Tree removal permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in City of Seattle, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI).
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Seattle's source.
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Seattle?
Triggered by removal of a tree that the city's own tree ordinance protects — commonly defined by a diameter at breast or standard height, a listed-species table, a grove or heritage designation, or a canopy-cover target. This baseline row carries NO verified local threshold; read the city's tree chapter before quoting a number. Some cities do not permit removal above a size at all — they prohibit removal of regulated trees outside enumerated exceptions, so a "permit required at X inches" reading is wrong there.
From City of Seattle's own code
“2. The tree protection area for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 trees shall be determined by the Director pursuant to this subsection 25.11.060.A and any rules promulgated by the Director.”Source ↗verified 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 City of Seattle?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Seattle and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Seattle 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. Emergency / dead-hazardous removal usually exempt with arborist letter.
Tree removal permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $25,000 tree removal project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $508.63 |
| Plan review | $330.61 |
| Technology surcharge | $25.43 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $871.17 |
Tree-removal permits commonly $50-$300 per tree; replacement bonds in some cities. Computed from the City of Seattle fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Seattle 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: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Tree-removal permits commonly $50-$300 per tree; replacement bonds in some cities.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull tree removal permits in City of Seattle every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Seattle?
Triggered by removal of a tree that the city's own tree ordinance protects — commonly defined by a diameter at breast or standard height, a listed-species table, a grove or heritage designation, or a canopy-cover target. This baseline row carries NO verified local threshold; read the city's tree chapter before quoting a number. Some cities do not permit removal above a size at all — they prohibit removal of regulated trees outside enumerated exceptions, so a "permit required at X inches" reading is wrong there.
How much does a tree removal permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $25,000 tree removal project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $871.17 — building fee $508.63 + plan review $330.61 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.