City of Lake Forest Park News Release

New Tree Protection and Replacement Regulations

Tree Ordinance

The City Council passed an interim tree regulation update that changes the requirements for citizens and businesses that wish to remove trees on their property. This interim tree ordinance sunsets in July 2009, by which time, the Council hopes to adopt a permanent update to the tree regulations. The permanent ordinance that the City Council is working on will focus on maintaining and enhancing the city’s tree canopy. The following is a summary of the major changes in the interim update of the regulations:

The removal of trees solely for the purposes of thinning a heavily wooded lot will be limited to five significant trees in a twelve month period.
The Level I permit (for removal one or two trees in a twelve month period) must be posted on site for two days prior to any work starting (Level II permit will still have to be posted for two weeks prior to tree removal commencing).
Level I permits will require a one-to-one replacement, so all applicants must submit a replacement plan or pay a fee in lieu of replacement.
Level II permit applications (for removal of 3 or more trees in a twelve month period) will require more information in the tree plan including a site map depicting locations of significant trees and a tree inventory prepared by a qualified tree professional.
Level II permits will also require a one-to-one replacement for all removed trees up to 28 inches in diameter. Removal of Landmark trees (28 inches or greater diameter) will require a replacement ratio of two–to–one.
A fee equivalent to triple the fee associated with a Level II Tree Permit ($100) will be charged to any person who conducts unpermitted tree removal activity requiring a Level I or Level II Tree Permit.

If you are planning to remove a tree or trees from your property, please call the Planning and Building Department at 206-368-5440. The new information bulletin will be online in January 2009.