Building Connections Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections

Building Connections

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections news and events

New Tree Protection Code

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The City of Seattle is committed to protecting our urban tree canopy. Canopy cover is one important measure of the health of the urban forest. Urban trees provide numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, neighborhood livability, and improved public health outcomes.

The Seattle City Council recently passed Council Bill 120534 establishing new tree protection requirements on private property in Seattle. The new regulations went into effect on July 30, 2023. It is important for property owners, tenants, developers, and tree service providers to understand the new regulations to know when a tree is protected and when a tree may be removed. We are currently developing public information to help explain the new regulations. Please watch for updates on our Trees & Codes website, including links to any new or revised Tips and Director’s Rules.

Seattle Tree Service Providers Must Register and Provide Public Notice Prior to Tree Work

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The City Council passed Council Bill 120207 requiring 1) tree service providers to register with the City of Seattle before conducting commercial tree work and consultations on private property and 2) property owners to post a public notice on-site before any tree work beyond routine maintenance. The tree service provider registry will be accessible to the public so that owners, residents, and neighbors can be assured a registered company knowledgeable with tree regulations and best practices is completing work in their neighborhood. 

Tree Protections Update

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SDCI, in consultation with the Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE), has prepared draft tree protection updates to amend Title 23 (Land Use Code) and Title 25 (Tree Protection Code). We are also proposing two draft Director’s Rules. These updates respond to direction from the City Council to explore the strategies from Resolution 31902 adopted September 16, 2019 to increase tree protection to be consistent with the goals and policies of the 2015-2035 Comprehensive Plan and the 2020 Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). 

Tree Protection Update

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Have you had a subcontractor move tree protection fencing and accidentally damage a tree?  Did it cost you time and money in the form of delays, extra inspections, project revisions or fines? Good news: the required fencing will help keep tree protection in place so that you avoid damage to trees during construction. 

New Tree Protection Notice Sign Requirement

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Seattle DCI will require that tree protection notice signs be posted for all trees requiring protection on construction sites. This requirement will be effective on January 1, 2017.

The Tree Protection Area sign is a part of Seattle DCI’s continuing effort to ensure that contractors and construction workers understand and comply with our requirements for tree protection as part of the approved building permit. The tree protection area is typically defined by the drip line or extent of tree canopy.