Tree removal permits in Renton: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in Renton, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Renton's source.
When does tree removal need a permit in Renton?
Removing a tree on a lot in Renton turns on its caliper, the trunk diameter 4.5 ft above the ground on the uphill side (RMC 4-11-030). A significant tree is 6 in or more, an alder or cottonwood 8 in; a tree an arborist with the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification certifies as high-risk is not one (RMC 4-11-200). With no land development permit active or applied for on the site, up to 2 significant trees may come down in a one-year period, and no more than 5 in five years, with no permit, as long as the tree is not a protected or landmark tree, is not within 10 ft of a surface parking lot of 10 or more spaces and is not one of the last two significant trees on the lot (RMC 4-4-130 C9). Cutting more than that needs a routine vegetation management permit (RMC 4-4-130 F2b), and so do any tree work on an undeveloped lot (F2a) and removing a landmark tree: 24 in or more, 30 in for a bigleaf maple, black cottonwood or red alder (RMC 4-4-130 F2c, 4-11-200). Up to three certified high-risk trees a year may come down with no permit; more, or a high-risk landmark tree, need one (RMC 4-4-130 C2). No tree may come down in a critical area, a shoreline buffer or a native growth protection area except as the critical area and shoreline rules allow (RMC 4-4-130 D3, D4). A tree in the street right-of-way is a street tree, and removing or pruning one needs a City permit (RMC 9-13-5).
From Renton's own code
“Unless exempted by RMC 4-4-130 C, Allowed Tree Removal Activities, a routine vegetation management permit is required for any property where routine vegetation management activities are undertaken.”Source ↗verified 2026-08-11
Required submittals
- Routine Vegetation Management Permit application
- Tree retention/removal plan identifying significant and landmark trees by caliper
- ISA TRAQ arborist certification for any high-risk tree removal
- Replacement planting plan
Inspection sequence
- Site verification (arborist or planner)
- Final replacement compliance
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Renton?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Renton and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and arranges the tree work. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Renton 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 tree removal in Renton — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Renton's fee schedule sets them) and pick up the permit. Keep it with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services, handles reviewer comments, and arranges the tree work.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in Renton — FAQ
When does tree removal need a permit in Renton?
Removing a tree on a lot in Renton turns on its caliper, the trunk diameter 4.5 ft above the ground on the uphill side (RMC 4-11-030). A significant tree is 6 in or more, an alder or cottonwood 8 in; a tree an arborist with the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification certifies as high-risk is not one (RMC 4-11-200). With no land development permit active or applied for on the site, up to 2 significant trees may come down in a one-year period, and no more than 5 in five years, with no permit, as long as the tree is not a protected or landmark tree, is not within 10 ft of a surface parking lot of 10 or more spaces and is not one of the last two significant trees on the lot (RMC 4-4-130 C9). Cutting more than that needs a routine vegetation management permit (RMC 4-4-130 F2b), and so do any tree work on an undeveloped lot (F2a) and removing a landmark tree: 24 in or more, 30 in for a bigleaf maple, black cottonwood or red alder (RMC 4-4-130 F2c, 4-11-200). Up to three certified high-risk trees a year may come down with no permit; more, or a high-risk landmark tree, need one (RMC 4-4-130 C2). No tree may come down in a critical area, a shoreline buffer or a native growth protection area except as the critical area and shoreline rules allow (RMC 4-4-130 D3, D4). A tree in the street right-of-way is a street tree, and removing or pruning one needs a City permit (RMC 9-13-5).
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Renton?
Renton's routine vegetation management permit, outside critical areas, is $128; a critical areas permit is $1,499, and a contract biologist's review of impacts to a critical area is billed at its full cost. The City adds its 5% technology surcharge to each of these fees (Fee Schedule 2025-2026). Apply via https://permitting.rentonwa.gov.