Customer Service Support
You can submit applications for all our permit types through the Seattle Services Portal.
For customers who need language assistance or technical coaching, visit our Permitting Customer Service Support page for more details.
Street Tree Permits
If you’re thinking about planting, pruning or removing a tree in public right-of-way, you might need a permit. This page will guide you through when a permit is required, what documents you’ll need, and how to follow Seattle’s street tree regulations. Our goal is to make it easy for you to help protect and grow Seattle’s urban forest.
When do you need a Street Tree Permit?
You’ll need a Street Tree Permit if you’re performing any of the following actions in the public right-of-way:
- Planting a tree
- Pruning a tree (a permit is required for Major Pruning—details below)
- Removing or replacing a tree
- Protecting or relocating a tree during construction
There are two types of Street Tree Permits. Which type do you need?
- For routine planting / pruning / or removing: If you would like to plant, prune, or remove a tree in public right-of-way as part of routine maintenance not associated with a development project, use the Street Trees – Plant/Prune/Remove permit. These permits are identified with a SDOTTREE prefix before the permit number.
- For development projects: If you are working on a development project and you would like to plant, prune, remove, relocate, or protect a tree in public right-of-way to meet code requirements, use the Street Trees – Approval for Development (Conceptual Approval) permit. These permits are identified with a SDOTTRLA prefix before the permit number.
Why are permits necessary?
Permits help us preserve Seattle's urban tree canopy while ensuring public safety and compliance with city regulations. Street trees are an essential part of our public infrastructure, providing cleaner air, managing rainwater, and cooling our neighborhoods. When planted and cared for properly, these trees offer lasting benefits to Seattle residents, enriching our community today and for generations to come.
What do I need to apply for a permit?
The documents you need to provide depend on the type of work you plan to carry out. The table below outlines the key requirements:
| Type of Work | Required Documents |
| Planting a tree | Site Plan or Landscape Plan |
| Major pruning (>2" diameter or >15% of canopy) - See Frequently Asked Questions below | Pruning Plan, Site Plan, Registered Tree Service Provider |
| Removing or replacing a tree | Site Plan, Reigstered Tree Service Provider |
| Protecting or relocating a tree during construction | Site Plan or Landscape Plan |
| Work on arterial streets lasting more than 2 hours daily | Construction Use Permit application, Traffic Control Plan, Pedestrian Mobility Form |
| Work on non-arterial streets lasting more than 8 hours daily | Construction Use Permit application, Pedestrian Mobility Form |
| Work in Hub or High-Impact Areas downtown | Traffic Control Plan, plus contact the hub coordinator with proposed work dates and hours (contact 3 weeks in advance) |
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need a Pruning Permit in the following situations:
- If you’re cutting branches or roots that are 2 inches or more in diameter, or
- If your pruning will remove 15% or more of the tree’s canopy.
For minor pruning—such as trimming branches or roots smaller than 2 inches in diameter or removing less than 15% of the canopy—a permit is usually not required.
For more information, see Client Assistance Memo 2302.
Not sure if you need a Pruning Permit? Contact us at Seattle.Trees@seattle.gov for assistance.
Applications can be submitted online through the Seattle Services Portal:
1. How to apply for a Street Trees – Plant/Prune/Remove permit
or
2. How to apply for a Street Trees – Approval for Development (Conceptual Approval) permit
Be sure to include all necessary documents to avoid delays.
Permit approval times vary based on the type and complexity of your project.
- For simple projects not related to development, we can typically issue a permit within a week.
- For more complex projects, allow up to three weeks for processing.
Additional Information for Your Project
If your work will impede public access, such as closing a sidewalk or crosswalk, additional documents may be required:
- Use the Project Notification Template to include all necessary details.
- For closures exceeding two weeks, refer to the Crosswalk Closure Notice Template.
- You’ll find these resources at Street Use Permitting Checklists, Forms, and Templates.
For tree removal projects, additional documents such as public notices and tree removal notices must be posted. Details are outlined in the SDOT Street Tree Manual and supporting documents like Client Assistance Memo 2307.
Questions?
We’re here to assist! Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, developer, or arborist, our team can guide you through the process. For more information or help determining your specific requirements, please contact us at Seattle.Trees@seattle.gov or review our SDOT Street Tree Manual for comprehensive guidelines.