What if I need to remove trees to make way for a home expansion or other development project?
Tree removal regulations in general are not applicable to active development projects. Once an applicable permit application is received for a proposed development project – including proposals for single family home development or expansion – necessary tree removal is reviewed as part of the permit application by the City’s planning department. At this point tree removal requirements do not apply, but the City’s tree retention requirements must be met as part of the development proposal. In general, City of Issaquah tree retention regulations for new developments require that 30% of the total combined DBH for all significant trees located within a project’s developable site area be retained for single family, duplex, short plats, or subdivision developments, and 25% be retained for all other development types. A planner will personally assist you in meeting and understanding tree retention requirements once a development proposal application is filed with the City.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
2. Is there a tree removal fee?
3. Can any tree be removed from my property?
4. How do I know if a tree is located within a critical area, buffer or NGPE or if the tree is otherwise protected?
5. Are all trees regulated and exactly what defines a “tree?”
6. What about hazard trees?
7. Can hazard trees be removed from critical areas?
8. What about emergency situations?
9. Do hazard trees count toward my one and five year tree allowances?
10. How is tree removal on non-single family properties handled?
11. What if I need to remove trees to make way for a home expansion or other development project?
12. What if I want a tree removed from a City ROW or public property?
13. What if I want a tree removed from my neighbor’s property?
14. Are there other regulations pertaining to trees aside from tree removal restrictions?
15. What should I do if I think trees are being removed illegally?
16. What are the penalties for illegally removing trees?
17. What if a tree in or near a power line needs to be trimmed?
18. Do I need a permit to prune a tree?