft, 6 on a lot of 20,001 to 30,000 sq ft and 8 on a larger lot; hazardous, dead or otherwise dangerous trees do not count toward that, and a tree designated earlier for protection or in a native growth protection area comes down only if it is hazardous (RZC 21.72.020.B). A landmark tree, a healthy tree over 30 in (RZC 21.78.210), comes down only by an exception the City grants (RZC 21.72.060). Emergency work against an immediate threat and routine tree maintenance need no permit (RZC 21.72.030.A), but neither allows removing trees in a critical area, its buffer or a native growth protection area where the code prohibits it (RZC 21.72.030.B). A tree in the street right-of-way is a street tree, cut or pruned only under the supervision of the City's Parks Department (RZC 21.72.110).
From Redmond's own code
“A. Permit Required. Except as provided in RCZ 21.72.030, Exemptions, any person who desires to cut down or remove any significant tree or any stand of trees, or who desires to conduct grading activities on a site that will result in the removal of trees, must first obtain a permit to do so from the Administrator as provided in this section.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-27
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 Redmond?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Redmond and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Redmond Planning and Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Redmond 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 Redmond 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: Redmond Planning and Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Where removing a tree needs a permit, its fee is set by the local code or fee schedule, per permit or per tree; some cities require replacement bonds. Apply through the Redmond ePermitting Service, REPS (https://cityofredmondwa-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice); plan-reviewed permits go through Plan Review Online, and the How to Apply page (https://www.redmond.gov/462/How-to-Apply) says which.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull tree removal permits in Redmond every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Redmond Planning and Community Development, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in Redmond — FAQ
When does tree removal need a permit in Redmond?
Removing a tree on a lot in Redmond turns on its trunk diameter, measured 4.5 ft above the ground (RZC 21.78.130). A significant tree is a healthy tree of 6 in or more, or a tree of 4 in or more that the City finds significant for its age, height, value or function (RZC 21.78.280); cutting down or removing any significant tree, or any stand of three or more trees whose drip lines touch (RZC 21.78.290), needs a tree removal permit from the City first (RZC 21.72.020.A). On a developed single-family lot the City permits up to 2 significant trees a year on a lot up to 10,000 sq ft, 4 on a lot of 10,001 to 20,000 sq ft, 6 on a lot of 20,001 to 30,000 sq ft and 8 on a larger lot; hazardous, dead or otherwise dangerous trees do not count toward that, and a tree designated earlier for protection or in a native growth protection area comes down only if it is hazardous (RZC 21.72.020.B). A landmark tree, a healthy tree over 30 in (RZC 21.78.210), comes down only by an exception the City grants (RZC 21.72.060). Emergency work against an immediate threat and routine tree maintenance need no permit (RZC 21.72.030.A), but neither allows removing trees in a critical area, its buffer or a native growth protection area where the code prohibits it (RZC 21.72.030.B). A tree in the street right-of-way is a street tree, cut or pruned only under the supervision of the City's Parks Department (RZC 21.72.110).
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Redmond?
Current fee per the Redmond fee schedule: Where removing a tree needs a permit, its fee is set by the local code or fee schedule, per permit or per tree; some cities require replacement bonds. Apply through the Redmond ePermitting Service, REPS (https://cityofredmondwa-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice); plan-reviewed permits go through Plan Review Online, and the How to Apply page (https://www.redmond.gov/462/How-to-Apply) says which. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.