1. Single-Family and Duplex Residential. On properties which house a single-family or duplex residential use, no person shall allow or cause the removal of a tree that has a minimum diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) of 20 inches or more if the tree has a single trunk, or which has at least one trunk with a minimum d.b.h. of 20 inches if the tree has two or more trunks without first obtaining a TRP, unless otherwise exempted herein.

2. Multifamily Residential, Commercial, or Industrial. On properties which are currently utilized for multifamily residential, commercial, or industrial uses, no person shall allow or cause the removal of a protected native tree (minimum 10 inches d.b.h.), or any other tree which has a minimum d.b.h. of 20 inches or more if the tree has a single trunk, or which has at least one trunk with a minimum d.b.h. of 20 inches if the tree has two or more trunks without first obtaining a TRP, unless otherwise exempted herein.

1. To remove a tree that, based on an analysis by the City Arborist, Planning staff, or Building Official, is dead or extremely diseased, or is in a hazardous condition which presents an immediate danger to public safety or property.

2. To prune less than one-third of the tree crown. (For pruning guidelines refer to “Pruning Standards ISA” available at City Hall.)

3. To remove tree as part of management practices in orchards, Christmas tree farms, or nurseries.

4. To remove an escaped exotic, as defined in SMC 8.12.040.

5. Public or private utility companies are not required to obtain a TRP to remove a tree which currently affects, or can be reasonably expected to affect, utilities within the foreseeable future.

6. To remove any tree from City property, where the City Arborist determines that the removal is consistent with one or more of the findings listed in subsection D of this section.

1. The size, species, and condition (e.g., diseased, healthy, etc.) of each tree proposed for removal. Size information shall include tree height and trunk d.b.h.

2. The reason for the proposed removal.

3. The size, species, location, and maintenance program of all trees proposed as replacement trees (see subsection E of this section).

4. The name and address of the owner(s) of the property upon which the tree(s) intended for removal is located. (Note: such person(s) permission shall be required before the Planning Department may process a TRP application.)

1. The tree is diseased or structurally unsound and, as a result, is likely to become a significant hazard to life or property within the next two years.

2. The tree poses a likely foreseeable threat to life or property which cannot be reasonably mitigated through pruning, root barriers, or other management methods.

3. The property owner can demonstrate that there are unreasonably onerous recurring maintenance issues, which are deemed necessary for safety or protection of property. The property owner is responsible for providing documentation to support such a claim.

4. A situation exists or is proposed in which structures or improvements, including, but not limited to, building additions, second units, swimming pools, and solar energy systems, such as solar panels, cannot be reasonably designed or altered to avoid the need for tree removal.

5. The tree has matured to such an extent that it is determined to be out of scale with adjacent structures and utilities, or with other landscape features.

1. A fee of $75.00 per required replacement tree shall be paid per required tree removed at the time of submittal of the tree removal application or a minimum of two 15-gallon trees chosen from the list included in subsection (E)(2) of this section shall be planted and the fee refunded. The final number of replacement trees, and the tree species, shall be determined by the Tree Board or the City Arborist, as applicable. In any case, the mitigation (number and size of replacement trees) must be related to the significance (size, age, etc.) of the trees that are proposed for removal.

2. Replacement trees shall be selected from the following list of approved replacement trees based on the recommendation of the Planning staff or City Arborist, and with the approval of the Tree Board, or City Arborist, as applicable. If the applicant would like to install replacement trees which are not included in this list, such a request may be considered by the Tree Board, or City Arborist, as applicable.

3. Replacement trees which are to be located within 20 feet of utility lines shall be of a species which has a maximum height at maturity of less than 20 feet.

4. The applicant may satisfy the condition for tree replacement by completing one of the following measures: