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 uses its own permit center..
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Shoreline?
Triggered by removal of trees meeting the city's "significant tree" / "exceptional tree" / "tier" threshold. Common thresholds: ≥6in DBH (Bellevue tier 2+), ≥24in DBH (Seattle exceptional), or specific listed species. Single-family lots are sometimes exempt for non-exceptional trees.
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
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.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup on the main permits page — 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 uses its own permit center. ↗
- 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. Apply via https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development. Shoreline uses its own permit center.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.