Tree removal permits in Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in Tacoma, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Tacoma Planning & Development Services.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Tacoma's source.
When does tree removal need a permit in Tacoma?
Removing a tree in Tacoma is clearing, and clearing needs a site development permit unless TMC 2.19.030 F exempts it (2.19.030 B.1, 2.19.020). On a lot that already has a building on it, clearing less than 7,000 sq ft for property maintenance, landscaping or gardening needs no permit (2.19.030 F.2 c), and neither does removing a hazardous tree on private property with no more than 50 cubic yards of grading on no more than 7,000 sq ft (F.12). A lot with no building on it is not developed land, so clearing there needs the permit. Neither exemption applies in a critical area governed by TMC 13.11, frequently flooded areas included (2.19.030 F, 2.19.020). An Oregon white oak (Garry oak) 6 in or more across at breast height is itself a critical area (13.11.510), so removing one needs the permit. Removing that oak, or clearing any tree in or next to a critical area or its buffer, needs the City's critical areas site review or permit as well (13.11.140). The aquifer recharge area, which covers most of the City, does not count here: its rules reach only the land uses listed in its High Impact Use Table (13.11.815 A). Pruning is normal property maintenance, not clearing (2.19.020). Taking out the roots or stump so the soil is exposed is grubbing, which counts as grading (2.19.020). A tree whose trunk stands at least partly in the public right-of-way is a street tree: planting, removing or pruning one needs a street tree permit (9.20.210 to 9.20.230), except pruning by the owner beside it of a street tree under 15 ft tall, and pruning a fruit tree (9.20.240 A).
From Tacoma's own code
“Except as specified below, no person shall grade clear, pave, level, alter, construct, repair, remove or excavate, soils, pavement, walkways, vaults, private side sewers, private storm drainage facilities, or other site improvements in the City of Tacoma without first having obtained a Site Development Permit.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-27
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 Tacoma?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Tacoma and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the tree removal permit with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and arranges the tree work. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Tacoma 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 Tacoma — 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: Tacoma Planning & Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Tacoma'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 Tacoma Planning & Development Services, handles reviewer comments, and arranges the tree work.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Tree removal permits in Tacoma — FAQ
When does tree removal need a permit in Tacoma?
Removing a tree in Tacoma is clearing, and clearing needs a site development permit unless TMC 2.19.030 F exempts it (2.19.030 B.1, 2.19.020). On a lot that already has a building on it, clearing less than 7,000 sq ft for property maintenance, landscaping or gardening needs no permit (2.19.030 F.2 c), and neither does removing a hazardous tree on private property with no more than 50 cubic yards of grading on no more than 7,000 sq ft (F.12). A lot with no building on it is not developed land, so clearing there needs the permit. Neither exemption applies in a critical area governed by TMC 13.11, frequently flooded areas included (2.19.030 F, 2.19.020). An Oregon white oak (Garry oak) 6 in or more across at breast height is itself a critical area (13.11.510), so removing one needs the permit. Removing that oak, or clearing any tree in or next to a critical area or its buffer, needs the City's critical areas site review or permit as well (13.11.140). The aquifer recharge area, which covers most of the City, does not count here: its rules reach only the land uses listed in its High Impact Use Table (13.11.815 A). Pruning is normal property maintenance, not clearing (2.19.020). Taking out the roots or stump so the soil is exposed is grubbing, which counts as grading (2.19.020). A tree whose trunk stands at least partly in the public right-of-way is a street tree: planting, removing or pruning one needs a street tree permit (9.20.210 to 9.20.230), except pruning by the owner beside it of a street tree under 15 ft tall, and pruning a fruit tree (9.20.240 A).
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Tacoma?
Clearing that needs a site development permit in Tacoma is priced on Table 6-2: $490 for the smallest, under 7,000 sq ft disturbed and under 50 cubic yards of grading. A street tree is a right-of-way permit: pruning, planting and removing a non-conflict tree are $0, and removing a conflict tree $570 plus a canopy loss fee of $130 for each caliper inch (Table 6-1). Table 1 adds the technology (5%), emergency preparedness (5%) and reserve fund (2%) surcharges, and the natural resources program (5%) on site development and right-of-way permits.