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Tree Regulations

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The City of Redmond adopted the current tree protection regulations (Ordinance 1998) in 1998. The regulations contain tree retention standards for new developments, as well as tree removal permit requirements on developed lots. These regulations have not had a comprehensive review since they were adopted over twenty years ago. It is time to check back with the community to determine if these regulations need modifications and are achieving their goals in the context of urban growth.

To gain input and feedback from the community, a questionnaire was available July/August 2020, City staff set up two virtual office hours events for people to ask questions and share ideas on August 19, 2020, and the Parks and Trails commission reviewed the project and provided input on September 3, 2020. All of the community input will help inform Redmond City Council's decision-making regarding tree regulations. Visit the document library on this project page to review a summary of the questionnaire results.

UPDATE as of Dec. 8, 2022: The Tree Regulations Update is currently on hold until Council resumes their review in Q2 2023.


The City of Redmond adopted the current tree protection regulations (Ordinance 1998) in 1998. The regulations contain tree retention standards for new developments, as well as tree removal permit requirements on developed lots. These regulations have not had a comprehensive review since they were adopted over twenty years ago. It is time to check back with the community to determine if these regulations need modifications and are achieving their goals in the context of urban growth.

To gain input and feedback from the community, a questionnaire was available July/August 2020, City staff set up two virtual office hours events for people to ask questions and share ideas on August 19, 2020, and the Parks and Trails commission reviewed the project and provided input on September 3, 2020. All of the community input will help inform Redmond City Council's decision-making regarding tree regulations. Visit the document library on this project page to review a summary of the questionnaire results.

UPDATE as of Dec. 8, 2022: The Tree Regulations Update is currently on hold until Council resumes their review in Q2 2023.


  • About Redmond's Tree Regulations

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    Redmond regulates removal of significant trees and landmark trees. A significant tree is defined as any healthy tree six inches in diameter at breast height (d.b.h.), or any tree four inches in diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) that, after considering its age, height, value, or function, the tree or tree stand is determined to be significant. Important factors to note are that significant trees can be any species of tree meeting the size requirement, and they must be healthy. Landmark trees hold special status. A landmark tree is any healthy tree over thirty inches in diameter.

    A key element of updating the regulations is to first understand the framework we work within. Under the Growth Management Act, Redmond is designated within an Urban Growth Boundary, which essentially means we will continue to absorb population growth as it occurs. The Urban Growth Boundary is a mechanism to curtail urban sprawl. In Redmond, our eastern border is generally the urban growth boundary, curtailing urban development out towards the Snoqualmie Valley.

    In 1998, Redmond had a population of 44,383. According to King County’s 1998 Growth Report, there were 18,705 housing units (8,635 single-family homes and 10,068 multifamily units) and 52,812 jobs in Redmond. That is a stark difference to current statistics. In 2019, Redmond’s population grew to 65,860 people. There were 13,316 single-family residences, 19,343 multi-family units, and 97,863 jobs.

    Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan identifies growth in its two urban centers (Downtown and Overlake) in support of light rail. There will undoubtedly be some infill development in established neighborhoods as well, and it is acknowledged that maintaining neighborhood character is important.

  • Goal and Objectives of this Project

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    Project Goal:

    The overall goal is to adopt updated Tree Protection regulations that provide clarity, are reflective of community values, and align with the City’s Community Strategic Plan.


    Project Objectives:

    Objective 1: Ensure robust internal and external stakeholder involvement so the regulations align with the community vision.

    Objective 2: Identify gaps in the regulations to clearly identify how tree protection regulations are implemented.

    Objective 3: Establish a clear mechanism for annual reporting.

    Objective 4: Provide framework for current and future tree protection to ensure the regulations identify mechanisms by which actions work together, such as support the Tree Canopy Plan.

    Objective 5: Ensure the tree regulations are in alignment with adopted Comprehensive Plan policies and growth targets.

Page last updated: 08 Dec 2022, 03:30 PM