Tree removal permits in City of Shoreline: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in City of Shoreline, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Shoreline Planning & Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Shoreline's source.
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Shoreline?
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 Shoreline's own code
“The following protection guidelines shall be imposed for all trees to be retained on site or on adjoining property, to the extent off-site trees are subject to the tree protection provisions of this chapter, during the construction process: A. All required tree protection measures shall be shown on the tree protection and replacement plan, clearing and grading plan, or other plan submitted to meet the requirements of this subchapter. Tree protection shall remain in place for the duration of the permit unless earlier removal is addressed through construction sequencing on approved plans. B.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-17
What City of Shoreline says in its own permit handout
From Tree Regulation for Private Property (dated 6/2026), published by City of Shoreline. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“Trees less than 6" DBH may be removed without a permit unless they are in an environmentally critical area or its buffer, or if the tree removal is associated with other clearing activities which exceed an area of 1,500 square feet. … If a tree of any size is in or near an area such as a stream, wetland, or steep slope, then the tree may be in a critical area or its protective buffer (distance from the area intended to remain undisturbed). Review by the City is required to determine whether these trees may be removed through a permit.”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
Who can do this work in City of Shoreline?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Shoreline and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Shoreline Planning & Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Shoreline tree removal quote.
Notes & caveats
Tree Worksheet required for projects under the Residential Additions checklist. Arborist Report required when work is proposed within the critical root zone of any tree to remain on site — must be ISA-certified arborist. Specific tree protection measures recommended by the arborist must be shown and described on plans. Tree Code update is in long-range planning; current rules per SMC 20.50.290–.370.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Shoreline 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: Shoreline Planning & Community 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 city's fee schedule; some cities require replacement bonds. Apply electronically via eTRAKiT (https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development/permit-center-remote-services/register-for-a-professional-etrakit-account).) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull tree removal permits in City of Shoreline every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Shoreline Planning & Community Development, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in City of Shoreline — FAQ
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Shoreline?
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 Shoreline?
Current fee per the City of Shoreline fee schedule: Tree-removal permit fees are set per permit or per tree in the city's fee schedule; some cities require replacement bonds. Apply electronically via eTRAKiT (https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development/permit-center-remote-services/register-for-a-professional-etrakit-account).. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.