Tree Code Update

Font Size: + -

What is the Tree Code?

We are updating the City’s Tree Code! The Tree Code holds the rules for trees on private property. These rules include many requirements, such as the following:

Maintenance and removal of existing trees.
Protection and retention requirements during redevelopment.
Replacements standards for removed trees.
Enforcement and penalties for noncompliance.

The Tree Code Update will include reviewing and updating the tree code rules to follow urban forestry best practices and strengthen the City’s commitment to meeting its tree canopy goals.

Community Advisory Group

We are pleased to announce the formation of the Tree Code Update Community Advisory Group (CAG). The City Manager selected 12 members of the community who bring a mixture of experiences in municipal tree code, including property development, applying for tree permits, background in forestry, community tree advocacy, and residents with little experience in tree code.

The Advisory Group will meet seven times starting in October 2025 through mid-2026. The meetings will be held in person at Shoreline City Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend and listen to the discussions, but there will be no opportunity for public comment or participation. Meeting and discussion materials will be available on the Tree Code Update Engage Page after each meeting.

The following CAG meetings have been scheduled.

Meeting 1 – October 21, 2025
Meeting 2 – December 9, 2025
Meeting 3 – February 24, 2026
Meeting 4 – March 24, 2026
Meeting 5 – April 28, 2026

Meetings 6 and 7 will be scheduled in June and July of 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Tree Code being updated?

The existing Tree Code has never been holistically updated. The existing rules are primarily based on requirements from King County prior to the City’s incorporation. Small updates in response to community-initiated suggestions have occurred over the last few years. This incremental approach has created some inconsistent requirements within the code. An update is needed to holistically review and develop regulations that align with the communities desired outcomes for tree preservation and canopy.

Didn’t the Tree Code just get updated?

In early 2025 the City Council adopted several significant changes to the City’s Development Code as part of the update to the Comprehensive Plan. Some of those changes impact trees and are substantial changes from past practices. Those changes include the following:

Simplified requirements for replacement trees.
Increased the percentage of significant trees outside of critical areas that need to be kept (retention) from 25% to 35%. A significant tree is a tree that is greater than 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH).
Imposed a fee per tree for removing any tree that is 24 inches DBH or greater. The fee starts at $3,325 for a 24 inch DBH tree and increases $100 an inch for larger trees.
Expanded penalties for removing trees without a permit to all residential zones. Fines are $9,000 for all significant trees and $15,000 for any significant tree that is greater than 24 inches DBH.

These changes will be evaluated along with the rest of the existing code during the Tree Code Update. If you have any questions about these rules, please contact us.

When will the new code be adopted?

How do I get involved?

Useful Links

Review the existing tree code rules using the Handout on Shoreline Existing Tree Regulations for Private Property (PDF).
Learn more about other City of Shoreline tree programs on the city’s Tree website.
King County has published a best practices Guide to Developing Effective Urban Tree Regulations on Private Property (PDF).