Title
Tree Protection Measures Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on tree protection measures.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on 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 by May 2028. The UFMP will guide policies, programs, and practices that balance environmental health with sustainable growth and promote equitable access to the benefits of tree canopy.
Community members have expressed concerns about continued tree loss from development while the UFMP is being prepared. In response, LUEC asked staff to identify actions to strengthen tree preservation, particularly large trees on development sites.
Staff recommends procedural changes to how the City applies its existing Tree, Soil, and Native Vegetation Protection and Replacement chapter to development proposals. The changes focus on engaging applicants earlier in site planning and requiring higher-quality plan submittals. Staff has developed seven guidelines, 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 to be preserved must be healthy, windfirm, and appropriate to the site at their mature size, as identified by a qualified professional forester. Certified arborists will be required to prepare all Soil and Vegetation plans. They now must also be Tree Risk Assessment Qualified.
Climate Analysis:
The urban forest plays a role in advancing climate adaptation and resilience in urban environments. The City’s Tree, Soil, and Native Vegetation Protection and Replacement chapter prioritizes tree preservation over removal and replacement for land development projects. This benefits the community by limiting the reduction of the tree canopy which can mitigate the effects of urban heat. A robust urban forest also helps manage stormwater runoff and address other climate related challenges.
Development at urban densities is also a climate mitigation strategy. A UFMP is key to ensuring Olympia’s growth occurs sustainably, balancing the critical need for housing and public infrastructure with a strategically and equitably managed tree canopy that promotes both public and environmental health.
Equity Analysis:
Historic inequities in urban and environmental planning have left many marginalized communities with significantly less access to trees and green spaces. These disparities contribute to higher temperatures, poor air quality, increased stormwater runoff, and fewer opportunities for recreation and mental health benefits. In the short term, prioritizing tree preservation over removal and replacement for land development projects will slow the decline of the City’s urban tree canopy. Longer term, the UFMP will prioritize equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, along with meaningful community involvement in developing goals and strategies. This approach supports reducing health disparities and improving climate resilience.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public input received during permit and plan review, and long-range planning projects over the last several years reveals a strong interest in trees and the natural environment. Community engagement associated with the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan, the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, and others resulted in many comments encouraging the City to review and strengthen its tree protection related to the urban forest. Similarly, community members strongly urge the City to reduce barriers to developing affordable housing, therefore a balance between these complex needs must be met.
Financial Impact:
Staff time to conduct permit and plan review is incorporated into the Department’s annual budget.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on Tree Protection Measures.
2. Do not receive a briefing on Tree Protection Measures.
3. Receive a briefing at another time.
Attachments:
Director Interpretation - Chapter 16.60 OMC