City of Shoreline
Home Search MenuTree Removal
A tree removal permit is required for removing a significant tree (6 inches or more in diameter at breast height) on private property when the work is not part of a building permit or site development permit and is not in the public right‑of‑way. Tree removals can also be reviewed and approved through building permits or site development permits when they are part of a larger project.
This permit is used only when the proposed work:
- Involves fewer than six trees;
- Is not exempt under Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) 20.50.310(A) or (B);
- Is outside critical areas and their buffers; and
- Does not include clearing or grading.
If your project is within a critical area, involves clearing or grading, or removes more than six trees, please apply for a Clearing and Grading Permit instead. Please review our handout for Tree Regulations on Private Property to learn more.
How to Apply
Apply for this permit online at the City of Shoreline's eTRAKiT permitting portal. Once you are logged into your account, select Apply/New Permit from the left-hand sidebar and select the following permit type from the drop-down menu: Tree Removal Online.
Required Documents
- Permit Application and Critical Areas Worksheet
- Submittal Fee
- Please reference the City’s fee schedule for current application fees.
- NOTE: There is a per tree fee for removing significant trees 24” DBH and greater.
- Site Plan
- Site plans for tree removal permits do not need to meet all requirements, but must show property lines, existing and proposed buildings, the locations of all trees on site, proposed replacement tree locations, easements, access roads, and hardscaping (driveways, paths, patios, etc.)
- Existing trees should be labeled “1, 2, 3...” or “A, B, C...” and match the trees listed in your Tree Worksheet (see below).
- Tree Worksheet
Additional Documents (Possibly Required)
- Arborist Report
- Needed when development is proposed within five (5) feet of a tree’s critical root zone, when providing a hazardous tree assessment, or when special tree protection or replacement measures will be needed.
- Must be prepared by an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist.
- Critical Areas Report(s)
- Required for projects in or near environmentally critical areas, such as steep slopes, streams and wetlands.
- Removal of non-imminent hazard trees is allowed when meeting the requirements of SMC 20.80.075(G), as determined by an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) arborist.
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Form
- Needed if proposing tree removals that you believe should be exempt from retention and replacement requirements because they are dead or an imminent hazard, as determined by an ISA certified arborist.