Tree Management
When are permits required to remove a tree?
A Tree Removal Permit is required to remove significant trees within the City. See below for guidance about what makes a tree significant.
| Trees damaged by recent winter storms may qualify for removal as an Imminent Threat. Such trees are already fallen or are threatening life or property, and may be removed immediately. There must be photographic or video proof that the tree was an imminent threat, provided with a subsequent Tree Removal Permit application. |
A Type B Right-of-Way (ROW) permit is required to remove and replace a tree that is located within the street ROW.
Tree Removal Permit Applications
A Tree Removal or a Type B ROW Permit Application Form must be submitted online at www.mybuildingpermit.com.
On sites where development is proposed or anticipated, removal of any trees shall not take place until a permit for construction has been issued. Please see SMC 21.03.070.I.2.b for details.
| TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION for removal of significant trees |
TYPE B ROW APPLICATION for trees in the street ROW |
Sample site plans for tree removal
- Example Site Plan - Healthy Tree Removal
- Example Site Plan - Unhealthy Tree Removal
- Example Site Plan - Street Tree (Sidewalk against Curb)
- Example Site Plan - Street Tree (Sidewalk and Planting Strip)
- Example Site Plan - Street Tree (No Sidewalk)
What to expect after you submit an application
- Your application will be screened for acceptance within two business days.
- If accepted, the application will be reviewed within five business days.
- If not accepted, you will receive an email explaining why it was not accepted.
- Once the review is completed, the permit or approval letter will be uploaded to www.mybuildingpermit.com.
Allowable Tree Removal
Sammamish Municipal Code 21.03.060 provides the following removal standards for significant trees.
|
Lot Size |
Percent Over |
Annual Number* |
Cumulative Number Over |
|
Less than 1/4 acre |
50% |
2 |
6 |
|
1/4 - 1/2 acre |
40% |
4 |
12 |
|
1/2 - 1 acre |
30% |
6 |
18 |
|
1-2 acres |
20% |
8 |
24 |
|
More than 2 acres |
10% |
10 |
30 |
|
* The number of significant trees allowed for removal is limited to whichever of these columns is lowest |
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What is a significant tree?
Significant trees require a tree removal permit to remove:
- a Significant Deciduous Tree is 12" diameter (DBH) or larger
- a Significant Coniferous Tree is 8" diameter (DBH) or larger
Please refer to our tree calculation guide for assistance determining diameter (DBH).