Title
Tree Protection Measures Discussion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss tree protection measures.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss tree protection measures.
Staff Contact:
Tim Smith, Community Development Director, 360.570.3915
Presenter(s):
Tim Smith, Community Development Director
Background and Analysis:
The Land Use & Environment Committee (LUEC) recently discussed urban forestry and the City’s development of its first Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP), expected in May 2028. The UFMP will guide policies, programs, and practices that balance environmental health with sustainable growth and ensure equitable access to the benefits provided by tree canopy.
Community members have expressed concerns about ongoing tree loss from development activities while the UFMP is still in progress, particularly the removal of large, mature trees. In response, LUEC directed staff to identify actions that would strengthen tree preservation requirements, with a focus on retaining large trees on development sites.
At the September 18, 2026 LUEC meeting, staff recommended procedural changes to how the City applies its existing Tree, Soil, and Native Vegetation Protection and Replacement chapter to development proposals. The recommendations emphasize engaging applicants earlier in the site planning process and requiring higher-quality plan submittals. Staff developed seven guidelines, which are outlined in the attached Director Interpretation
Scoping meetings will be held between the applicant and the City’s Urban Forester before formal application submittal to discuss site conditions and determine priority tree stands that should be preserved for the project to meet minimum tree density.
Trees designated for preservation must be healthy, windfirm, and suitable for the site at mature size, as determined by a qualified professional forester. Certified arborists will be required to prepa...
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