Tree removal permits in Sammamish: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in Sammamish, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Sammamish Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Sammamish's source.
When does tree removal need a permit in Sammamish?
Removing a tree on a lot in Sammamish needs a permit when it is a conifer of 8 in or more, or a deciduous tree of 12 in or more, in diameter 54 in above the ground. A healthy, noninvasive one is a significant tree, which needs a tree removal permit on a lot zoned R-1 through R-18, O, NB or CB (SDC 21.03.060.F, 21.04.040); a dead, diseased or invasive one of that size needs a clearing and grading permit, since the clearing code exempts only smaller trees (SMC 16.15.050(8)). A smaller tree needs none, except on an undeveloped lot or in a critical area or its buffer, where any clearing needs the clearing and grading permit (SMC 16.15.050). The tree removal permit allows a limited number of significant trees a year by lot size, with replacement trees (SDC 21.03.060.F, J). Emergency removal of a tree posing an imminent danger needs no approval first but is documented to the City within 21 days, and a tree in the public right-of-way needs a right-of-way construction permit instead (SDC 21.03.060.E, 21.08.060.E).
From Sammamish's own code
“1. R-1, R-4 and R-6 Zoned Lots. A lot as defined in SMC 21.04.040.B zoned R-1, R-4 or R-6 as of the effective date of this chapter must obtain a tree removal permit prior to removing any significant tree located on the lot.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-26
What Sammamish says in its own permit handout
From Tree Removal Permitting Guide, published by Sammamish. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“Did you know? Pruning does not require a permit when:
- Less than 30% of the tree's branches are removed over the life of the tree.”
Handout ↗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 contractor
Who can do this work in Sammamish?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Sammamish and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Sammamish Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and arranges the tree work. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Sammamish 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 Sammamish — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 3 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Sammamish Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Sammamish'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 Sammamish Community Development, handles reviewer comments, and arranges the tree work.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in Sammamish — FAQ
When does tree removal need a permit in Sammamish?
Removing a tree on a lot in Sammamish needs a permit when it is a conifer of 8 in or more, or a deciduous tree of 12 in or more, in diameter 54 in above the ground. A healthy, noninvasive one is a significant tree, which needs a tree removal permit on a lot zoned R-1 through R-18, O, NB or CB (SDC 21.03.060.F, 21.04.040); a dead, diseased or invasive one of that size needs a clearing and grading permit, since the clearing code exempts only smaller trees (SMC 16.15.050(8)). A smaller tree needs none, except on an undeveloped lot or in a critical area or its buffer, where any clearing needs the clearing and grading permit (SMC 16.15.050). The tree removal permit allows a limited number of significant trees a year by lot size, with replacement trees (SDC 21.03.060.F, J). Emergency removal of a tree posing an imminent danger needs no approval first but is documented to the City within 21 days, and a tree in the public right-of-way needs a right-of-way construction permit instead (SDC 21.03.060.E, 21.08.060.E).
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Sammamish?
Sammamish's tree removal permit is a $132 flat fee, plus the City's 15% technology fee. Where the City requires an arborist's review, it takes a $1,200 deposit against its actual cost. Removing or damaging a tree unlawfully carries a $1,500 penalty for each inch of trunk diameter (2026 Fee Schedule). Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com.